What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
Key Scriptures and spiritual guidance on divorce
The Bible addresses divorce in several passages, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and the importance of commitment. In the book of Matthew, Jesus teaches that divorce should only be considered in cases of marital unfaithfulness. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, advises believers who are married to stay together and not seek divorce. While divorce is seen as a painful and difficult process, the Bible also offers guidance and hope for those who have experienced it, encouraging forgiveness, healing, and restoration.
Bible Verses About Divorce
Matthew 5:32KJV
“But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.”
Matthew 19:6KJV
“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
1 Corinthians 7:10–11KJV
“And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.”
Malachi 2:16KJV
“For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.”
Mark 10:9KJV
“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Romans 7:2–3KJV
“For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.”
Ephesians 4:32KJV
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”