Topical Encyclopedia Divorce in the BibleDivorce is a topic addressed in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting its significance in biblical teachings and its impact on family and community life. The concept of divorce is first introduced in the Mosaic Law. In Deuteronomy 24:1-4, the law permits a man to write a certificate of divorce if he finds something indecent about his wife. This provision was intended to regulate the practice of divorce and protect the rights of the woman, ensuring she could remarry. The prophet Malachi speaks strongly against divorce, emphasizing God's disapproval: "For I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel (Malachi 2:16). This passage underscores the seriousness with which God views the marital covenant and His desire for faithfulness within marriage. Jesus' Teachings on Divorce In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce in the Gospels. In Matthew 5:31-32, Jesus states, "It has also been said, 'Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her; and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery" . Here, Jesus emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and restricts the grounds for divorce to sexual immorality, thereby elevating the standard for marital commitment. In Matthew 19:3-9, the Pharisees question Jesus about the lawfulness of divorce. Jesus responds by pointing back to the creation narrative, affirming that marriage is a divine institution: "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate" (Matthew 19:6). He reiterates that divorce was permitted due to the hardness of human hearts but was not part of God's original design. Paul's Instructions on Divorce and Remarriage The Apostle Paul also addresses divorce and remarriage in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, Paul advises married couples: "To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife" . Paul emphasizes reconciliation and the permanence of marriage, reflecting Jesus' teachings. In cases where a believer is married to an unbeliever, Paul provides guidance in 1 Corinthians 7:12-15. He advises that if the unbelieving spouse consents to live with the believer, they should not divorce. However, if the unbeliever departs, the believer is not bound in such circumstances, suggesting a level of freedom to remarry. Remarriage After Divorce The topic of remarriage after divorce is closely linked to the biblical teachings on divorce. Jesus' words in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9 indicate that remarriage after divorce, except in cases of sexual immorality, constitutes adultery. This teaching highlights the gravity of the marriage covenant and the importance of fidelity. Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 7 suggest that remarriage is permissible if a spouse has died, as the marriage bond is dissolved by death. In Romans 7:2-3, Paul writes, "For a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage" . This passage affirms the freedom to remarry after the death of a spouse. Conclusion The biblical teachings on divorce and remarriage emphasize the sanctity and permanence of marriage as a covenant before God. While allowances for divorce are made in certain circumstances, the overarching message is one of commitment, reconciliation, and the pursuit of holiness within the marital relationship. Topical Bible Verses Matthew 19:9And I say to you, Whoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery: and whoever marries her which is put away does commit adultery. Topicalbible.org Luke 16:18 Matthew 5:32 Matthew 5:31-32 Matthew 5:31 Malachi 2:16 1 Corinthians 7:15 Mark 10:2-9 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 Resources Is remarriage after divorce always adultery? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say that abandonment is a valid reason for divorce and remarriage? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about remarriage if a divorce occurred before salvation? | GotQuestions.org Divorce: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Divorce of Captives, Regulated by Law Divorce of Servants, Regulated by Law Divorce: Disobedience of the Wife to the Husband, a Sufficient Cause For, in the Persian Empire Divorce: Forbidden by Christ Except for Adultery Divorce: Forced on Those Who had Idolatrous Wives Divorce: General Scriptures Concerning Divorce: Illustrative of God's Casting off of the Jewish Church Divorce: Jews Condemned for Love of Divorce: Law of Marriage Against Divorce: Not Allowed to Those Who Falsely Accused Their Wives Divorce: Often Sought by the Jews Divorce: Permitted by the Mosaic Law Divorce: Permitted: On Account of Hardness of Heart Divorce: Priests not to Marry Women After Divorce: Prohibition of, offended the Jews Divorce: Sought on Slight Grounds Divorce: Women: Could Marry After Divorce: Women: Married After, Could not Return to First Husband Divorce: Women: Responsible for Vows After Related Terms Transgressions (64 Occurrences) |
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