30 Bible Verses About Divorce

There are couple of Bible verses about Divorce. God has prohibited people to divorce their spouse, it’s unethical. Through his righteous servants God sent these commandments to the people.

Message of Loyalty in Divorce And Marriage

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Malachi 2:16

Verse

“The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.

Explanation

In this verse, God gives the message of faithfulness and says that the wife and husband should be faithful to each other in their married life. And do not divorce because God does not like divorce. God wants husband and wife to live in love.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Deuteronomy 24:1-4

Verse

If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, and if after she leaves his house she becomes the wife of another man, and her second husband dislikes her and writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, or if he dies, then her first husband, who divorced her, is not allowed to marry her again after she has been defiled. That would be detestable in the eyes of the Lord. Do not bring sin upon the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.

Explanation

It is mentioned in this verse that if a man marries a woman but he is not happy with his wife and he divorces his wife and throws her out of the house. Similarly, now that woman has become forbidden for this man. Now that woman marries somewhere else and the man divorces her from there too. Even then she cannot go to her first husband. In this verse, the limits of divorce and marriage are explained.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 5:18

Verse

May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.

Explanation

In this verse, Solomon talks about marriage and says that when a young man gets married, he should find peace in his wife and builds a relationship of love, act faithfully in his marriage and do not talk about divorce.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Ecclesiastes 9:9

Verse

Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.

Explanation

In this verse, Solomon said that the relationship between husband and wife is very beautiful and they should find peace in it and be happy with each other. Because it is a very precious relationship from God and from this relationship we get the best moments of peace and happiness in the world.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Genesis 2:24

Verse

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Explanation

This verse was revealed about Adam and Eve and it is said in this verse that husband and wife are each other’s clothes. People leave their parents to form a husband and wife relationship. A new family is created by the relationship of husband and wife. This relationship is very precious. Therefore, this relationship should be maintained with love and loyalty. Divorce is the way to break this relationship and God hates divorce.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Matthew 19:6

Verse

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.

Explanation

In this verse, Jesus says that God has joined the relationship of husband and wife, so it should not be separated in case of divorce. In this verse, it is mentioned that when the husband and wife get married, they are like two people but the body is one. There is so much power in marriage that it unites two people. Therefore, God commands to protect this relationship from breaking.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Ephesians 5:25

Verse

Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

Explanation

In this verse, Paul advises people and says that marriage is a very beautiful relationship. And after marriage, the husband and wife should maintain their love for each other. In particular, Paul is advising husbands to love their wives as Jesus loved the church. Jesus made many sacrifices for the church and took many steps for its survival. That is why Paul said to love your wives as Jesus loved the church.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Matthew 5:32

Verse

But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Explanation

In this verse, Jesus gives a message to the people and says that do not divorce your wives, but if your wives are adulterers, you can divorce them. But if she is innocent and you divorce her after the marriage, then you have committed adultery on her, and if a woman marries another man after the divorce, she has also committed adultery.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Mark 10:11-12

Verse

He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”

Explanation

It is stated in this verse that if a person divorces his wife without reason, he has committed adultery, and if he divorces his wife and marries another girl, then he has committed adultery. If a woman divorces her husband without reason and marries another man, she also commits adultery.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

1 Corinthians 7:10-11

Verse

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.

Explanation

In this verse, the apostle Paul says that a man should not divorce his wife. Similarly, a woman should not divorce a man. If a woman divorces a man, she must not remarry. These are the boundaries of divorce, don’t cross them.

Permissible Reasons of Divorce

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Deuteronomy 24:1

Verse

If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house.

Explanation

In this verse, Moses conveyed a message to the people regarding divorce and said that if a man marries a woman, but after marriage he sees some evils in her and those evils are on a large scale, then the husband should divorce her. However, this divorce may be accompanied by a certificate to protect the rights of both husband and wife.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Exodus 21:10-11

Verse

If he marries another woman, he must not deprive the first one of her food, clothing and marital rights. If he does not provide her with these three things, she is to go free, without any payment of money.

Explanation

In this verse, it is mentioned about a woman whose husband remarries and does not divorce his first wife. Moses spoke about divorce and said that if that husband fulfills the rights of the first wife. The wife should not divorce him and live with him, but if her husband does not fulfill her rights, the woman has the right to divorce him.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Leviticus 21:7

Verse

They must not marry women defiled by prostitution or divorced from their husbands, because priests are holy to their God.

Explanation

It is stated in this verse that do not divorce your wives and husbands and do not marry women who are divorced and do not marry men who have divorced women. This verse specifically targets the holy men who are devoted to religion and Moses advises them to not marry unholy girl. They are holy so they should marry a sacred and holy girl.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Jeremiah 3:8

Verse

I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery.

Explanation

In this verse, Moses is telling that the Israelites committed many sins and disobeyed God, due to which God became very angry with them and divorced the Israelites in anger. The meaning of this verse is that God turned Israel away from His mercy. From this verse we understand that divorce can be used when the next person is not faithful to you.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Malachi 2:14-16

Verse

You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth. “The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.

Explanation

In this verse, God says that He does not accept the sacrifices of those who commit unfaithfulness to their chaste and faithful wives and divorce them. Marriage is a very honorable relationship in God’s eyes and a person who breaks this relationship is bad in God’s eyes.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Matthew 5:32

Verse

But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Explanation

In this verse, Jesus gives a message to the people and says that do not divorce your wives. You can divorce them if your wives are adulterers. But if you divorce your innocent wife then you have committed adultery on her.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Matthew 19:9

Verse

I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.

Explanation

It is stated in this verse that if a man divorces his wife without cause, he has committed adultery. If he marries a woman who divorced her husband, then he has committed adultery.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

1 Corinthians 7:15

Verse

But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.

Explanation

It is stated in this verse that a person is forced not to live in a relationship in which one of the spouses is disobedient and unfaithful. If one of them is unfaithful, divorce can be taken because God wants a believer to live a peaceful life.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Matthew 19:8

Verse

Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.

Explanation

In this verse it is mentioned that some Jews questioned Jesus and said that in Christianity there is a commandment not to divorce while in Judaism there is a commandment to divorce. Jesus said that Moses said it because the hearts of the Jews were too hard at that time, but even in the beginning there was a commandment not to divorce.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Mark 10:2-5

Verse

Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” “What did Moses command you?” he replied. They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” “It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied.

Explanation

In this verse it is stated that Jews questioned Jesus and said that in Christianity there is a commandment not to divorce while in Judaism it’s allowed. Jesus said that Moses said it because your hearts were too hard at that time, but in the beginning there was a commandment not to divorce.

Effects of Divorce

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Malachi 2:14

Verse

You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.

Explanation

In this verse, God is talking about a man who was unfaithful to his wife and divorced her. God says that divorce should not be given, but if someone divorces, then he has committed a sin and God pours His wrath on such people.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Jeremiah 3:1

Verse

If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him and marries another man, should he return to her again? Would not the land be completely defiled? But you have lived as a prostitute with many lovers—would you now return to me?” declares the Lord.

Explanation

In this verse, God describes the example of the relationship between husband and wife and relates it to the actions of the Israelites. God says that you people have started worshiping gods and you are also coming to me? This cannot happen. Then God gave an example that if a woman divorces her husband and marries somewhere else, she has many lovers, can she stay with her first husband?

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 6:32

Verse

But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.

Explanation

It is mentioned in this verse that if a person commits a wrong act, he harms himself. If he divorces his wife, then he has committed a sin. In the same way, a person should avoid evil deeds and should follow the straight path.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Isaiah 57:8

Verse

Behind your doors and your doorposts you have put your pagan symbols. Forsaking me, you uncovered your bed, you climbed into it and opened it wide; you made a pact with those whose beds you love, and you looked with lust on their naked bodies.

Explanation

In this verse, God relates the Israelites with prostitute women. He said that you are like an adulterous woman who shows her naked body to others and is not faithful to her husband. Same like her, Israelites are not faithful to God.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Hosea 4:10

Verse

They will eat but not have enough; they will engage in prostitution but not flourish, because they have deserted the Lord to give themselves.

Explanation

In this verse, God says that those people will eat, but even then they will not be full. They will commit adultery, but they will still have no peace because they have been unfaithful to God. God associates them with the Israelites who were unfaithful to God.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Matthew 5:31-32

Verse

It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Explanation

In this verse, God says that if you divorce your wives, make a certificate and divorce can be given only if that woman is an adulterer. If you divorce an innocent woman, you commit adultery, and if a divorced woman marries another man, she also commits adultery.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Mark 10:12

Verse

And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.

Explanation

This verse refers to a woman who divorces her first husband and marries another man. According to the Bible, such a woman is an adulteress.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Luke 16:18

Verse

Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Explanation

This verse talks about a man who commits adultery. If he divorces his innocent wife and marries another woman, he has committed adultery. And if he marries a woman who has divorced her husband, then the man still commits adultery.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Verse

Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Explanation

It is stated in this verse that those who commit injustice will never enter the paradise of God. Some of the people who do wrong are mentioned in these verses, among them thieves, robbers, slanderers, evildoers, adulterers, greedy people, drunkards, those who have immoral relations with men and worship idols, all these people will not enter the paradise of God.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Romans 7:2-3

Verse

For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

Explanation

In this verse, it is mentioned about women that when she is married to a man, she becomes bound to him in a bond, then she cannot be unfaithful to him. If this woman’s husband dies then she can marry another man. If a woman’s husband is alive, then she cannot marry another man.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

By reading these Bible verses, we realize that divorce is an undesirable practice and God does not like it. In these verses, God has specified certain limits and man is not allowed to go beyond these limits. It has been mentioned in these Bible verses that husband and wife should not get divorced. If a husband divorces his wife without reason, he has committed adultery. If a woman divorces her husband without reason, she has also committed adultery. Similarly, if a man marries a woman who has divorced her first husband, then he has also committed adultery. If a woman marries a man who has divorced his wife, she also commits adultery. However, if a person is not good in terms of character and is an adulterer, then his husband or wife can divorce him. God has given these limits and no one is allowed to do what he wants beyond that.