What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
What Does the Bible Say About Divorce? The Bible teaches that God designed marriage to be permanent but permits divorce in cases of sexual immorality and abandonment by an unbeliever.
Key verse: Matthew 19:6 (KJV)
The Bible teaches that God designed marriage to be permanent but permits divorce in cases of sexual immorality and abandonment by an unbeliever.
The Bible teaches that God designed marriage to be permanent but permits divorce in cases of sexual immorality and abandonment by an unbeliever.
"Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." — Matthew 19:6 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Jesus taught that God's original design was lifelong marriage (Matthew 19:6) and that Moses permitted divorce due to hardness of heart (Matthew 19:8). Jesus identified sexual immorality as grounds for divorce (Matthew 5:32, 19:9). Paul added that if an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave, the believer is not bound (1 Corinthians 7:15). While God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) because of the pain it causes, the Bible shows compassion for those in broken marriages. God offers grace, healing, and a fresh start to the divorced. The church is called to uphold marriage's sanctity while extending mercy to those who have experienced marital failure.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
What the Bible teaches about divorce, remarriage, and God's heart for marriage.
Key Scripture References
"Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
"And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery."
"But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, designed by God to reflect Christ's relationship with the church.
What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
The Bible teaches that God hates divorce but permits it in cases of sexual immorality and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse.
What Does the Bible Say About Raising Children?
The Bible instructs parents to train children in God's ways through teaching, discipline, love, and personal example.
What Does the Bible Say About Children?
The Bible describes children as a blessing from God, commands parents to raise them in the faith, and records Jesus welcoming and blessing little children.
What Does the Bible Say About Sex and Sexuality?
The Bible presents sex as a good gift from God designed exclusively for the covenant of marriage between husband and wife.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Bible Verses About Divorce
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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