Divorce in the Bible: What the Scriptures Say

Everyone who has read the bible is aware that marriage is a lifetime commitment. But, our question for today is, what about divorce in the Bible? In other words, what God says about divorce?

Man and wife become one until parted by death. His blueprint for marriage is certainly a beautiful one but, divorce happens and, according to statistics, is happening more often. Today, marriages have about a 50% chance of success.

These statistics of unsuccessful marriages are perturbing. Nobody imagines getting divorced at some point in time while walking down the aisle. Most of the people tend to take the vows seriously and swear to be by the partner’s side till death does them apart. 

But, what if the marriage fails despite all the effort? In such cases, what does the bible say about divorce? Is divorce a sin in the bible?

The Bible specifies certain grounds for divorce, but beyond those grounds, there is no justification for divorce and remarriage in the Bible scriptures on divorce.

To understand when is divorce ok in the bible, the following are explained some excerpts from the bible verses about divorce and remarriage.

Acceptable grounds for divorce in the Bible

There are several bible verses about divorce. If we consider God’s view on divorce, there are specific grounds for divorce in the bible, and remarriage is addressed as well.

But, these are stated in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, it was Moses that permitted a man to divorce on almost any grounds. 

The Old Testament reads, “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.” (Deuteronomy 24:1-4)

Jesus addresses this in the New Testament and replies that Moses permitted divorce due to the hardness of hearts and discusses how marriage is God’s way of joining two people, and that cannot be separated.

Jesus also states the only acceptable grounds for divorce, which are adultery, an act that immediately severs a marriage since it is a sin, and the Pauline privilege.

In Scripture, the Pauline privilege permits divorce between a believer and a non-believer. To say it loosely, if the non-believer leaves, let that person go.

The believer is also allowed to remarry on these grounds. Those are the only reasons for divorce in the Bible.

Other reasons for divorce

There are many reasons for divorce that are not stated in the bible verses on divorce and the scripture about divorce. Whether they are justifiable or not is a matter of opinion, but as we know, divorce happens. People do part ways and move on with their lives.

Below are the top 5 reasons for divorce apart from the purposes of a divorce in the Bible.

Lack of commitment

After saying, “I do,” some people just get lazy. Anyone that decides to marry must remember that staying married requires work.

Both spouses must make an effort to communicate effectively, maintain the romance, the passion, and the emotional/mental connection. ‘Divorce in the bible’ verses can actually benefit marriages by motivating couples to give their marriage 100%.

Inability to get along

After the time has passed, couples can reach a point where they find themselves unable to get along. When there is no resolution on a consistent basis, a relationship plummets.

When arguments occur often, resentment builds, and the home is no longer a happy place, divorce is viewed as a way to get out of a negative situation.

Lack of communication

Communication breakdown is detrimental to a relationship. When that goes, it is hard to connect on all the essential levels, including emotionally and physically. Spouses are then left unfulfilled.

The thing is, there are so many ways to improve communication. This involves breaking down barriers, taking part in various exercises, using positive language, mindfulness, and making a conscious effort to return to a healthy place.

Incompatible goals

It is hard for two people to stay together when setting on different paths. This is why marriage planning is recommended for those planning to wed.

An essential step in that planning is having a conversation about goals and future plans to ensure both individuals are on the same page.

Infidelity

One of the two grounds for divorce in the Bible is infidelity. Not only is it the ultimate betrayal, but it usually deems relationships irreconcilable. Actually, stepping out of the marriage is one of the worst things a spouse can do.

Marriage is something beautiful and is a commitment that deserves respect. So many vows and promises are made along with forming a household together and bonding in the most intimate of ways.

As displayed in divorce bible verses, he is not keen on divorce, but in some instances, it is allowed. Deciding to split after making a huge commitment is tough.

Unfortunately, situations are not ideal, but this is why those who decide to marry must not view marriage with rose-colored glasses. The wedding, honeymoon, and newlywed stage are amazing, as are the times after, but there will be bumps in the road that require effort.

Ask yourself if you are willing to put in that effort and use the bible as a guide while making that assessment.

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