The question of whether the Bible prohibits divorce is one that has been debated among theologians, clergy, and believers for centuries. The Bible addresses the issue of divorce in both the Old and New Testaments, offering guidance on the circumstances under which divorce is permissible and emphasizing the sanctity of marriage. However, interpretations of these passages have varied, leading to different views on divorce within Christian communities. This article explores the biblical teachings on divorce, examining key passages and their implications for understanding whether the Bible prohibits divorce outright or allows it under certain conditions.
Divorce in the Old Testament
The Old Testament provides several references to divorce, primarily within the context of Mosaic Law. Divorce was permitted under certain circumstances, but it was also regulated to protect the rights and dignity of the individuals involved, particularly women.
Deuteronomy 24:1-4
One of the most significant passages concerning divorce in the Old Testament is found in Deuteronomy 24:1-4:
“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.”
This passage indicates that divorce was allowed in ancient Israel, but it also imposed restrictions to prevent the casual or frivolous dissolution of marriage. The requirement of a “certificate of divorce” was intended to formalize the process and provide some level of protection for the woman, ensuring that she could remarry if necessary.
The phrase “something indecent” has been subject to interpretation. In Jewish tradition, there was considerable debate over what constituted sufficient grounds for divorce. Some interpreted it narrowly, limiting divorce to cases of sexual immorality, while others took a broader view, allowing divorce for a wider range of reasons.
Divorce in the New Testament
The New Testament provides further teachings on divorce, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the Apostle Paul. These passages are often seen as offering a more restrictive view of divorce than the Old Testament.
Jesus’ Teachings on Divorce
Jesus addresses the issue of divorce in the Gospels, particularly in Matthew 19:3-9 and Mark 10:2-12. In these passages, Jesus responds to questions from the Pharisees, who ask whether it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason.
In Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus says:
“Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?’
‘Haven’t you read,’ he replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator “made them male and female,” and said, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh”? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’
‘Why then,’ they asked, ‘did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?’
Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.'”
In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the original intent of marriage as a lifelong, unbreakable union, stating that divorce was allowed by Moses only because of the hardness of people’s hearts. However, Jesus also introduces a significant exception: divorce is permitted in cases of sexual immorality. This has often been interpreted to mean that adultery or other forms of sexual unfaithfulness are valid grounds for divorce.
In Mark 10:2-12, a similar exchange occurs, but the emphasis is even stronger on the indissolubility of marriage:
“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. ‘But at the beginning of creation God “made them male and female.” “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’
When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. 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.'”
In this passage, Jesus makes it clear that divorce, followed by remarriage, is equivalent to committing adultery, reinforcing the idea that marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment. The strictness of this teaching has led to significant discussion and debate within Christian communities about the circumstances under which divorce is permissible.
The Apostle Paul’s Teachings
The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of divorce, particularly in his letters to the early Christian communities. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, Paul offers guidance to Christians regarding marriage and divorce:
“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.
To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
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.”
Paul’s teaching emphasizes the importance of maintaining the marriage bond, even in difficult circumstances. However, he also acknowledges that if an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave, the believer is not “bound” in such circumstances, which many interpret as permission for divorce in cases where the spouse is not a believer and decides to separate.
Does the Bible Prohibit Divorce?
The Bible presents a nuanced view of divorce. While it places a strong emphasis on the sanctity and permanence of marriage, it does not entirely prohibit divorce. Instead, it allows for divorce under specific circumstances, particularly in cases of sexual immorality or abandonment by an unbelieving spouse.
In the Old Testament, divorce was permitted and regulated by Mosaic Law, but it was never encouraged and was subject to various restrictions designed to protect the dignity and rights of the individuals involved. In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the ideal of a lifelong, unbreakable marriage, but he also acknowledges that divorce is permissible in the case of sexual immorality. Paul adds further guidance, suggesting that divorce is acceptable if an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave the marriage.
Conclusion
While the Bible does not categorically prohibit divorce, it does place significant emphasis on the importance of marriage as a sacred and lifelong commitment. Divorce is presented as a last resort, permissible only under certain conditions, such as sexual immorality or abandonment. The Bible encourages reconciliation and the preservation of the marriage bond whenever possible, reflecting the broader Christian values of forgiveness, love, and commitment. For Christians, the teachings of Jesus and Paul serve as guiding principles for navigating the complex and often painful realities of marital difficulties, encouraging believers to seek resolution and healing while acknowledging the challenges that may necessitate divorce.
