When Does the Bible Permit Divorce?

Divorce is commonplace in our society. Divorce affects all of us, directly or indirectly. We either have family members or friends who are divorced. It’s part of our culture. But what does the Bible say about marriage and divorce?

The Bible unquestionably portrays marriage as a permanent covenant.

God created the two sexes (Gen 1:27), and ordained the institution of marriage (Gen 2:18–25). In Gen 2:24, marriage is described by the terms “leaving” (עזב) and “holding fast” (דבק). These terms apply specifically in covenantal contexts. The word for “holding fast” (דבק) implies a complete devotion and unshakable, permanent bond. Further, marriage results in a “one flesh” relationship between husband and wife. Referring to this passage, Jesus notes, “So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matt 19:6). In other words, this relationship is now a special union which is to be permanent and should not be dissolved.

The Bible allows for two exceptions to the lifelong permanence of the marriage bond.

1. Marriage can be dissolved in the face of sexual infidelity (Matt 5:32; 19:9).

Although the marriage relationship is meant to be permanent, Jesus tells us that divorce is permissible for “sexual immorality” (πορνεία). This word for sexual immorality is a broad word to cover many different kinds of sexual sins, but here in context refers to adultery (sex outside the marriage bond). Since the sexual relationship within marriage is a special symbol of intimacy that is only to be shared within marriage, if that sacred relationship is violated, the faithful spouse can pursue divorce (though they are not required at all to do so).

2. Marriage can be dissolved in the case of an unbelieving spouse abandoning the marriage (1 Cor 7:15).

Paul’s command to the church at Corinth is that if a believer is married to an unbeliever, do not divorce them (1 Cor 7:12). However, there will be cases where an unbeliever wants out, and in such cases, the believer is not bound, and should let the unbeliever out of the marriage (1 Cor 7:15). This principle seems to apply in two primary situations: (1) first generation Christians whose spouse abandons them after coming to Christ, and (2) a Christian marriage relationship where one spouse abandons Christ and the spouse, choosing an unrepentant life of sin (showing themselves an unbeliever).

In cases where divorce has biblically occurred, remarriage is possible.

When Jesus speaks about divorce, he states, “Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery” (Matt 19:9). In other words, divorce and remarriage are linked in the consideration. Thus, Jesus’s exception applies to divorce and the assumed remarriage. The same principle would arguably apply to the situation where an unrepentant unbeliever abandons his or her spouse.

A few pertinent thoughts to the divorce discussion.

1. The church does not treat divorce as seriously as it should.

This is generally true, with some happy exceptions. But largely, the church has relegated divorce to a non-issue that is not talked about or confronted in our churches. The compromise on divorce in churches has had deadly consequences. Many have noted, for example, that the reason pro-homosexual positions have been so successful at infiltrating the church is that the sacredness of marriage was already under attack through the acceptance of divorce in our churches.

2. The church should treat divorce seriously, but not as the unpardonable sin.

Churches must return to a biblical position on the seriousness of divorce. However, we must not swing the pendulum too far and despise those who have divorced. In many (but not all) cases, divorce is a terrible sin. However, we can deal with sin through confession and repentance, trusting in the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior. Thus, we never want our churches to turn into a place where those who have gone through divorce feel as if they are despised by other believers. We need to embrace each other as a community of sinners (for that is what we are).

Conclusion

This article goes against the cultural trend. I have read multiple articles recently that say human beings were never meant to be monogamous. These articles essentially argue against the very concept of marriage itself. However, the Bible is clear that marriage comes directly from God. Marriage was meant to be a permanent, lifelong bond. The concept of “no-fault divorce” (a most common practice in our culture) is a repudiation of God’s created order. To borrow a phrase from Al Mohler, true human flourishing can occur only when we, as human beings, follow God’s created design for family and marriage.

If You’re Interested in a Full Discussion on Divorce and Remarriage, see the Following Video