Bible Verses About Divorce

Scriptures about divorce, God's design for marriage permanence, and mercy in broken relationships.

King James Version
6Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Matthew 19:6
32But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Matthew 5:32
9What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Mark 10:9
16For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.
Malachi 2:16
10And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 11But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
15But 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.
1 Corinthians 7:15
8He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 9And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
Matthew 19:8-9
18Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
Luke 16:18
1When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.
Deuteronomy 24:1
2For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
Romans 7:2

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MarriageForgivenessLoveFamily

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about divorce?

Jesus said 'What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder' (Mark 10:9). Malachi 2:16 expresses God's displeasure with divorce. However, Jesus acknowledged an exception for sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9), and Paul allowed separation if an unbelieving spouse departs (1 Corinthians 7:15).

Can divorced Christians remarry?

Christians interpret this differently. Matthew 19:9 allows remarriage after divorce for unfaithfulness. 1 Corinthians 7:15 may allow it when abandoned by an unbeliever. Some traditions restrict remarriage entirely. All agree God offers grace and restoration.

What are the biblical grounds for divorce?

Christians generally recognize two or three grounds: sexual immorality based on Matthew 19:9, desertion by an unbelieving spouse based on 1 Corinthians 7:15, and some traditions include abuse based on the principle that marriage should reflect Christ's love, not destruction. Others hold that no grounds exist for divorce while both spouses live.