Topical Encyclopedia DivorceDivorce, the legal dissolution of a marriage, is a topic addressed in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. In the Mosaic Law, divorce was permitted under certain circumstances. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 outlines the procedure for a man to divorce his wife, requiring him to write her a certificate of divorce. This provision was intended to protect the rights of the woman, allowing her to remarry. The prophet Malachi, however, emphasizes God's disdain for divorce, stating, "For I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel (Malachi 2:16). This reflects the ideal of marriage as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, symbolizing the relationship between God and His people. In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce in the Gospels. In Matthew 19:3-9, the Pharisees question Jesus about the lawfulness of divorce. Jesus responds by pointing back to the creation narrative, affirming that marriage is intended to be a permanent union: "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate" (Matthew 19:6). Jesus acknowledges that Moses permitted divorce due to the hardness of human hearts but emphasizes that it was not so from the beginning. Jesus further clarifies that divorce is permissible only in cases of sexual immorality: "And I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery" (Matthew 19:9). This teaching underscores the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of the marriage covenant. The Apostle Paul also addresses divorce in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, Paul advises married couples to remain together, even if one spouse is an unbeliever, as long as the unbelieving spouse is willing to stay. However, if the unbelieving partner departs, the believer is not bound in such circumstances. Adultery Adultery, the act of engaging in sexual relations with someone other than one's spouse, is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. The Seventh Commandment explicitly states, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). Adultery is seen as a violation of the marriage covenant and an affront to the holiness of God. In the Old Testament, the consequences of adultery were severe. Leviticus 20:10 prescribes the death penalty for both the adulterer and the adulteress. This underscores the gravity of the sin and its destructive impact on families and communities. The wisdom literature, particularly the book of Proverbs, warns against the allure and dangers of adultery. Proverbs 6:32 states, "But he who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself" . The adulterous relationship is portrayed as a path leading to ruin and disgrace. In the New Testament, Jesus expands the understanding of adultery beyond physical acts to include lustful thoughts. In the Sermon on the Mount, He teaches, "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). This highlights the importance of purity in thought and intention, not just in action. The account of the woman caught in adultery, found in John 8:1-11, illustrates Jesus' approach to sin and forgiveness. While the law demanded her punishment, Jesus extends grace, telling her, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more" (John 8:11). This encounter emphasizes both the seriousness of sin and the availability of forgiveness through repentance. In summary, both divorce and adultery are addressed in Scripture with a focus on the sanctity of marriage and the call to faithfulness. The Bible presents marriage as a divine institution, intended to reflect God's covenantal love, and calls believers to uphold its integrity. Topical Bible Verses Malachi 2:16For the LORD, the God of Israel, said that he hates putting away: for one covers violence with his garment, said the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that you deal not treacherously. Topicalbible.org Matthew 19:3-9 Matthew 5:31-32 Matthew 19:9 Matthew 5:32 Luke 16:18 Mark 10:12 Deuteronomy 24:1-4 1 Corinthians 7:11 Romans 7:2 Library Whether in a Case of Divorce Husband and Wife Should be Judged on ... Moses, Allowing Divorce, and Christ Prohibiting It, Explained John ... Fulfilling of the Law in the Higher Sense. --Particular Examples ... Divorce From Examples Tertullian Passes to Direct Dogmatic Teachings He ... Whether a Husband Can Marry Again after Having a Divorce? Book 15 Footnotes Whether Husband and Wife May be Reconciled after Being Divorced? Concerning Divorce. Journey to Jerusalem. Concerning Divorce. Resources What does Malachi 2:16 mean when God says, “I hate divorce”? | GotQuestions.orgIs the divorce rate among Christians truly the same as among non-Christians? | GotQuestions.org What does Deuteronomy 24 teach about divorce? | GotQuestions.org Divorce: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Divorce of Captives, Regulated by Law Divorce of Servants, Regulated by Law Divorce: Disobedience of the Wife to the Husband, a Sufficient Cause For, in the Persian Empire Divorce: Forbidden by Christ Except for Adultery Divorce: Forced on Those Who had Idolatrous Wives Divorce: General Scriptures Concerning Divorce: Illustrative of God's Casting off of the Jewish Church Divorce: Jews Condemned for Love of Divorce: Law of Marriage Against Divorce: Not Allowed to Those Who Falsely Accused Their Wives Divorce: Often Sought by the Jews Divorce: Permitted by the Mosaic Law Divorce: Permitted: On Account of Hardness of Heart Divorce: Priests not to Marry Women After Divorce: Prohibition of, offended the Jews Divorce: Sought on Slight Grounds Divorce: Women: Could Marry After Divorce: Women: Married After, Could not Return to First Husband Divorce: Women: Responsible for Vows After Related Terms Transgressions (64 Occurrences) |
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