The topic of divorce is addressed in several passages throughout the Bible, providing guidance and principles that have been interpreted and applied within the Christian community. The teachings on divorce are primarily found in the Old and New Testaments, with significant emphasis in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the Apostle Paul.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Mosaic Law provided regulations concerning divorce. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 outlines the procedure for a man who wishes to divorce his wife, stating, "If a man marries a woman but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, give it to her, and send her away from his house." This passage indicates that divorce was permissible under certain conditions, though it was not encouraged. The certificate of divorce served as a legal document that allowed the woman to remarry.

The prophets, particularly Malachi, also addressed the issue of divorce. Malachi 2:16 states, "For I hate divorce, says the LORD, the God of Israel, and him who covers his garment with violence, says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not break faith." This passage reflects God's disapproval of divorce and emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in marriage.

Teachings of Jesus

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce in the Gospels. In Matthew 5:31-32, Jesus states, "It has also been said, 'Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery." Here, Jesus acknowledges the Mosaic Law but raises the standard by limiting the grounds for divorce to sexual immorality.

Further, in Matthew 19:3-9, the Pharisees question Jesus about the legality of divorce for any reason. Jesus responds by referring to the creation account, saying, "Have you not read that from 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 man not separate." Jesus emphasizes the sanctity and permanence of marriage, allowing divorce only in cases of sexual immorality.

Pauline Epistles

The Apostle Paul also provides instruction on divorce in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, Paul writes, "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." Paul reiterates the teaching of Jesus, emphasizing reconciliation and the permanence of marriage.

In 1 Corinthians 7:12-15, Paul addresses marriages between believers and unbelievers, stating, "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. 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 acknowledges the complexity of mixed-faith marriages and allows for separation if the unbelieving partner chooses to leave.

Summary of Biblical Teachings

The Bible presents a consistent message that marriage is a sacred covenant intended to be lifelong. Divorce is permitted under specific circumstances, such as sexual immorality or abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, but it is not encouraged. The teachings emphasize reconciliation, faithfulness, and the sanctity of the marital bond, reflecting God's original design for marriage as a union that should not be easily broken.