30 Bible Verses about Divorce (With Commentary)

Understanding divorce through a biblical lens can be challenging and, at times, deeply personal. The Bible speaks directly to the heartache of marital separation with wisdom that has spanned millennia.

This article will sift through Scripture to clarify what the Bible says about ending a marriage, offering solace and guidance for those seeking divine insight. Keep reading — healing words await.

Direct Teachings on Divorce

Matthew 19:3-9

"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 Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus speaks clearly about divorce. He teaches that marriage joins two people into “one flesh.” This bond is so strong that no person should break it. Jesus says that Moses allowed divorce only because of people’s hard hearts.

But from the beginning, God meant for marriages to last forever.

Divorce breaks this holy union except in cases of unfaithfulness. Even then, it’s not what God wanted when He created marriage. These verses remind us that spouses should stick together through tough times.

They’re a call to honor and protect the sacred promise between husband and wife as God intended.

Mark 10:2-12

"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.”

Jesus speaks strongly against divorce in Mark 10:2-12. He explains that divorcing and then remarrying is the same as committing adultery. God made marriage to last forever, says Jesus.

He tells us that a husband and wife become one unit when they marry.

The words of Jesus are clear—don’t separate what God has joined together. These teachings show how serious God thinks marriage is. They tell us that breaking this bond goes against His original plan for us, found in the first chapters of Genesis.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11

"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."

1 Corinthians 7:10-11 teaches us that divorce is not part of God’s plan for married couples. It tells wives and husbands to stay together. If a wife does leave, she must either stay single or make up with her husband.

This rule comes straight from Jesus, aiming to keep marriages strong.

These verses are clear—there’s no room for divorce among believers unless an unbelieving partner leaves first. Then, the believer may be free to remarry. The focus here is on staying true to your marriage and working through problems rather than giving up quickly.

Malachi 2:16

"“The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the LORD, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the LORD Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful."

“God hates divorce,” says the verse Malachi 2:16. It’s a strong statement that shows God’s dislike for breaking marriage vows. People often see this as God standing against unfaithfulness and not supporting spouses who walk away lightly.

The message here is clear—stay true to your promises in marriage. Some folks think this warning is mainly for those cheating on their partners. Yet, even those hurt by broken marriages know that God doesn’t take divorce lightly.

This verse touches deep into our hearts about love and commitment in relationships.

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. Do not bring sin upon the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance."

Deuteronomy 24:1-4 lays out ancient Israel’s divorce laws. It shows how the Old Testament handled marriage breakups. If a man found something wrong with his wife, he could write her a certificate of divorce and send her away from his house.

Later, if she married another man and that second husband died or divorced her, the first husband couldn’t take her back. This was against God’s law because it would defile the land He gave to His people.

This passage is critical in understanding biblical views on divorce and remarriage. The idea of a written divorce document shows us early efforts for legal processes in personal matters like marriage.

Yet, this scripture also stresses that remarrying someone you previously divorced isn’t permitted by law—a rule designed to uphold the sanctity of the original marital covenant.

Marriage and Commitment

Ephesians 5:22-33

"Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."

In Ephesians 5:22-33, wives are told to respect their husbands like they do the Lord. Husbands must love their wives just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her. This scripture paints a picture of marriage that mirrors Jesus’ commitment to His followers.

It teaches us that love in marriage should be deep, selfless, and unbreakable.

The Bible calls on men to cherish their wives as their own bodies. It says no one ever hated his own flesh but feeds and takes care of it. Likewise, husbands should nourish and protect their wives.

This passage is about giving everything you have for your partner’s well-being; setting an example through actions rather than words alone. Here we find God’s blueprint for a strong, faithful marriage where both partners reflect Christ’s devotion.

Hebrews 13:4

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral."

Hebrews 13:4 tells us to honor marriage. It says that the marriage bed must be pure. God will judge those who are sexually immoral or commit adultery. This teaches us that sex has a proper place—within marriage only.

The Bible makes it clear in Hebrews 13:4, keeping faithful in marriage matters a lot. Sex outside of this bond is wrong, and there are consequences for such actions. We must take this seriously, respecting the commitment two people make when they marry.

Genesis 2:24

"That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."

Genesis 2:24 paints a clear picture—marriage unites two people into one. This verse says a man will leave his father and mother to join with his wife. Together, they become one flesh.

Jesus points back to this idea when he teaches about marriage. It shows how deeply connected husbands and wives are meant to be.

This teaching makes us think hard about divorce. When we marry, we’re supposed to be building a life-long bond that no one should break apart. Genesis 2:24 isn’t just about leaving parents; it’s also about the strong link that marriage creates between two hearts, fighting off loneliness with love and companionship.

Proverbs 18:22

"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD."

Finding a good wife is like discovering a treasure—a blessing from God. Proverbs 18:22 shows us that such a find is valuable and brings favor from the Lord. Treat her well, and you honor what God has provided.

A trustworthy partner makes life better, just as this verse reminds us to appreciate and safeguard our relationships with care.

Matthew 5:31-32

"It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery."

Jesus made it clear: divorcing your wife can force her into adultery. He said except for unfaithfulness, you shouldn’t split up. This verse highlights how serious marriage is—and breaking that bond isn’t taken lightly.

It’s not just a break-up; it changes her status and puts her at risk of committing adultery.

The message is simple but heavy—stay true to your vows. If someone cheats, then divorce might happen. But otherwise, keep the promise you made before God and each other. Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:31-32 shine a light on faithfulness and loyalty in marriage.

God’s View of Marriage

1 Corinthians 7:39

"A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord."

Paul guides believers regarding marriage in 1 Corinthians 7:39. He teaches that a woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she can marry again—but only another believer.

This advice reflects Paul’s focus on the Corinthian community’s unique situations.

Many wonder if this verse allows divorce and remarriage. Yet, it emphasizes staying with one’s spouse or remarrying within the faith if widowed. It ties back to honoring God’s design for marital commitment and fidelity, recognizing exceptions like sexual immorality or abandonment by an unbelieving partner.

Matthew 19:6

"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."

God made marriage special. In Matthew 19:6, He tells us that no one should split up what He has joined. This verse teaches us that husband and wife are meant to stay together. It’s important because it shows God loves when couples commit for life.

Even when problems come, this verse says stick together because you’re united by God Himself.

This doesn’t mean all marriages work out—sometimes things go wrong and people can’t fix them. But before thinking of divorce, remember Matthew 19:6 as a reminder to try hard and honor the bond God created in your marriage.

Mark 10:9

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."

Mark 10:9 delivers a strong message about the bond of marriage. It tells us that what God has joined together, no one should split apart. This verse speaks directly to husbands and wives, urging them to stay united.

It warns against the harm of divorce, hinting at the sanctity and permanence of marriage.

Jesus makes it clear in Mark 10—divorce leads to adultery, except when unfaithfulness is involved. He stresses faithfulness in marriage and hints that marrying another after divorce breaks divine law.

The words are straightforward; they command respect for the marital bond and discourage separation.

Proverbs 19:14

"Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD."

Proverbs 19:14 tells us about the true worth of a sensible wife—it’s a blessing from God. Unlike houses and riches that parents might leave for their children, a wise partner is a special gift only the Lord can provide.

This verse points out how much value God places on wisdom and godly character in marriage. It’s clear that finding someone sensible to share life with is part of His divine plan.

A marriage filled with understanding and respect reflects what Proverbs 19:14 values. The Bible often talks about wisdom, godliness, and keeping marriages strong. In this verse, we see these themes come together, showing us that while you can inherit wealth, it’s through God’s mercy that one finds a truly wise spouse—a priceless treasure in any home.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Ecclesiastes 4:12 points out, “a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” This meaningful message shines a light on the power of unity in relationships. Couples who stand together through tough times often find their bonds are stronger.

They’re like a braided rope—hard to tear apart.

This verse hits home for those thinking about marriage and divorce. It invites couples to build that triple-strength bond, weaving God into their relationship. Doing so can make all the difference, offering resilience and support when facing life’s challenges or even when recovering from a breakup.

Dealing with Marital Strife

Colossians 3:18-19

"Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them."

Wives, submit to your husbands as fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and avoid any bitterness toward them. This message from Colossians 3:18-19 directs couples to build their marriage on respect and love.

It stresses that wives should willingly support their husbands, while husbands must show deep affection without harshness or resentment.

Understanding these verses is key for a Christian marriage. They teach us to reject domestic violence and strive for harmony. Love and mutual submission form the bedrock of a union that honors God—essential in today’s conversations on marital health and divorce prevention.

1 Peter 3:1-7

"Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."

Christian wives are called to submit to their husbands. They should focus on inner beauty and a gentle spirit. This kind of beauty is precious to God. Husbands also have clear instructions.

They must treat their wives with understanding and respect. Their prayers should not be hindered by how they live with their spouse.

Peter speaks about teamwork in marriage. Both husband and wife serve each other for good results. Men need to remember this too; knowing the Bible helps them care for their wives better.

Working together creates harmony at home.

Ephesians 4:2-3

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Ephesians 4:2-3 tells us to show deep love and care in our marriages. Be humble, gentle, and patient with each other. These qualities help spouses work through tough times together.

Forgiveness is key, as it can heal wounds and bring people closer.

This scripture guides couples to unity and peace in their relationship. It teaches us that true strength lies in kindness and compassion toward one another. Marriages flourish when we follow these teachings, always working for harmony just as God intended for us all.

Proverbs 15:17

"Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred."

A meal of vegetables with love is better than a fattened ox with hatred. Proverbs 15:17 shows us that happiness in life comes from love, not money or things. This connects to marriage because it tells us to value love over everything else.

In marriages facing trouble, this verse reminds couples to choose kindness and understanding. Love should be at the center of family life, not anger or things we own. This wisdom helps people focus on what really matters—caring for each other deeply.

1 Corinthians 7:12-13

"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."

Paul speaks directly to those married to non-believers in 1 Corinthians 7:12-13. He tells them not to break up the marriage if the non-believing partner is fine with staying together.

This advice comes from Paul, not directly from Jesus, but it’s still important for Christians. It shows us that love and commitment in marriage matter a lot, even when beliefs differ.

The message here is clear—stick with your spouse through thick and thin unless they choose to leave on their own. Paul knew life can get tough, especially in marriages where partners don’t share the same faith.

But he encouraged believers to keep loving their spouses and respect the holy bond of marriage as long as possible.

Restoration and Forgiveness

Hosea 3:1-3

"The LORD said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.” So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley. Then I told her, “You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will behave the same way toward you.”

Hosea had a tough job. God told him to go back to his cheating wife and love her again. It was like how God loves His people even when they make mistakes. Hosea bought her back for fifteen pieces of silver, some barley, and wine—this showed everyone that you can’t put a price on love.

This story is more than about Hosea; it’s about all of us. We mess up, but God’s mercy is huge. He forgives and rebuilds what’s broken, just like Hosea did with his marriage. This isn’t just an old tale—it reminds us today that no situation is too far gone for healing and hope.

1 Corinthians 7:14-16

"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. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?"

1 Corinthians 7:14-16 talks about mixed marriages where one person believes in God and the other does not. If you’re married to someone who isn’t a believer, your life together can still be blessed.

Your faith can make your marriage holy, and it might lead them to believe too! But if they choose to leave, you don’t have to stay tied down. These verses show that peace is important, and sometimes letting go is the best way to find it.

It gives hope for tough situations in marriage. Even when spouses don’t share the same faith, there’s a chance for harmony. And if things fall apart because of belief differences, it’s okay; you’re free to move on.

This part of the Bible helps us understand God doesn’t want anyone stuck in conflict at home. It’s all about living peacefully with each other—believer or not.

1 Peter 4:8

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

1 Peter 4:8 tells us love matters most. It says that deep love can make many of our mistakes disappear. This verse helps husbands and wives see that sticking together is important, even when things get tough.

Love like Jesus did—is the big message here, and it’s something every married couple should remember.

In talks about divorce, people often bring up this verse. They say it shows how powerful forgiveness and love are in a marriage. If you have strong love, you can get through lots of problems together.

So 1 Peter 4:8 isn’t just a quote; it’s a call to action for all couples to care deeply for each other no matter what happens.

Matthew 6:14-15

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

Forgiveness is key in all relationships, even when divorce happens. Matthew 6:14-15 tells us if we forgive others, God will forgive us too. These verses remind us to drop our grudges and move on.

Holding onto anger can harm us more than it hurts others.

If you can’t let go of past wrongs, your heart might stay heavy with pain. Forgiving someone isn’t easy, but it frees you from bitterness. This truth holds especially when dealing with a past marriage.

To heal and find peace, forgiveness is essential—even for an ex-spouse.

Romans 12:17-18

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

Romans 12:17-18 teaches us not to hit back with evil for evil. If someone hurts you, don’t scheme to get even; that’s not the way God wants us to live. Aim for harmony and try your best to be at peace with everyone.

It’s about showing honor, even after tough events like divorce. Holding a grudge is dangerous; it lets anger make your heart hard.

These words remind us that vengeance isn’t ours—it belongs to God. Our role is different—we should focus on doing the honorable thing in every situation. This means letting go of bitterness, especially when dealing with the aftermath of a separation or divorce.

It’s not easy, but striving for peace strengthens our character and aligns our actions with God’s teachings.

Care for the Divorced

Psalm 68:5

"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling."

Psalm 68:5 shows us that God steps in as a protector and guide for those who feel alone, especially children without parents. Whether through divorce or death, families sometimes lose important figures.

This verse offers comfort, revealing that God’s love never leaves us. He fills the gaps left by earthly losses.

In times of family distress, Psalm 68:5 calls on believers to mirror God’s care for the vulnerable. It challenges churches to embrace widows and orphans with compassion and support.

This scripture paints a picture of hope and community where we serve as hands and feet of divine love, reaching out to those needing stability and affection.

James 1:27

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

James 1:27 teaches us about true religion. It tells us to look after orphans and widows in their hard times. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and blameless is this: to keep oneself from being spoiled by the world.

We must pray for strength to obey this command. This includes caring for those who need help while staying clean from the world’s evils.

Caring for orphans and widows is a big part of what James talks about. It shows God’s love through our actions. We follow His instructions when we support people without parents or spouses.

The Bible says this makes our religion clear and strong before God.

1 Timothy 5:3-5

"Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help."

Respect and care for widows – that’s what 1 Timothy 5:3-5 is all about. It tells us to honor true widows, the ones who really need help. God wants us to be there for them, especially when they have no one else.

The Bible reminds families to step up first. If a widow has children or grandkids, these relatives should learn to be godly by taking care of their own family.

The church plays a key role too. It must focus on those without anyone else – like lone widows struggling without support. This way, the church acts as God’s hands, showing love and kindness where it’s needed most.

Deuteronomy 10:18

"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing."

Deuteronomy 10:18 shows us God stands up for those who are alone and hurting. He cares deeply about widows, orphans, and yes—those going through divorce. Life can hit hard, but this verse reminds us that the Lord’s heart is always open to the brokenhearted.

He demands justice for them, kindness in their pain.

It’s clear from this passage; God wants mercy for all who need help. Divorce is tough and affects many lives. Yet here we see a call to action—to love and protect like our Father does.

This care mirrors God’s own compassion toward anyone facing life’s battles with little support by their side.

Isaiah 1:17

"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."

Isaiah 1:17 urges us to do right by those in need. It tells us to learn good deeds, fight for fairness, correct the bully, protect orphans, and stand up for widows. This isn’t about divorce directly but speaks volumes on justice and caring for people who are often left out or hurt.

God’s call through Isaiah is clear—step up for what is just and defend those who can’t fend for themselves.

Conclusion

The Bible’s words on divorce are clear—marriage is sacred, but there are exceptions. These verses guide us through tough choices with wisdom and compassion. They teach us that while God values marriage highly, He understands human failings.

Love, forgiveness, and care for those affected by divorce matter deeply too. Remember these teachings if you ever face such crossroads.

FAQs

1. What does the Bible say about divorce?

The Bible addresses divorce in several verses, stating that God intended marriage to be a lasting covenant. However, certain New Testament scriptures like Matthew 5:32 mention adultery as an exception that allows for divorce.

2. Can people who are divorced get remarried according to the Bible?

It’s a complex issue, but some interpretations of biblical texts suggest remarriage is permitted under specific circumstances, such as when the divorce was due to adultery.

3. Why did Jesus talk about “hardness of heart” regarding divorce?

Jesus spoke of “hardness of heart” in discussions with the disciples to explain why Moses allowed divorces among the People of Israel—it was because they were stubborn and wouldn’t follow God’s commandment on marriage.

4. Are all cases of divorce considered wrong in the Bible?

No, not necessarily—the standard stance is against it except for infidelity. The New Testament provides guidance suggesting there may be permissible reasons for ending a marriage.

5. If someone is divorced and remarried, how does this affect their faith?

Those who’ve experienced this should seek spiritual counsel and lean into God’s grace while striving to understand His word—Scriptures provide different perspectives from passages like John 3:16 offering hope for forgiveness and eternal life through belief in Christ Jesus.

6. Does getting divorced mean you’re committing a sin?

Divorce isn’t taken lightly by biblical standards; it can equate to sin if it goes against commandments such as “You shall not commit adultery.” However, context matters—as mentioned earlier—and each situation differs before our Lord.