Divorce in the Bible | Marriage and Divorce

Divorce is one of the most painful realities of life. Families are torn apart, hearts are broken, and children suffer the consequences. What does the Bible teach about this? Does God allow divorce? Under what circumstances? This lesson carefully examines the teachings of Jesus and Scripture.

God’s Ideal: Permanence

What was God's original intention for marriage?

Temporary marriage while there is love What God has joined together, let no man separate Marriage until problems arise Marriage as an experiment, not a commitment

God’s plan was always lifelong marriage. Permanence is not an option: it is the ideal toward which every marriage should aim.

What does God declare about divorce?

It is always the best solution It is indifferent to God God hates divorce It is a demonstration of wisdom

God hates divorce, not because He is legalistic, but because He loves people and knows that divorce causes profound pain and destruction.

“Marriage should not be dissolved for any trivial cause. Both parties should study carefully to verify that they cannot remain together.” — Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home, p. 340

Why Did Moses Allow Divorce?

Why did Moses permit divorce in Israel?

Because God changed His mind Because divorce is a human right Because of the hardness of human hearts Because marriage was not important

Moses’s permission was not divine approval, but a concession to the reality of sin. Jesus makes it clear: “From the beginning it was not so.” Divorce was never God’s plan.

What was the purpose of the bill of divorce in Deuteronomy 24?

To facilitate divorce To encourage separation To protect the divorced woman, allowing her to remarry To punish the unfaithful husband

In ancient culture, a divorced woman without a document was in terrible situation; she could not remarry or return to her first husband. The document protected her.

Jesus’s Exception

According to Jesus, what is the only legitimate cause for divorce?

Incompatibility of temperament Lack of love Porneia (sexual immorality/infidelity) Financial problems

Jesus is clear: “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” The only exception Jesus permits is sexual unfaithfulness.

What does 'porneia' mean in the context of divorce?

Any sexual sin Adultery, infidelity, serious sexual immorality Watching pornography Impure thoughts

“Porneia” is a broad term that includes adultery, fornication, and other forms of sexual immorality. Marital betrayal breaks the bond of “one flesh” and may justify divorce.

“Nothing but the violation of the marriage bed can dissolve or annul the marriage vow.” — Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home, p. 341

Jesus’s Standard Is Higher

How did Jesus raise the standard regarding adultery?

Only the physical act is sin Looking at a woman with lustful intent is already adultery in the heart Thoughts are not important Adultery applies only to women

Jesus did not come to facilitate divorce, but to raise the standard of fidelity. It is not enough to avoid the physical act; we must guard our thoughts and eyes.

Who commits adultery by marrying again after illegitimate divorce?

No one, if the love is true Only the spouse who asked for the divorce Whoever divorces without biblical grounds and marries again The Bible does not speak of this

Divorce Is Not Mandatory

If the spouse is unfaithful, is divorce mandatory?

Yes, infidelity always requires divorce No, forgiveness and reconciliation are possible It depends on how many times they were unfaithful The victim has no choice

The example of Hosea and Gomer shows that even infidelity can be forgiven and the marriage restored. Divorce is permitted in case of adultery, but not mandatory. Forgiveness and reconciliation are always preferable when possible.

“If both submit to Christ, they can be reconciled. Christ delights to give victory to souls in need. Though the sins seem insurmountable, He can remove them.” — Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home, p. 345

And Now?

Principles about divorce:

The ideal is permanence: Work tirelessly to preserve your marriage.
Divorce is a concession, not God’s desire: He hates divorce, but allows it in extreme cases.
The only biblical exception is sexual infidelity: Other reasons are not legitimate grounds.
Forgiveness is always an option: Even after betrayal, reconciliation can be pursued.
Seek help: Pastors, counselors, and Christian therapists can help.

I accept the biblical teaching that marriage should be permanent and that divorce is not part of God’s original plan. If I face marital difficulties, I will seek reconciliation, forgiveness, and professional help before considering divorce as a last resort.

4) Divorce in the Bible