Biblical Answer

The biblical prohibition against adultery is a protective measure, the violation of which brings destruction. Fidelity in marriage promotes the well-being of all in the family: it preserves the integrity of the couple and the crux of the debate. In both Matthew passages on the subject (Mt 5:31-32; 19:3-9); Christ forbids divorce except on the ground of unchastity (rsv). For those who believe there is never any ground for divorce recognize that Jesus words on divorce are more difficult to understand than other teachings of Christ, but some interpreters infer that in instances where adultery has already occurred, the spouse who has not committed adultery is permitted to remarry.

The New Testament scholar, Paul, conveys the main point of the Jesus tradition: divorce and remarriage are sinful. However, Paul does not specify the grounds for divorce, but the biblical prohibition against adultery is a clear example of a ground for divorce. Jesus words on divorce (Matt. 5:3132; compare with Matt. 19:3-12) suggest the dissolution of a marriage due to adultery is a permissible reason for divorce. The absence of a similar exception for other grounds of divorce, such as desertion or addiction, is a point of debate among scholars.

The most serious violation of marriage is adultery, and it is the only ground for divorce explicitly mentioned in the biblical text. The prohibition against divorce is a protective measure that promotes the well-being of all in the family. While some interpreters argue that other grounds for divorce, such as desertion or addiction, may be permissible, the biblical text does not explicitly mention these grounds. Therefore, adultery remains the only clear ground for divorce. The Christian understanding of marriage and divorce is complex, and while some may argue for exceptions, the biblical prohibition against adultery remains the central teaching on the subject.