Biblical Answer

The Biblical Teaching on Divorce

The Bible teaches that God's original intent for marriage was permanence and unity between a man and a woman (Matt. 19:4-6). This teaching is reiterated by Jesus, who stated that divorce is not allowed except in cases of unchastity (Mt 5:31-32; 19:3-9). The Pharisees, who sought to justify divorce, were met with Jesus' stern rebuke, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the lifelong commitment of marriage.

The Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, divorce was explicitly forbidden in some cases (Deut 22:13-21, 28-30). However, Moses recognized that the ideal of lifelong commitment was not always met, and thus set up restrictions and safeguards to prevent divorce. Jesus and Paul continued this teaching, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the marriage bond. Paul affirms the main point of Jesus' teaching on divorce and remarriage, stating that divorce is forbidden, and remarriage after divorce is not allowed (Rom 7:2-3).

The New Testament Teaching

In the New Testament, Jesus and Paul reiterate the importance of maintaining the marriage bond. Jesus taught that divorce is not allowed except in cases of unchastity, and that remarriage after divorce is not allowed (Mt 5:31-32; 19:3-9). Paul affirms this teaching, stating that Christians may accept divorce if initiated by an unbelieving spouse, but God never allows Christians to initiate divorce themselves (1 Cor 7:10-11). The Bible makes it clear that God opposes divorce very strongly, viewing it as a form of violence (Mal 2:16). Therefore, Christians are called to maintain the lifelong commitment of marriage, even in the face of difficult circumstances.