Biblical Answer

The Bible teaches that divorce is forbidden, and remarriage after divorce is not allowed, except in cases where the other spouse has initiated the divorce. This is based on Jesus' teachings in Matthew 19:3-9, where he quotes Genesis 2:24 and affirms that marriage is a lifelong covenant. The Pharisees asked Jesus about divorce, citing Deuteronomy 24:1-4, but Jesus replied that Moses allowed divorce because of the hardness of human hearts, not because it was God's original intent. In Matthew 5:31-32, Jesus also teaches that divorce and remarriage is adultery.

In 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, Paul affirms Jesus' teaching on divorce and remarriage, stating that Christians may not initiate divorce, but may accept a divorce initiated by an unbelieving spouse. Paul also notes that if a Christian is married to an unbelieving spouse who leaves, the Christian is not bound to pursue reconciliation. However, if the unbelieving spouse remains, the Christian is not free to divorce them. Paul's teaching on divorce is not a blanket prohibition, but rather a recognition of the complexities of human relationships.

The Bible's teachings on divorce are rooted in its understanding of marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 assumes that divorce has already taken place, and Moses regulates the consequences of divorce, rather than commanding it. Malachi 2:16 notes that God hates divorce, seeing it as a form of violence. Jesus' teachings on divorce and remarriage emphasize the importance of fidelity and commitment in marriage, and the consequences of breaking that commitment. Ultimately, the Bible teaches that divorce is a tragic and difficult option, but one that may be necessary in certain circumstances.