Introduction
Marriage, as instituted by God, is a sacred covenant that reflects His divine order, love, and unity. From the beginning, God declared that it is “not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18, NKJV), and He joined the first man and woman to become “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). This union is not merely a social contract but a spiritual bond, designed to mirror Christ’s relationship with His Church (Ephesians 5:25–32).
Throughout Scripture, marriage is portrayed as honourable and pure (Hebrews 13:4), a relationship founded on faithfulness, love, and mutual submission under God’s authority. Yet, because of humanity’s fallen nature, sin and hardness of heart have brought pain and separation into this divine institution. For this reason, the Bible also provides clear teaching on divorce—when it is permitted and when it violates God’s original intent.
This study explores the biblical foundation of marriage and identifies the specific scriptural grounds for divorce as revealed in the New Testament. It seeks not to justify separation, but to uphold the holiness of marriage while understanding the compassion and truth of God’s Word in real human situations.
1. God’s design for marriage
- Created and defined by God: “It is not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18); “a man shall leave… be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24; quoted by Jesus in Matthew 19:4–6; also Ephesians 5:31).
- Covenant language: The wife is called “your companion and your wife by covenant” (Malachi 2:14; cf. Proverbs 2:17).
- Honorable and pure: “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4)
- Mutual love and Christ-like pattern: Husbands love sacrificially; wives respect—both under Christ (Ephesians 5:22–33; Colossians 3:18–19; 1 Peter 3:1–7).
- Permanence: “What God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6; Mark 10:9)
2. Examples of marriages in Scripture
- Adam & Eve: Instituting marriage (Genesis 2:18–25).
- Abraham & Sarah: Lifelong covenant amid trials (Genesis 12–23).
- Isaac & Rebekah: Providential guidance (Genesis 24; 26:8).
- Jacob, Leah & Rachel: Complex household—consequences of partiality/deceit (Genesis 29–30).
- Boaz & Ruth: Redeeming, covenant-faithful love (Ruth 3–4).
- Elkanah & Hannah: Devotion and prayer (1 Samuel 1–2).
- Hosea & Gomer: Marital restoration as a sign of God’s faithful love (Hosea 1–3).
- Mary & Joseph: Righteousness and restraint (Matthew 1:18–25).
- Aquila & Priscilla: Ministry partners (Acts 18:2, 26; Romans 16:3).
3. What Scripture says about divorce
A. Old Testament regulation (not command)
- Certificate of divorce (regulation, not ideal): Deuteronomy 24:1–4.
- God’s heart toward divorce: “For the LORD God of Israel says that He hates divorce” (Malachi 2:16; see also 2:14–15 on covenant faithfulness).
B. Jesus’ teaching
- Sermon on the Mount: “Whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery.” (Matthew 5:31–32)
- On Pharisees’ question: “Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:3–9; cf. Mark 10:2–12; Luke 16:18)
- Note: Matthew includes the exception clause (“except for sexual immorality,” Greek porneia). Mark 10:11–12 and Luke 16:18 stress the seriousness of divorce/remarriage without detailing exceptions.
C. Apostolic instruction (Paul)
- General command to stay married; pursuit of peace/reconciliation: 1 Corinthians 7:10–11 (“remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband”).
- Mixed marriages (believer married to an unbeliever): If the unbelieving spouse willingly stays, remain together (1 Corinthians 7:12–14).
If the unbelieving spouse departs, “let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.” (1 Corinthians 7:15) - Widow(er) remarriage: “Free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:39; cf. Romans 7:2–3)
4. Scriptural reasons that allow divorce
A. Sexual immorality (marital unfaithfulness)
- Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9 — divorce is permitted on the grounds of sexual immorality only.
B. Abandonment by an unbelieving spouse (desertion)
- 1 Corinthians 7:15 — If the unbeliever departs, the believer is “not under bondage” in such cases; God calls us to peace. Note that this is not grounds for remarriage.
These are the explicit New Testament grounds. Deuteronomy 24:1–4 regulated divorce under Moses because of hardness of hearts (cf. Matthew 19:7–8), but Jesus re-anchors marriage in creation [but from the beginning it was not so (v9)] and limits grounds as above.
5. Remarriage
- Within the exception: Matthew 19:9 implies remarriage is not adultery where divorce was on the grounds of sexual immorality.
- After desertion by an unbeliever: 1 Corinthians 7:15 says the believer is “not under bondage”; many understand this to allow freedom to remarry, though Paul emphasizes wisdom and peace (see also 1 Corinthians 7:27–28). This is not grounds for remarrying another person (1 Corinthians 7:11; Matthew 19:9).
- If a spouse dies: Freedom to remarry “only in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:39; Romans 7:2–3)
- Otherwise, caution: Luke 16:18; Mark 10:11–12 warn that divorcing and remarrying without biblical grounds results in adultery. 1 Corinthians 7:11 urges either reconciliation or remaining unmarried.
6. Scriptural Guidance for Peace and Reconciliation
- Pursue reconciliation and peace where possible: 1 Corinthians 7:11, 15; Romans 12:18.
- Honor the covenant and guard the heart: Malachi 2:14–16; Proverbs 4:23.
- Seek counsel and restoration: Galatians 6:1–2; James 1:5.
Conclusion
Marriage remains one of God’s most sacred and enduring covenants—established in Eden, affirmed by Christ, and upheld throughout Scripture. God’s heart is for unity, forgiveness, and restoration, not division. He declares that He “hates divorce” (Malachi 2:16, NKJV), not out of cruelty, but because it tears apart what He intended to be a lifelong union of love and faithfulness.
Nevertheless, in His wisdom and mercy, God has provided limited grounds for divorce—i.e., sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9)—recognizing the reality of sin and brokenness in this world. Even then, the believer is called to seek reconciliation and peace wherever possible (1 Corinthians 7:11, 15).
Ultimately, the teaching of Scripture reminds us that marriage is a reflection of Christ’s covenant with His Church. The call to husbands and wives is to walk in love, forgiveness, and mutual submission, knowing that the same grace that sustains our salvation can also heal and strengthen the bonds of marriage. In every situation, God’s Word remains the foundation for truth, hope, and restoration.