Divorce On Bible

The concept of divorce is a complex and sensitive topic that has been debated and discussed by scholars, theologians, and the general public for centuries. In the context of the Bible, divorce is addressed in both the Old and New Testaments, with various scriptures providing guidance and insight into the institution of marriage and the dissolution of it. The Bible's teachings on divorce are multifaceted and nuanced, reflecting the cultural, historical, and theological contexts in which they were written.

Old Testament Teachings on Divorce

In the Old Testament, divorce is first mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy (24:1-4), where it is permitted under certain circumstances. According to this passage, if a man marries a woman and later finds her displeasing, he can write her a certificate of divorce and send her away. However, the passage also emphasizes the importance of treating the divorced woman with respect and dignity, and prohibits the husband from remarrying her if she has been married to another man in the interim. This regulation suggests that the ancient Israelites recognized the reality of divorce, but also sought to mitigate its negative consequences and protect the rights of all parties involved.

Grounds for Divorce in the Old Testament

The Old Testament provides several grounds for divorce, including adultery (Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22), abandonment (Exodus 21:10-11), and neglect or mistreatment (Exodus 21:10-11). Additionally, the practice of divorce was often associated with the concept of “uncleanness” or “defilement,” which could refer to a range of issues, including sexual immorality, idolatry, or other forms of covenant unfaithfulness (Leviticus 18:6-30, Deuteronomy 22:13-21). It is worth noting that these grounds for divorce were not necessarily uniform or consistently applied throughout the Old Testament period, and the biblical texts often reflect the complexities and challenges of implementing these regulations in real-life situations.

New Testament Teachings on Divorce

In the New Testament, the teachings on divorce are centered primarily in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, as well as the writings of the Apostle Paul. According to Jesus’ teachings, divorce is only permissible in cases of adultery or “porneia” (Matthew 5:31-32, 19:3-12, Mark 10:2-12, Luke 16:18). The Greek term “porneia” is often translated as “fornication” or “sexual immorality,” and refers to a range of extramarital sexual activities. Jesus’ emphasis on the indissolubility of marriage and the prohibition of divorce except in cases of adultery reflects his concern to uphold the original intention of God for marriage, as expressed in Genesis 2:24 and reaffirmed in Matthew 19:4-6.

Pauline Teachings on Divorce

The Apostle Paul’s teachings on divorce are found primarily in 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, where he addresses the issue of mixed marriages between believers and unbelievers. According to Paul, if an unbelieving spouse is willing to remain in the marriage, the believer should not seek a divorce. However, if the unbelieving spouse initiates a divorce, the believer is not bound to the marriage. Paul’s emphasis on the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the marriage, even in difficult circumstances, reflects his concern to promote the well-being and witness of the Christian community.

• Jesus' teachings on divorce: Divorce is only permissible in cases of adultery or "porneia" (Matthew 5:31-32, 19:3-12, Mark 10:2-12, Luke 16:18)
• Paul's teachings on divorce: If an unbelieving spouse is willing to remain in the marriage, the believer should not seek a divorce (1 Corinthians 7:10-16)