Short Answer: The Bible presents marriage as a lifelong covenant and treats divorce as a tragic result of sin, yet Scripture gives limited situations where separation and remarriage may be permitted, so believers should pursue reconciliation when possible and seek wise, biblical counsel when it isn’t.
Long Answer: The Bible presents marriage as a lifelong covenant and treats divorce as a tragic result of sin, yet Scripture gives limited situations where separation and remarriage may be permitted, so believers should pursue reconciliation when possible and seek wise, biblical counsel when it isn’t.
Divorce is painful, and the Bible does not treat it lightly. At the same time, Scripture speaks with both truth and mercy. To honor God and protect people, we need to start with God’s design and then consider the specific exceptions Scripture addresses.
God’s design for marriage
From creation, marriage is a covenant union meant to be lifelong: “the two shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Jesus reaffirms this and says what God joins, humans should not separate (Matthew 19:4–6). God’s heart is for faithfulness, forgiveness, and perseverance.
Why divorce happens
Jesus explains that divorce was permitted in Israel’s law “because of your hardness of heart” (Matthew 19:8). That doesn’t mean God celebrates divorce; it means God made provisions in a broken world.
When does the Bible permit divorce?
Christians have wrestled with the “grounds” question for centuries, but two situations are most commonly recognized from Scripture.
1) Sexual immorality
Jesus speaks of an exception related to sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9; see also Matthew 5:32). Sexual unfaithfulness violates the one-flesh covenant in a profound way. Even here, forgiveness and reconciliation can be possible when there is repentance, but Scripture recognizes the gravity of betrayal and permits divorce in this circumstance.
2) Abandonment by an unbelieving spouse
Paul addresses cases where an unbelieving spouse leaves: “If the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so… the brother or sister is not enslaved” (1 Corinthians 7:15). The passage assumes the believer is willing to remain married, but the other spouse refuses. Many Christians understand this as a legitimate ground for divorce, and often for remarriage, because the covenant has been effectively broken by abandonment.
When is remarriage allowed biblically?
Remarriage is where questions become even more sensitive. Jesus warns that divorcing without legitimate grounds and marrying another can amount to adultery (Matthew 19:9). That means we should never treat divorce as a casual “reset button.”
In cases where Scripture permits divorce (sexual immorality or abandonment), many Christians believe remarriage is permitted. Others encourage extreme caution and emphasize reconciliation if it remains possible. In every case, the church should respond with both biblical conviction and pastoral care.
What about abuse?
Scripture is clear that God hates oppression and calls his people to protect the vulnerable. Abuse is sin and should never be minimized. Many churches encourage immediate separation for safety and involve authorities where needed (Romans 13:1–4). Christians debate how abuse fits into the categories of “abandonment” or covenant-breaking, but a wise and biblical approach always prioritizes protection, truth, and accountability.
What to do next
- If you are in danger, seek safety immediately and involve appropriate help and authorities.
- If you are considering divorce, don’t walk alone—seek counsel from mature church leaders who will open Scripture with you.
- Pursue reconciliation where repentance and safety make it possible.
- If you are divorced, don’t give in to despair. Bring your story to Jesus, seek healing, and take steps of obedience from where you are now (1 John 1:9).
God’s design is faithful marriage, but God’s grace is real for broken stories. The goal is not simply “rules,” but holiness, protection, and redemption.
Key Scriptures: Gen 2:24; Matt 19:4–9; Matt 5:31–32; 1 Cor 7:10–16; Mal 2:14–16; Rom 13:1–4; 1 John 1:9