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where in the bible does it talk about divorce

The Bible talks about divorce in several key passages, especially in Deuteronomy, the prophets (Malachi), the teachings of Jesus (the Gospels), and Paul’s letters (1 Corinthians).

Main Bible Passages

  • Deuteronomy 24:1–4 – The Old Testament law that regulates giving a “certificate of divorce” and remarriage after divorce.
  • Malachi 2:14–16 – God confronts men who are treacherously divorcing their wives and says He “hates divorce,” emphasizing marriage as a covenant before God.
  • Matthew 5:31–32 – Jesus says that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
  • Matthew 19:3–9 – Jesus is questioned about divorce and points back to creation (“the two will become one flesh”), then allows an exception for sexual immorality but stresses that divorce was permitted because of hardness of heart, not God’s original design.
  • Mark 10:2–12 – Parallel teaching to Matthew 19, with strong words against divorcing and remarrying as adultery, again grounding marriage in God’s creation design.
  • Luke 16:18 – A concise statement: whoever divorces and remarries commits adultery, and whoever marries a divorced person commits adultery.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:10–15 – Paul repeats the Lord’s command that a wife should not separate from her husband and a husband should not divorce his wife, but adds that if an unbelieving spouse leaves, the believing spouse is “not bound” in such circumstances.

How These Passages Are Often Understood

  • Many Christian teachers say Scripture clearly allows divorce when there is sexual immorality (porneiaporneiaporneia) and when an unbelieving spouse abandons the marriage.
  • At the same time, the Bible portrays marriage as a covenant meant for lifelong faithfulness and treats divorce as a serious, painful last resort rather than something casual.

If You’re Asking For Personal Reasons

  • Many pastors and Christian counselors encourage anyone facing divorce, abuse, or deep marital crisis to seek wise, safe counsel (trusted church leaders, licensed counselors, and, if there is danger, legal protection).
  • Different churches apply these passages differently, especially around situations like abuse or serious harm, so it can help to talk with leaders who handle both biblical teaching and safety with care.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.