Divorce is not a topic that anyone should want to dwell on but it is an unfortunate reality. If people are involved in something then it is going to messy and broken at times. Marriage is no different. This post will focus on the topic of divorce from a biblical perspective. It will give 3 reasons for divorce as found in the bible.

So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Matthew 19:6 ESV

Marriage God’s Way

Marriage is both a religious contract as well as a civil contract. When I got married to my wife we had a preacher marry us in the church before God and family. We also filed for a marriage certificate at the county government office. For this article we will focus only on the marriage as prescribed by God and before God in the church. NOTE: Marriage is a net benefit to society for building up families and reducing the need of social services. Government recognized marriage as prescribed by the church is required for any healthy and functioning society.

3 Biblical Reasons for Divorce

Divorce Reason 1: Sexual Immorality

What are 3 reasons for divorce in the Bible? Technically there is only one reason explicitly listed. It is found in Matthew Chapter 19 when the Pharisees challenged Jesus about divorce trying to trap him.

And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” Matthew 19:9 ESV

An unfaithful spouse is grounds for divorce and in practical terms this is mostly likely the most common reason.

Divorce Reason 2: Married to an Unbeliever

A second of 3 reasons for divorce in the Bible is when the two people are unequal in their salvation. For the sake of peace that if the unbeliever wants to leave then the Christian should let them go.

To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. ¹³ If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. 1 Corinthians 7:12-13 ESV

If I am married and I become a Christian being born again and my life is radically altered to such an extent that my wife no longer likes who I am Paul writes that she is free to divorce. However, that would be her choice not mine in this situation. My goal would be to stay with her and love her all the more.

Divorce Reason 3: Never Marry Again

A third of 3 reasons for divorce in the Bible is separation in general for whatever reason but it comes with a major catch. One can leave their spouse and divorce but and this is a big one to remain blameless before God regarding marriage you can’t remarry or continue a relationship with anyone else.

To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband ¹¹ (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 ESV

Bonus Reason: Abuse

I will provide one other bonus reason for divorce that is not mentioned in the Bible but needs to be spoken plainly. Abuse. I am talking about physical or mental abuse that is dangerous to live under. If you are in an abusive relationship, seek council and separation from the situation.

A Marriage Follow Up

These 3 reasons for divorce in the Bible get a surprising response from the disciples and kind of make me laugh as I imagine them reacting to Jesus when he gives so few reasons for divorce.

¹¹ But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. Matthew 19:11 ESV

The Christian standard for marriage is so high and so challenging that the disciples living in a pre Christian society realized that once married there is no escape hatch. This is a standard that Jesus is asking of his followers. I have been married for more than 20 years and it has been a blessing to my life because my Wife and I are on the same page spiritually. However I was raised in a divorced home so I understand the pain and difficulties of marriage when both partners are not on the same page.

¹¹ But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. Matthew 19:11 ESV

The Christian Ethic

Jesus responds to the disciples that his standards for marriage are not for everyone. This is why in the 3 reasons for divorce in the Bible discussed above one of the reasons is when an unbeliever wants to walk away.

If you are reading this because you are considering divorce turn to Christ and seek his will for your life. Maybe you qualify for one of these reasons. Or maybe you need to trust Jesus for your future and let him fix what is broken.