The topic of divorce is addressed in several passages throughout the Bible, providing guidance and regulations that have been interpreted and applied in various ways within the Christian tradition. The biblical perspective on divorce is rooted in the understanding of marriage as a covenantal relationship established by God.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the primary passage concerning divorce is found in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. This passage outlines the conditions under which a man may divorce his wife: "If a man marries a woman but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, hand it to her, and send her away from his house" (Deuteronomy 24:1). The certificate of divorce served as a legal document that allowed the woman to remarry. The passage further stipulates that if the woman remarries and her second husband also divorces her or dies, the first husband is not permitted to remarry her.

The Mosaic Law's allowance for divorce was seen as a concession to human weakness and the hardness of heart, rather than an endorsement of divorce as an ideal. This is evident in the broader context of the Old Testament, where marriage is portrayed as a sacred covenant, reflecting God's faithful relationship with His people (Malachi 2:14-16).

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce in the Gospels. In Matthew 19:3-9, the Pharisees question Jesus about the legality of divorce for any reason. Jesus responds by pointing back to the creation narrative, emphasizing the original intent for marriage: "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate" (Matthew 19:4-6).

Jesus acknowledges the Mosaic provision for divorce but attributes it to the hardness of human hearts. He then sets a higher standard, stating, "I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery" (Matthew 19:9). This exception clause, often referred to as the "exception for sexual immorality," has been a focal point of theological discussion regarding permissible grounds for divorce.

The Apostle Paul also addresses divorce in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, Paul provides guidance for married believers, emphasizing reconciliation and the sanctity of marriage. He advises that a wife should not separate from her husband, and a husband should not divorce his wife. However, Paul acknowledges situations where an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave, stating that the believing partner is "not bound in such circumstances" (1 Corinthians 7:15).

Theological and Ethical Considerations

The biblical teachings on divorce underscore the sanctity and permanence of marriage as a divine institution. The allowance for divorce in cases of sexual immorality or abandonment by an unbelieving spouse reflects a balance between upholding the ideal of marriage and addressing the realities of human sinfulness and brokenness.

Throughout church history, these teachings have been interpreted in various ways, with some traditions adopting a more permissive stance on divorce and remarriage, while others maintain a stricter interpretation. The emphasis remains on the call to faithfulness, forgiveness, and the pursuit of reconciliation wherever possible, reflecting the redemptive nature of God's relationship with humanity.