Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5650 Human relationships  »  5675 divorce  »  5677 divorce, amongst believers

Jesus Christ challenged the liberal approach to divorce taken by some rabbis of his day, and upheld the idea of marriage as a lifelong commitment. Remarriage after divorce is generally classed as adultery and, where possible, divorced parties should seek reconciliation. There are circumstances, however, where remarriage is permissible.

The liberal attitude to divorce

Matthew 19:3 See also Deuteronomy 21:14; Deuteronomy 24:1

The undesirability of divorce

God's plan for marriage

Matthew 19:4-6 pp Mark 10:6-9 See also Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:15; Ephesians 5:31

Divorce is permitted because of human sinfulness

Matthew 19:8 pp Mark 10:5

Christians should not seek divorce

1 Corinthians 7:10 This command, echoing Jesus Christ's words, applies where both parties are believers. See also 1 Corinthians 7:12-14

Remarriage after divorce

Believers should seek reconciliation

1 Corinthians 7:11 See also Deuteronomy 24:2-4 Marriage to another after divorce prevents reconciliation.

Remarriage after divorce is classed as adultery

Luke 16:18 pp Mark 10:11-12 This is a general rule, though there may be exceptions (see below). See also Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7:39

Remarriage may be permissible

1 Corinthians 7:27-28 “unmarried” means literally “freed from a wife” and thus may be applied to those widowed or properly divorced. It is no sin for them to (re)marry.

Possible grounds for divorce and remarriage

Matthew 19:9; 1 Corinthians 7:15 See also Jeremiah 3:8 God divorced Israel because of her adultery; Matthew 1:18-19; Matthew 5:32

See also

6242  adultery
6658  freedom
6718  reconciliation, believers