The prohibition of divorce is a significant theme in the biblical narrative, reflecting the sanctity and permanence of the marriage covenant as ordained by God. This topic is addressed in both the Old and New Testaments, with a particular emphasis on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, marriage is established as a divine institution, beginning with the creation of man and woman. Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This foundational verse underscores the unity and indissolubility of the marital bond.

The Mosaic Law does address divorce, but it is presented as a concession to human weakness rather than an ideal. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 outlines regulations for divorce, allowing a man to write a certificate of divorce if he finds something indecent about his wife. However, this provision is not an endorsement of divorce but rather a means to regulate and mitigate its consequences.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament provides a more explicit prohibition of divorce, particularly through the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses the issue directly. Matthew 19:3-9 records a dialogue between Jesus and the Pharisees, where they question Him about the lawfulness of divorce. Jesus responds by reaffirming the Genesis account of marriage, emphasizing that "what God has joined together, let man not separate" (Matthew 19:6).

Jesus acknowledges the Mosaic concession due to the hardness of human hearts but elevates the standard by declaring, "I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery" (Matthew 19:9). This statement underscores the seriousness of the marriage covenant and limits the grounds for divorce to cases of sexual immorality.

The Gospel of Mark also records Jesus' teaching on this matter. In Mark 10:11-12 , Jesus states, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery." This passage highlights the mutual responsibility of both spouses to uphold the marriage covenant.

Apostolic Teachings

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the prohibition of divorce in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 , Paul writes, "To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife." Paul's instruction reflects the teachings of Jesus and emphasizes reconciliation and the maintenance of the marital bond.

In Ephesians 5:31-32 , Paul draws a parallel between the marriage relationship and the relationship between Christ and the Church, further underscoring the sacredness and permanence of marriage: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church."

Conclusion

The biblical prohibition of divorce is rooted in the understanding of marriage as a divine covenant that reflects God's unbreakable commitment to His people. While allowances for divorce exist due to human frailty, the overarching biblical narrative calls believers to uphold the sanctity and permanence of marriage, reflecting the faithfulness and love of God.