Selah · Answered from Scripture
What does the Bible say about divorce?
Ask your own question — Selah →What Scripture says
I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery.”
Matthew 19:9
He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife, and marries another, commits adultery against her.
Mark 10:11
Everyone who divorces his wife, and marries another, commits adultery. He who marries one who is divorced from a husband commits adultery.
Luke 16:18
For I hate divorce”, says Yahweh, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with violence!” says Yahweh of Armies. “Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you don’t deal treacherously.
Malachi 2:16
He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it has not been so.
Matthew 19:8
Verses quoted from the World English Bible (public domain).
A reflection
The Bible presents a serious view of divorce, emphasizing that it is generally not in God's design for marriage. In the Gospels, Jesus emphasizes that divorce is only permissible for reasons of sexual immorality, pointing to the sanctity of marriage as a covenant (Matthew 19:9, Mark 10:11, Luke 16:18). Malachi 2:16 highlights God's disdain for divorce, indicating its consequences for interpersonal relationships and spiritual fidelity.
This reflection was written by AI from the verses above. The verses are quoted verbatim; the AI never writes Scripture.
Where traditions read it
- Catholic
- The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is a sacrament that cannot be dissolved; divorce is not recognized, although annulments may be granted in certain circumstances.
- Protestant
- Many Protestant denominations view divorce as permissible in cases of infidelity or abandonment, emphasizing God's grace and the importance of reconciliation.
- Orthodox
- The Orthodox Church allows for divorce under certain conditions, emphasizing pastoral care and the possibility of remarriage under the guidance of a priest.
Ask your own question
Selah answers in your own words, from Scripture first — every verse quoted, never invented. Reading the Bible is always free.
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