Today we will talk about bible verses on divorce. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through Gods word. Divorce touches deep places in our hearts, our families, and our churches. As we read, let us come together gently, ready to learn, to be encouraged, and to feel God near us in the pain and the questions. We will look at what the Bible teaches, why God values marriage, what causes and consequences are mentioned, and how healing and hope are offered. Let us keep our minds open and our hands ready to help one another as we study these bible verses on divorce.
bible verses on divorce
Key Verse
We begin with a verse that many consider central to the discussion of divorce and remarriage. As we look at this, let us hold it gently and allow it to guide our thinking about what God’s heart is toward marriage and brokenness.
Matthew 19:9
“And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” – Matthew 19:9
bible verses on divorce
Gods Design for Marriage
We believe that God made marriage with purpose and care, and when we study bible verses on divorce we see the foundation he set for the union of husband and wife. We come to these scriptures not to judge, but to understand how marriage was meant to work, how two lives are meant to become one, and why separation touches the heart of God. In our reading we remember that marriage is more than a contract; it is a joining that calls for commitment, mutual respect, and sacrificial love. The Bible shows that from the start God intended marriage to be a strong, lasting bond. We learn that leaving that bond is not something to take lightly. As a community, we want to hold marriage up as sacred while also offering compassion to those who suffer within broken relationships. These bible verses on divorce help us see God’s design and invite us to live toward that design, not out of fear, but out of hope for what God intended for us and for our families. Let us read and reflect together, letting these verses teach and shape how we care for marriages and how we care for those in pain.
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24
Matthew 19:4
“And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,” – Matthew 19:4
Mark 10:6
“But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.” – Mark 10:6
Ephesians 5:31
“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.” – Ephesians 5:31
Matthew 19:6
“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” – Matthew 19:6
bible verses on divorce
Old Testament Laws and Divorce
When we study bible verses on divorce from the Old Testament, we see that God gave specific laws and guidance for life in a fallen world. We read these passages and understand the cultural and legal steps that were taken, and we ask how those laws pointed people toward justice, dignity, and care. We approach these texts as a community seeking wisdom: we want to know what God required under the law, and how those rules sought to protect those who might otherwise be treated unjustly. These Bible passages do not always read the same way in every age, but they help us see the seriousness of marriage and the protections the law tried to provide for women and families. As we reflect on these bible verses on divorce, we remember that God’s heart called for fairness and respect even within a world marked by sin. We use these Old Testament words to help shape our compassion, so that we honor God’s instructions while also reaching out to help those who have been hurt by broken marriages.
Deuteronomy 24:1
“When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.” – Deuteronomy 24:1
Deuteronomy 24:4
“Then her husband that is after her shall not take her again to be his wife, neither shall he that took her take her again to be his wife: for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.” – Deuteronomy 24:4
Malachi 2:16
“For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.” – Malachi 2:16
Malachi 2:14
“Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.” – Malachi 2:14
Exodus 20:14
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” – Exodus 20:14
bible verses on divorce
Jesus Teaching on Divorce
We look together at the bible verses on divorce where Jesus speaks plainly about marriage and separation. When Jesus taught, he focused on the heart and on God’s original plan. We come to his words ready to be corrected and comforted because Jesus shows both compassion and truth. In the Gospels, he answers questions, corrects misunderstandings, and points us back to God’s design. As a group, we notice how Jesus values the commitments people make and how he cares for the vulnerable. These teachings call us to humility and to directing our lives toward faithfulness. Reading these bible verses on divorce helps us to recognize how seriously Jesus takes the promises of marriage, and yet how he also recognizes the wounds of sin. We let his words shape our love for one another, giving us courage to help marriages heal and to support those who are hurting.
Matthew 5:31
“It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:” – Matthew 5:31
Matthew 5:32
“But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” – Matthew 5:32
Matthew 19:3
“The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” – Matthew 19:3
Mark 10:2
“And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?” – Mark 10:2
Mark 10:11
“And he said unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.” – Mark 10:11
bible verses on divorce
Paul’s Guidance for Married Believers
When we read the bible verses on divorce written by Paul, we find pastoral care and practical instruction. Paul wrote to churches filled with real people facing real struggles, and his words show concern for believers married to unbelievers, for those who separate, and for how the church should respond. We read these verses together and hear Paul telling us to honor marriage vows, to seek peace, and to keep faith at the center of decisions. He also offers clarity for situations where one partner walks away. As a community, we want to listen to Paul’s balance of truth and mercy. These passages help us know when to hold on, when to let go, and how to live with hope. We let these bible verses on divorce guide our actions so we can support marriages to the best of our ability and care gently for those who are wounded.
1 Corinthians 7:10
“And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband.” – 1 Corinthians 7:10
1 Corinthians 7:11
“But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.” – 1 Corinthians 7:11
1 Corinthians 7:12
“But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.” – 1 Corinthians 7:12
1 Corinthians 7:13
“And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.” – 1 Corinthians 7:13
1 Corinthians 7:15
“But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.” – 1 Corinthians 7:15
bible verses on divorce
Marriage, Adultery, and Faithfulness
As we study bible verses on divorce that speak to adultery and faithfulness, we understand why marital unfaithfulness is treated so seriously. Adultery breaks trust, wounds families, and goes against God’s command for faithfulness. We look at these verses together with tender hearts, remembering that God hates harm done to others and calls us to live honestly. These Scriptures teach us why some separations happen, how sin damages relationships, and why reconciliation is often hard but sometimes possible. We want to use these bible verses on divorce as a call to protect our vows and to guard our hearts. We also want to respond with compassion to those who have been hurt, offering wise counsel and prayer. Let these verses encourage us to choose faithfulness and to help others find healing when trust has been broken.
Proverbs 5:18
“Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.” – Proverbs 5:18
Proverbs 6:32
“But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.” – Proverbs 6:32
Exodus 20:14
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” – Exodus 20:14
Jeremiah 3:8
“And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Juda feared not, but went and played the harlot also.” – Jeremiah 3:8
Matthew 5:32
“But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” – Matthew 5:32
bible verses on divorce
Remarriage, Law, and Boundaries
Together we can examine the bible verses on divorce that address remarriage and the legal or moral boundaries around it. The Bible discusses when a marriage bond remains, when it is broken, and how remarriage might be viewed. These passages can be hard to read because they touch on deep losses and moral questions. As a caring community, we want to learn how Scripture guides us while staying mindful of peoples pain and complexity of real lives. These verses help us see where God drew lines to protect marriage, and where freedom is given in certain situations. We will not use these texts to condemn, but to understand the boundaries God set and to apply them with love and wisdom. In doing so, we hope to bring clarity and comfort to those who worry about what is right before God after a painful separation.
Romans 7:1
“Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?” – Romans 7:1
Romans 7:2
“For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.” – Romans 7:2
Romans 7:3
“So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.” – Romans 7:3
1 Corinthians 7:39
“The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 7:39
Matthew 19:9
“And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” – Matthew 19:9
bible verses on divorce
Protecting the Innocent and the Family
We care about people who are hurt by divorce, and the Bible offers guidance to protect the innocent—the children, the faithful spouse, and those left vulnerable. When we read bible verses on divorce that speak to protection, we are reminded to show kindness, provide care, and seek justice. The Scriptures call us to support families, to honor the home as a place of safety, and to act in ways that do not bring more harm. As a group, we think about how these verses should shape our church’s response to divorce: offering shelter, listening without judgment, and helping with practical needs. These bible verses on divorce help us remember that God is near to the brokenhearted, and he calls us to be near as well. We want to bring God’s peace into the aftermath of separation so that healing can begin for all involved.
1 Corinthians 7:14
“For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.” – 1 Corinthians 7:14
1 Corinthians 7:15
“But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.” – 1 Corinthians 7:15
Psalm 34:18
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Psalm 128:3
“Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.” – Psalm 128:3
Proverbs 12:4
“A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.” – Proverbs 12:4
bible verses on divorce
Reconciliation and Restoring Relationships
When we read bible verses on divorce about reconciliation, our hearts lift because God offers hope for mending what is broken. Scripture tells stories of returning, of forgiveness, and of second chances. As a community, we want to hold onto that hope while also acknowledging that some wounds run very deep. We read these verses to learn how to move toward one another with humility, to ask for forgiveness, and to seek reconciliation when it is safe and wise to do so. These scriptures call us to love in ways that cover faults and to work for restoration through honest repentance and changed behavior. We will not pretend reconciliation is always possible, but we will always point people to God’s heart for making things new. These bible verses on divorce remind us that God can tenderly restore, and that we should be agents of that restoration when he leads.
Luke 15:20
“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” – Luke 15:20
1 Peter 4:8
“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
Jeremiah 31:3
“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” – Jeremiah 31:3
Hosea 3:1
“Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine.” – Hosea 3:1
bible verses on divorce
The Heart of Marriage and Everyday Faithfulness
We turn to bible verses on divorce that teach us about daily faithfulness and how the small, steady choices protect marriage. These Scriptures remind us that marriage is built in everyday life: in kindness, in patience, and in honoring one another. As a community, we want to encourage each other to nurture those habits that keep love strong and to be honest about the ways we fail. The Bible gives practical directions for husbands and wives to love and serve, and when we follow them we help avoid the slow drift toward separation. These verses are not meant to shame, but to guide us toward healthy patterns that grow trust. We hold these passages close and ask God to help us live them out, so that the marriages among us reflect his faithful love.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” – Ephesians 5:25
Colossians 3:18
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.” – Colossians 3:18
1 Peter 3:7
“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” – 1 Peter 3:7
Song of Solomon 8:6
“Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a very vehement flame.” – Song of Solomon 8:6
Matthew 19:6
“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” – Matthew 19:6
bible verses on divorce
Comfort, Hope, and Moving Forward
Finally, we gather these bible verses on divorce to find comfort and hope for the future. We admit that pain is real, but we also know God’s promises are real. These passages remind us that God is near to the brokenhearted, that he can make good come from suffering, and that we are not alone. As a group, we want to encourage each other to trust God’s goodness, to rely on prayer and community, and to look for new ways God can work in our lives after divorce. These Scriptures give us words to say when life is hard, and they point us to steady truths we can hold: God loves us, he works for our good, and he offers peace. Let us carry these promises with gentle faith as we walk forward, helping one another to heal and to hope.
Psalm 34:18
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Philippians 4:6
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” – Philippians 4:6
Romans 12:18
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” – Romans 12:18
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” – Hebrews 13:4
Final Thoughts
I have shared these bible verses on divorce to help us think, pray, and care for one another. We have seen God’s design for marriage, rules from the law, the teachings of Jesus, and practical counsel from Paul. We read words that warn, guide, comfort, and heal.
We are a community that needs both truth and mercy. Let us hold these passages in our hearts and use them to protect marriage where we can, to bring justice where there has been harm, and to offer care to the broken. We do not judge; we listen and help.
As we go forward, let us pray for wisdom and compassion. Whether we are in a strong marriage, in pain from divorce, or helping someone else, God is with us. Let us be channels of his grace, hope, and healing.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
50 Important bible verses to help with anger and depression (With Explanation)