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Lifestyle

What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?

The Bible takes marriage seriously and divorce seriously. Jesus tightened the divorce laws of His day while acknowledging that Moses had permitted divorce because of human hardness of heart. Scripture identifies limited grounds for divorce while affirming God's design for lifelong covenant marriage.

Key Question

What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage?

Evidence

Key Scriptures (ESV)

Matthew 19:6

“So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Matthew 19:9

“And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”

Scholar Insights

TK
Tim Keller
“The church must hold two things together: a high view of marriage as a covenant that should not be broken lightly, and deep compassion for those whose marriages have broken down.”
MW
Mike Winger
“The exception clauses in Matthew 5 and 19 are real exceptions — Jesus is not saying divorce is ideal, but He is acknowledging that in a fallen world, there are circumstances where it is permitted.”
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Greg Laurie
“If you are divorced, God is not finished with you. The Bible is full of people with broken pasts whom God used powerfully. His grace is greater than your worst failure.”