How many times is Divorce mentioned in the Bible? (What does the Bible say about Divorce, Biblical references on Divorce + Bible verses about Divorce)

I often fantasize about marriage. The colorful ceremony and being joined with another in Christ happily ever after. However, that may not always be the case. Sometimes, not all marriages last, and couples may opt for a divorce. But what I seek to know is the biblical perspective on Divorce. How many times is Divorce mentioned in the Bible?

In this article, I will dig deep into the Bible’s teaching on Divorce and under what conditions divorce is allowed in Christianity. Read on to find out more.

What does the Bible say about Divorce?

Divorce is strongly discouraged in the Bible unless it is very necessary. According to the scripture, when a man divorces his wife for other reasons other than sexual immorality, he makes her a victim of adultery, and any man who remarries the divorced woman is committing adultery (Matthew 5:31-32). Additionally, we are told that God created male and female and intended for them to be joined together in Him so that the two will no longer be two but will become one in the flesh. It is made clear that what God has joined should not be separated (Mark 10:6-9).

Biblical References of Divorce

Luke 16:18

This verse discourages men from divorcing their wives and marrying other women as this is committing adultery. A man who marries a divorced woman is also committing adultery.

Matthew 19:4-9

In this passage, Jesus explains to the Pharisees that males and women were created to be one and discourages them from divorcing as this leads to adultery. He also explains to them that due to them hardening their hearts, Moses permitted them to divorce, but this was not the way from the beginning.

Jeremiah 3:1

This verse teaches us that if a man divorces his wife and she marries another man, then he cannot take her back again, as this would completely destroy the land. The Lord compares this to Israelites who have sinned and want to return to Him.

Malachi 2:16

This verse warns men against divorcing their wives and compares it to violence against someone a man should protect. Men are urged to remain faithful to their wives.

Matthew 1:18-19

In this passage, we learn that before Joseph and Mary came together, Mary became pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Joseph followed the law faithfully but did not want to disgrace Mary publicly; so he thought of divorcing her quietly.

Matthew 5:31

This verse urges Christians that in case of a divorce, a certificate of Divorce must be issued.

1 Corinthians 7:10-14

This passage teaches us that a wife must not leave her husband, and if she does, she is to remain single or be reconciled with her husband. Husbands are also forbidden from divorcing their wives. We are also told that if a woman marries a non-believer, she should not divorce him. If a man marries a non-believer, he must not divorce her, for a non-believer is made acceptable to God by being united to a believer.

Matthew 10:2

In this verse, the Pharisees ask Jesus whether the law allows a man to divorce his wife.

Leviticus 21:7

This verse tells us that an Aaronite priest is forbidden from marrying a prostitute, a woman who is not a virgin, or a divorced woman, for priests are holy in the Lord.

Numbers 30:9

From this verse, we are taught that a widow or a divorced woman must keep the vows they make.

Leviticus 22:13

This verse instructs that if a priest’s daughter is to be widowed or divorced and has no children and has returned to her father’s house, she may eat the food her father receives as a priest.

When does the Bible allow Divorce?

The Bible permits Divorce when there is a case of infidelity in the marriage. The Bible sets a high value on love and marriage and encourages us to do our best to stay together after being united in marriage. However, there are a few cases where Divorce is allowed in the scripture. We are told that it is wrong for a man to divorce a woman for other reasons other than sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9). From this verse, we learn that Divorce is allowed if the wife is unfaithful to the husband.

The Bible teaches us that if a Christian marries a non-believer, he must not divorce her. However, if the non-believer wishes to leave the Christian partner, let it be so (1 Corinthians 7:12-15). It is also made clear that in case of a divorce, a certificate of Divorce should be issued.

Is Divorce mentioned in the Old Testament?

Divorce is mentioned severally in the Old Testament. We see Divorce in Leviticus when the Aaronite priests are cautioned against marrying divorced women (Leviticus 21:7). Divorce is also mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy. We learn that if a man marries but later divorces and sends her away, then she marries another man who also divorces her, then the first husband is not allowed to marry her again, as this would be offensive to the Lord (Deuteronomy 24:4).

Can you remarry after Divorce, according to the Bible?

The Bible forbids remarrying after Divorce and equates it to adultery. Additionally, if a man is to marry a divorced woman, he is also committing adultery (Matthew 5:32). However, the question of whether or not someone can remarry after a divorce is a matter of interpretation and debate among Christians. Some interpret certain passages to mean that remarriage is permissible, while others interpret the Bible as prohibiting remarriage.

Does God forgive Divorce?

God does forgive Divorce since it is not less forgivable than other sins. The Bible teaches us to repent, and by the blood of Jesus, we are set free, and all our sins are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7). If we repent, all our sins, including Divorce, are forgiven.

Is it a sin for a woman to divorce her husband?

The Bible majorly talks about a man divorcing a woman. However, some verses warn the woman against divorcing her husband. The book of Corinthians teaches that a Christian woman married to a non-believer must not divorce him (1 Corinthians 7:13). This verse implies that it is sinful for a woman to divorce her husband.