12 Bible Verses About Grounds For Divorce

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about grounds for divorce

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about grounds for divorce:

1. 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.”
2. 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.”
3. Mark 10:11-12 – “And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.”
4. 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.”
5. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 – “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.”
6. 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.”

7. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 – “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. And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife. And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; 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.”

8. Matthew 19:3-9 – “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? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 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.”

9. Romans 7:2-3 – “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. 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.”

10. 1 Corinthians 7:12-13 – “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. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.”

11. 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.”

12. 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.”

What does the bible say about grounds for divorce?

The Bible acknowledges that divorce is a painful and difficult process, but provides some guidance on when it may be permissible.

Adultery is often cited as a valid reason for divorce, as it breaks the covenant of marriage.

Additionally, abandonment by a non-believing spouse is seen as grounds for divorce.

The Bible also recognizes that in some cases, divorce may be necessary to protect individuals from physical or emotional harm.

Ultimately, the Bible encourages reconciliation and forgiveness in marriage, but acknowledges that there are circumstances where divorce may be necessary.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about grounds for divorce?

1. Matthew 19 – This chapter includes Jesus’ teachings on divorce and remarriage, specifically addressing the grounds for divorce. It is relevant because it provides insight into the biblical perspective on divorce and the conditions under which it may be permissible.

2. 1 Corinthians 7 – This chapter discusses marriage and divorce in the context of Christian relationships. It addresses issues such as separation, divorce, and remarriage, providing guidance for believers facing marital difficulties.

3. Malachi 2 – This chapter condemns divorce and the breaking of marital covenants, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and commitment in marriage. It highlights the seriousness of divorce and its impact on individuals and families.

By reading these chapters, individuals can gain a better understanding of the biblical principles surrounding divorce and the grounds for dissolution of marriage according to Christian teachings. It provides guidance and wisdom for those facing marital challenges and seeking clarity on the topic of divorce.

Ideas and concepts related to grounds for divorce that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

In the Bible, the concept of marriage is considered sacred and divorce is generally discouraged. However, there are some instances where divorce is permitted, known as grounds for divorce.

One related concept in the Bible is adultery, which is often cited as a valid reason for divorce. Adultery is seen as a violation of the marriage covenant and a betrayal of trust, making it a legitimate reason for ending a marriage.

Another related concept is abuse, whether physical, emotional, or verbal. The Bible teaches that spouses should love and respect each other, and abuse goes against this principle. In cases of abuse, divorce may be necessary to protect the victim and ensure their safety.

Additionally, abandonment is another concept that is discussed in the Bible in relation to divorce. If a spouse abandons their partner and refuses to fulfill their marital duties, divorce may be considered a valid option.

Overall, the Bible emphasizes the importance of marriage and the commitment that comes with it. However, it also recognizes that there are circumstances where divorce may be necessary for the well-being of individuals involved. Ultimately, the decision to divorce should be made prayerfully and with careful consideration of biblical principles.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.