The Bible establishes marriage as a permanent covenant designed by God, with Genesis 2:18 describing woman as man’s suitable companion and Matthew 19:6 affirming their union as indivisible. Jesus taught that marriage reflects divine faithfulness, yet Scripture permits divorce in specific cases: sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32, 19:9) and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15). While divorce grieves God’s original design, the Bible prioritizes reconciliation when safely possible and recognizes remarriage after biblically justified divorce. Understanding these principles and their pastoral application offers guidance for those facing difficult marital decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Marriage is God’s sacred design for permanent union between man and woman, reflecting Christ’s covenant with the Church.
- Jesus teaches marriage should be indivisible, emphasizing lifelong commitment as God’s original intention for all unions.
- Divorce is permitted for sexual immorality or abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, though reconciliation is always preferred.
- Severe abuse may justify separation or divorce to ensure safety, with divorce remaining a last resort option.
- Remarriage after biblically justified divorce is acceptable, but restoration and reconciliation should be pursued when safely possible.
God’s Original Design for Marriage and Why Divorce Grieves Him
From the opening chapters of Genesis, the Bible presents marriage not as a human invention or social custom, but as a divine institution established by God himself. In Genesis 2:18, God declares it is not good for man to be alone, creating woman as a suitable companion. Beginners often start with the Gospels to understand Jesus’ identity and message.
The two become “one flesh,” forming an exclusive, permanent bond that Jesus later affirmed in Matthew 19:6, stating that what God joins together should not be separated. This covenant relationship mirrors God’s faithfulness to His people and symbolizes Christ’s union with the Church, as described in Ephesians 5:31-32.
Divorce grieves God because it breaks this sacred design, disrupting the companionship, unity, and reflection of divine covenant He intended from creation. When Jesus was questioned by the Pharisees about divorce, He referenced Genesis to affirm God’s original design for marriage as permanent and indivisible. Deviations from God’s design such as divorce and promiscuity weaken families and society, leading to both family destruction and broader societal harm.
When Does the Bible Permit Divorce and Remarriage?
While God’s design for marriage is permanent and lifelong, the Bible acknowledges that human brokenness sometimes makes divorce unavoidable. The Catholic Bible includes deuterocanonical books that are part of its 73-book canon.
Jesus identified sexual immorality as explicit grounds for divorce in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9, recognizing that adultery breaks marital trust at its foundation.
The apostle Paul added another exception in 1 Corinthians 7:15, permitting divorce when an unbelieving spouse abandons the marriage through physical or emotional desertion.
Though not explicitly named in Scripture, many theologians also recognize severe abuse as violating biblical commands for love and protection within marriage, potentially justifying separation or divorce.
In cases of physical or emotional abuse, separation may be necessary to protect oneself and children, with the ideal goal being repentance and restoration rather than immediate divorce.
Even when these grounds exist, divorce remains a last resort.
The Bible prioritizes confession, forgiveness, and restoration, viewing remarriage after permissible divorce as acceptable but encouraging reconciliation whenever safely possible.
Seeking wise counsel and prayer can help discern whether circumstances warrant divorce or if the marriage can be restored.
