Today’s question is, “What are biblical grounds for divorce?”
In this video I’ll answer that question from a biblical perspective.
Then afterwards, as always, I’ll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end.
When discussing what the Bible says about divorce, it is important to keep in mind
the words of Malachi 2:16, “I hate divorce, says the Lord God.”
Whatever grounds the Bible possibly gives for divorce, that does not mean God desires a divorce
to occur in those instances. Rather than asking “is such and such a grounds for divorce,” often
the question should be “is such and such grounds for forgiveness, restoration, and/or counseling?”
The Bible gives two clear grounds for divorce: (1) sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32; 19:9) and
(2) abandonment by an unbeliever (1 Corinthians 7:15). Even in these two instances, though,
divorce is not required or even encouraged. The most that can be said is that sexual immorality
and abandonment are grounds (an allowance) for divorce. Confession, forgiveness, reconciliation,
and restoration are always the first steps. Divorce should only be viewed as a last resort.
Are there any grounds for divorce beyond what the Bible explicitly says? Perhaps,
but we do not presume upon the Word of God. It is very dangerous to go beyond what the Bible says
(1 Corinthians 4:6). The most frequent additional grounds for divorce that people inquire about
are spousal abuse (emotional or physical), child abuse, addiction to pornography, drug / alcohol
use, crime / imprisonment, and mismanagement of finances (such as through a gambling addiction).
None of these can be claimed to be explicit biblical grounds for a divorce.
That does not necessarily mean, though, that none of them are grounds for divorce which God would
approve of. For example, we cannot imagine that it would be God’s desire for a wife
to remain with a husband who physically abuses her and/or their children. In such an instance,
the wife should definitely separate herself and the children from the abusive husband. However,
even in such a situation, a time of separation with the goal of repentance and restoration
should be the ideal, not necessarily immediately beginning divorce proceedings. Please understand,
by saying that the above are not biblical grounds for divorce, we are definitely not saying that a
man or woman whose spouse is engaging in such activities should remain in the situation.
If there is any risk to self or children, separation is a good and appropriate step.
Another way to look at this issue is to differentiate between biblical grounds for
divorce and biblical grounds for divorce and remarriage. Some interpret the two biblical
grounds for divorce mentioned earlier as the only grounds for remarriage after a divorce, but allow
for divorce with no remarriage in other instances. While this is a plausible interpretation,
it seems to come too close to presuming upon the Word of God. For more information, please read
the two articles on divorce and remarriage listed in the description below this video.
In summary, what are the biblical grounds for divorce? The answer is
sexual immorality and abandonment. Are there additional grounds for divorce beyond these two?
Possibly. Is divorce ever to be treated lightly or employed as the first recourse? Absolutely not.
God is capable of changing and reforming any person. God is capable of healing and renewing
any marriage. Divorce should only occur in instances of repeated and unrepentant heinous sin.
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