Marriage is one of the most sacred and meaningful covenants found in Scripture. It reflects God’s love, commitment, and design for human relationships. However, we live in a world where challenges, brokenness, and sin often lead to divorce—a painful and complex experience for many.
If you’re wondering what the Bible says about marriage and divorce, this post will guide you through Scripture. These verses remind us of God’s heart for unity, His standards for love, and His compassion when things fall apart.
1. Genesis 2:24
Genesis 2:24
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Explanation:
This foundational verse establishes the divine purpose of marriage—unity and oneness. God designed marriage to be a lifelong, intimate bond between two people.
2. Malachi 2:16
Malachi 2:16
For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away…
Explanation:
“Putting away” refers to divorce. God expresses His strong disapproval of divorce, not out of condemnation, but because of the pain it causes and the breaking of covenant love.
3. Matthew 19:6
Matthew 19:6
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Explanation:
Jesus emphasizes that marriage is a spiritual union made by God. Once joined, the bond should not be broken by human will or decision.
4. 1 Corinthians 7:10–11
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…
Explanation:
Paul addresses Christian couples, encouraging them to stay together. If separation occurs, reconciliation is the desired outcome, reflecting God’s grace and patience.
5. Ephesians 5:25
Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.
Explanation:
Marriage is not just a legal contract—it’s a reflection of Christ’s sacrificial love. This verse highlights how deep and selfless a husband’s love should be.
6. Ephesians 5:33
Ephesians 5:33
Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Explanation:
Mutual love and respect are at the heart of a godly marriage. Paul calls both spouses to honor each other in different, but equally important, ways.
7. Proverbs 18:22
Proverbs 18:22
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.
Explanation:
This verse portrays marriage as a blessing. Finding a spouse is viewed as receiving favor from God, not just a personal gain.
8. Hebrews 13:4
Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Explanation:
Marriage is to be honored by everyone. Faithfulness within marriage matters deeply to God, and unfaithfulness brings consequences.
9. Matthew 5:31–32
Matthew 5:31–32
It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery…
Explanation:
Jesus teaches that divorce should not be taken lightly. While He acknowledges situations of infidelity, He also highlights the seriousness of breaking the marriage covenant.
10. Colossians 3:19
Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Explanation:
Love should rule in marriage. Bitterness destroys connection, while love—especially when it’s patient and kind—brings healing and strength.
11. 1 Peter 3:7
1 Peter 3:7
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel…
Explanation:
Peter encourages husbands to live with understanding and honor toward their wives, valuing them as co-heirs of God’s grace.
12. Mark 10:11–12
Mark 10:11–12
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.
Explanation:
Jesus reinforces the seriousness of divorce and remarriage. This teaching reminds believers of God’s intention for lifelong faithfulness.
13. 1 Corinthians 7:15
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.
Explanation:
In cases where a non-believing spouse leaves, Paul permits separation. God values peace in the believer’s life and does not demand remaining in turmoil.
14. Matthew 19:8
Matthew 19:8
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.
Explanation:
Divorce was allowed in the Old Testament because of human stubbornness, but Jesus reminds us that God’s original design was for lifelong union.
15. Luke 16:18
Luke 16:18
Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery…
Explanation:
Jesus again stresses the weight of divorce and remarriage. These teachings were meant to protect the sacredness of marriage and prevent casual separation.
Final Thoughts: Grace, Truth, and Restoration
These Bible verses about marriage and divorce reveal that while God holds marriage in high regard, He also extends grace to those who have experienced brokenness. Divorce is not the unpardonable sin. In every situation—whether you’re married, divorced, or remarried—God offers healing, direction, and hope.
Marriage is hard work. It requires humility, sacrifice, and faith. But when things fall apart, God doesn’t leave us to carry the burden alone. He walks with us, teaches us, and heals us.
Have you experienced God’s grace in your marriage journey? What verses speak to you the most about marriage or restoration? Share your thoughts in the comments below—your story could inspire someone else walking a similar path.