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Response
There is only one reason for divorce explicitly mentioned in Scripture: sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9). Most Bible teachers also consider the abandonment of a believing spouse by an unbelieving spouse to be a reason for divorce based on the “not bound” phrase in 1 Corinthians 7:15. Are there any other valid reasons for divorce beyond these two? Perhaps, but we must be careful not to go beyond what is written «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. », (1 Corinthians 7:15). Once we start presuming on Scripture, we put ourselves in the dangerous position of claiming to know what God meant instead of submitting to what God actually said.
Our hearts truly go out to those in difficult marriages. A bad marriage can be heart-wrenchingly painful, and it is immensely difficult to know how to bring healing and restoration. Even if one spouse has a valid reason for divorce, he or she should never be quick to file. God’s desire for marriage is a one-flesh relationship of a man and a woman in an unbroken union for life (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5-6). Divorce is always a tragedy with many lasting ramifications, even if it occurs for biblical reasons.
The most commonly proposed reason for divorce not found in Scripture is physical abuse. On this point we need to be clear: whether or not a divorce is sought, a spouse who is being physically abused should immediately remove themselves from the situation and seek safety. If there are children involved, they should also be protected. Separating from an abuser is wise, and there is nothing inThe Bible prohibits it. Protecting oneself and one’s children is morally justifiable. Most Bible instructors would concur that persistent physical abuse, without repentance, is grounds for divorce, although it is not explicitly stated in the Bible.
Other suggested grounds for divorce, aside from physical abuse, include various forms of mistreatment: emotional, verbal, mental, and spiritual abuse, for instance. None of these types of abuse are specified in Scripture as legitimate reasons for divorce. Once again, the sole explicitly biblical justification for divorce is adultery; abandonment by an unbelieving spouse is a less clear reason.
All other possible grounds for divorce, as abhorrent, ungodly, and harmful as they may be, lack a distinct biblical directive. Determining when a line is crossed that would permit divorce is therefore a subjective issue. What constitutes emotional abuse? How many instances of verbal abuse must occur before divorce is considered a biblical option? What precisely defines spiritual abuse? Who has the authority to determine when it has transpired?
The issue of pornography also arises. Some view a spouse’s use of pornography as equivalent to adultery, justifying divorce. This reasoning is based on Matthew 5:28, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” While pornography and other forms of lust are undoubtedly forms of “heart adultery,” they are not synonymous with actual adultery. Pornography is detrimental to a marriage, but claiming it as grounds for divorce exceeds what is explicitly stated.
Another instance of surpassing what is written can be observed in how 1 Corinthians 7:15 is sometimes interpreted. The verse states, “If the unbelieving spouse wants to leave, let them go. In such cases, the believing spouse is no longer bound, for God has called you to live in peace” (NLT). But what constitutes abandonment? Must there be a physical departure, or does emotional neglect also meet the criteria?
Is it permissible to seek a divorce if one spouse emotionally disengages from a marriage? What about financial abandonment or neglect? Does 1 Corinthians 7:15 imply that a believer should not oppose a divorce initiated by an unbelieving spouse? If an unbelieving spouse physically departs, the believing spouse is no longer bound—but in what sense: spiritually, legally, or morally? Is there a principle to apply when the unbelieving spouse does not physically leave? Perhaps, but we should be cautious about asserting biblical support for something not found in the Bible. Instead, we should focus on what is clearly written to guide our decisions and shape our principles.
It is crucial to distinguish between biblical justifications for divorce and biblical justifications for divorce and remarriage. Divorce does not automatically grant permission for remarriage. Biblically speaking, the scope for remarriage after divorce is very limited. Matthew 5:32 and 19:9 state that remarriage following a divorce not falling under the “exception clause” constitutes adultery.
What about divorcing without remarrying? Jesus informed the Pharisees that “Moses allowed you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard” «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. », (Matthew 19:8). God’s desire for a fractured marriage is always reconciliation, and divorce always arises from sin, whether from one spouse or both. For more insights on divorce and remarriage, please refer to these two articles:
What is the biblical perspective on divorce and remarriage?
I am divorced. Can I remarry according to the Bible?
Therefore, are there legitimate reasons for divorce beyond those explicitly outlined in the Bible? The most we can
One saying is “perhaps.” God allows us to make choices and live with the consequences. Without a doubt, matters concerning a struggling marriage and divorce are intricate and challenging, but we must trust what God says and follow His Word. As we make wise and God-honoring decisions, may we uphold the truth of Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” And may we be careful not to go beyond what is written.
