74 Fascinating Bible Verses About Divorce and Remarriage

Divorce is one of the most emotionally and spiritually challenging topics in the Christian faith. The Bible verses about divorce and remarriage reveal God's heart for marriage, His compassion for the brokenhearted, and His clear instructions for navigating these difficult situations. Whether you are walking through a painful separation, considering reconciliation, or seeking to understand what Scripture truly teaches, God's Word offers both guidance and grace.

According to the Bible, marriage is a sacred covenant. A man is united to his wife, and the two become one flesh. A married man must hold fast to his wife in the same way a married woman is bound to her husband. But because we are human, we suffer from the hardness of heart and fall prey to the flesh. Life brings circumstances that test even the strongest marriages, and God meets us in those broken places with His love and truth.

Often, we hear that God hates divorce. Many people are quick to offer judgment, saying there is no reason for divorce under any circumstances. But is that what the Bible actually teaches? In this comprehensive Bible study, we will examine 74 Bible verses about divorce and remarriage, exploring the biblical grounds for divorce, what God commands in these situations, and the hope available through Jesus Christ. If you are seeking peace during a difficult season, consider turning to prayer and meditation on God's Word as you study these Scriptures.

What Does the Bible Say About Divorce and Remarriage?

The Bible addresses divorce and remarriage across both the Old and New Testaments. From Genesis through the words of Jesus and the apostle Paul, Scripture paints a consistent picture: marriage is God's design, divorce grieves His heart, yet grace is available for every situation. Let us walk through these 74 powerful Bible verses together.

God's Design for Marriage

Before we can understand what the Bible says about divorce, we must first understand God's original design for marriage. From the very beginning, God created man and woman to be united as one flesh in a lifelong covenant relationship.

1. Genesis 1:27-28 KJV

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

2. Deuteronomy 24:1 KJV

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.

3. Malachi 2:15 KJV

And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

4. 1 Corinthians 6:16 KJV

What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

5. Deuteronomy 24:5 KJV

When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.

The Marriage Covenant and Roles of Husband and Wife

Scripture is clear that marriage involves mutual love, respect, and devotion. Both husband and wife carry responsibilities within this holy covenant. These verses illuminate the roles God established and the deep commitment He expects.

6. Ephesians 5:22-24 KJV

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

7. 1 Corinthians 7:11 KJV

But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

8. John 15:12 KJV

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

9. 1 Corinthians 7:13 KJV

And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

10. Romans 7:1 KJV

Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?

11. Genesis 2:24 KJV

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Jesus' Teachings on Divorce and Adultery

Some of the most important Bible verses about divorce come directly from the words of Jesus Christ. When the Pharisees tested Him about the lawfulness of divorce, Jesus pointed them back to God's original design while also revealing the one exception for divorce. These teachings form the foundation of Christian understanding on this topic.

12. Mark 10:12 KJV

And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

13. Mark 10:2 KJV

And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.

14. 1 Corinthians 7:2 KJV

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

15. Mark 10:11-12 KJV

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.

16. Matthew 5:31 KJV

It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

17. Matthew 19:8 KJV

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.

18. Hebrews 13:4 KJV

Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Forgiveness, Grace, and Repentance After Divorce

One of the most comforting truths in Scripture is that God's forgiveness extends to every sin, including divorce. If you have experienced the pain of a broken marriage, these verses remind you that God's mercy is available and His love never fails. Building a daily practice of faith and trust in God's promises can be transformative during seasons of healing.

19. 1 John 1:9 KJV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

20. Matthew 5:28 KJV

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

21. Mark 10:6-9 KJV

But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

22. Matthew 19:8-9 KJV

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.

23. Matthew 1:19 KJV

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

24. Ezekiel 44:22 KJV

Neither shall they take for their wives a widow, nor her that is put away: but they shall take maidens of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widow that had a priest before.

25. Ephesians 5:25 KJV

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Biblical Grounds for Divorce: Abandonment and Unbelief

The apostle Paul addresses a situation that many Christians face — being married to an unbelieving spouse. These Bible verses about divorce and remarriage reveal that abandonment by an unbelieving spouse is considered biblical grounds for divorce. A believer is not bound in such cases, for God has called us to peace.

26. 1 Corinthians 7:15-16 KJV

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. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

27. Malachi 2:15-16 KJV

And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. 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.

28. Romans 7:2 KJV

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.

29. 2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

30. Genesis 2:23-24 KJV

And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

31. 1 Corinthians 7:16 KJV

For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

The Pharisees' Questions About Divorce

Throughout the Gospels, the Pharisees challenged Jesus on the topic of divorce. Their questions — and His answers — provide essential clarity on what the Bible teaches about the permanence of marriage and the limited circumstances under which divorce is permitted.

32. Matthew 19:3 KJV

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?

33. Jeremiah 3:1 KJV

They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the Lord.

34. Mark 10:11 KJV

And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.

35. 1 Corinthians 7:39 KJV

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.

36. Deuteronomy 22:19 KJV

And they shall amerce him in an hundred shekels of silver, and give them unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days.

37. 1 Corinthians 7:15 KJV

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.

What the Bible Says About Marriage, Virtue, and Singleness

Scripture also speaks to those who find themselves single after divorce, as well as those who wonder whether remarriage is an option. Paul offers wisdom on the gift of singleness and the beauty of a virtuous spouse. These passages can bring comfort and direction as you seek God's will for your future.

38. Proverbs 31:10 KJV

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

39. 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 KJV

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

40. Mark 10:9 KJV

What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

41. Matthew 5:31-32 KJV

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: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

42. Matthew 19:4-6 KJV

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.

Church Leadership, Marriage Standards, and Faithfulness

The Bible sets a high standard for marriage, especially among those who serve in church leadership. These verses highlight the importance of faithfulness, integrity, and being an example to the body of Christ. Whether you are a church leader or a believer seeking to honor God in your relationships, these Scriptures offer a clear standard.

43. 1 Timothy 3:2 KJV

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

44. 1 Corinthians 7:12 KJV

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.

45. Mark 10:2-12 KJV

And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you? And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away. And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter. 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.

46. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 KJV

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

47. Luke 16:18 KJV

Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.

48. Exodus 20:14 KJV

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

The Blessing of a Godly Marriage

Even as we study what the Bible says about divorce and remarriage, it is important to remember the beauty and blessing God intended for marriage. These verses celebrate the gift of a loving spouse, the wonder of companionship, and the importance of honoring the marriage bond. Meditating on these truths can strengthen your faith and deepen your relationship with God.

49. Proverbs 18:22 KJV

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.

50. 2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

51. Romans 7:2-3 KJV

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.

52. Proverbs 30:18-19 KJV

There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.

53. Colossians 3:18-19 KJV

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Forgiveness, Kindness, and Healing in Marriage

At the heart of every healthy marriage is forgiveness. The Bible repeatedly calls believers to extend grace to one another, just as God has forgiven us through Christ. Whether you are working to restore a marriage or healing after divorce, these verses speak to the power of kindness, patience, and God's restorative love. If you are hurting, spending time in Scripture-based healing and reflection can be a powerful first step.

54. Ephesians 4:32 KJV

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

55. Matthew 19:9 KJV

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.

56. Luke 14:26 KJV

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

57. Exodus 21:10-11 KJV

If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish. And if he do not these three unto her, then shall she go out free without money.

58. Ephesians 5:33 KJV

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Key Scriptures on the Permanence of Marriage

These Bible verses about divorce and remarriage drive home a central biblical truth: God designed marriage to be permanent. Jesus Himself quoted Genesis to remind listeners that what God has joined together, no one should separate. Understanding this foundational truth helps us approach the topic of divorce with the seriousness and compassion it deserves.

59. Matthew 19:4 KJV

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

60. Matthew 5:32 KJV

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.

61. Matthew 19:6 KJV

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

62. 1 Peter 3:7 KJV

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

63. Malachi 2:16 KJV

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.

64. Ephesians 4:2 KJV

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Old Testament Passages on Divorce and Covenant Faithfulness

The Old Testament provides essential context for understanding God's heart regarding divorce. Through the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah, God uses the