God consistently calls marriage a sacred covenant not to be broken, while acknowledging the brokenness that sometimes makes separation necessary.
Scripture on Divorce
Malachi 2:16
Old Testament
"The man who hates and divorces his wife, says the Lord, the God of Israel, does violence to the one he should protect. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful."
Matthew 19:6
New Testament
"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
Matthew 19:8-9
New Testament
"Jesus replied, 'Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.'"
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
New Testament
"To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife."
1 Corinthians 7:15
New Testament
"But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace."
The Bottom Line
God hates divorce because He loves people, and divorce wounds everyone it touches.
Try Today
If you're married, do one specific thing today to invest in your spouse — even if it's hard, even if you're hurt.
Prayer
Jesus taught us to pray honestly, even when we're broken (Matthew 6:9-13).
Father, You designed marriage to reflect Your covenant love, and I confess the distance between Your design and my reality. Whether I'm walking through divorce, recovering from one, or trying to prevent one, I need Your grace. Give me wisdom to know what faithfulness looks like in my specific situation. Heal what's broken in me and, if possible, in my marriage. Help me trust You with outcomes I can't control. In Jesus' name, Amen.
📚 Read the book of Hosea
Explore any Bible topic instantly
Search what the Bible says about anything — free, fast, and faith-first.