Divorce in the Scriptures: How the Law of Divorce Changed Under the New Testament
Introduction
Divorce is one of the most debated subjects in Scripture. Under the Law of Moses, provisions were made for divorce when a marriage relationship broke down. However, when Christ came, He addressed the issue directly and restored God's original intention for marriage.
Many people assume that the New Testament abolished the Law concerning divorce. In reality, Christ explained why divorce had been permitted under Moses and established a stricter standard for His disciples. To understand the New Testament teaching, we must first examine the Old Testament foundation.
Divorce Under the Law of Moses
The primary law concerning divorce is found in Deuteronomy.
Deuteronomy 24:1
"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."
The Law regulated divorce by requiring a written certificate. This prevented a man from casually dismissing his wife and later denying her legal status.
The Law also established an important restriction.
Deuteronomy 24:4
"Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife."
Once a divorced woman married another man, the first husband could not reclaim her if that second marriage ended.
The Law therefore acknowledged divorce while placing limitations upon it.
God's View of Divorce
Although divorce was permitted under Moses, the Scriptures reveal that it was never God's ideal.
Malachi 2:16
"For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away."
The prophets repeatedly emphasized faithfulness within marriage and condemned men who dealt treacherously with their wives.
The permission for divorce existed because of human sinfulness, not because divorce represented God's perfect design.
Christ Restores the Original Standard
When the Pharisees questioned Christ about divorce, they appealed to the Law of Moses.
Matthew 19:7
"Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?"
Christ explained that Moses did not establish divorce because it was God's desire.
Matthew 19:8
"Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so."
Rather than beginning with Moses, Christ pointed back to creation.
Genesis 2:24
"They shall be one flesh."
Matthew 19:6
"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
Christ restored the original principle that marriage is intended to be a permanent covenant.
The Exception for Sexual Immorality
Christ taught that divorce should not occur for ordinary disagreements or personal dissatisfaction.
Matthew 19:9
"Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery."
This statement significantly restricted divorce compared to common practices of the day.
According to Christ, sexual immorality constituted a legitimate ground for dissolving the marriage covenant.
Divorce and Remarriage
Christ taught that a person who divorces a spouse without lawful cause and marries another enters adultery.
Luke 16:18
"Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery."
Mark 10:11-12
"Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her."
These teachings elevated marriage far above the casual divorces that had become common in some Jewish traditions.
Paul's Instruction to Married Believers
The Apostle Paul reaffirmed Christ's teaching.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
"Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband."
Paul encouraged reconciliation whenever possible.
Marriage was to be preserved rather than dissolved.
When an Unbelieving Spouse Departs
Paul also addressed situations involving mixed marriages where one spouse followed Christ and the other did not.
1 Corinthians 7:15
"But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases."
This passage addresses abandonment by an unbelieving spouse and recognizes circumstances where separation may occur beyond the believer's control.
Marriage as a Reflection of Christ and the Church
One reason the New Testament places such a high value on marriage is because it symbolizes a greater spiritual reality.
Ephesians 5:31-32
"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife... This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church."
The relationship between husband and wife is intended to reflect the covenant relationship between Christ and His people.
Because of this sacred symbolism, the New Testament places greater emphasis on faithfulness, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
What Changed Under the New Testament?
Several important changes can be observed:
1. Divorce was no longer treated as an ordinary legal procedure.
Under Moses, divorce was regulated through a written bill of divorcement.
Under Christ, the focus shifted to preserving the marriage covenant.
2. The original creation standard was restored.
Christ appealed to Adam and Eve rather than to divorce legislation.
3. Divorce became far more restricted.
Rather than allowing broad reasons for divorce, Christ limited lawful grounds and warned against remarriage after unlawful divorce.
4. Reconciliation became the preferred solution.
The Apostles consistently encouraged believers to remain together whenever possible.
5. Marriage was elevated as a symbol of Christ and His people.
The New Testament presents marriage as a sacred covenant reflecting God's redemptive relationship with believers.
Conclusion
The New Testament did not simply repeat the divorce regulations of Moses. Instead, Christ explained that divorce had been tolerated because of the hardness of men's hearts. He then restored God's original intention for marriage: a lifelong covenant between husband and wife.
While Scripture recognizes that certain circumstances may lead to separation or divorce, the New Testament places its emphasis on faithfulness, reconciliation, and the preservation of the marriage covenant. The standard established by Christ calls believers to honor marriage as one of the most sacred relationships ordained by God.
