What does the Bible say about marriage and divorce?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that marriage is God’s lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, meant for faithful, loving union, and that divorce is a grievous rupture permitted only in limited circumstances. Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:4-6 ground marriage in creation, declaring that husband and wife become one flesh and should not be separated by man. Jesus condemns casual divorce and remarriage, while recognizing sexual immorality as a ground for divorce in Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9. Paul also teaches that abandonment by an unbelieving spouse may release the believer in 1 Corinthians 7:15. Christians should therefore pursue reconciliation, forgiveness, and covenant faithfulness, while extending compassionate pastoral care to those wounded by marital sin and loss.