What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage?

The Bible teaches that marriage is a serious covenant: "what God has joined together, let no man separate" (Matthew 19:6). Therefore, the biblical ideal is permanence, faithfulness, and reconciliation.

Jesus explained that certain concessions in the Law of Moses existed because of the hardness of the human heart, not because divorce was God’s desire (Matthew 19:8). The Old Testament regulates divorce situations to limit harm, but does not present it as the best (Deuteronomy 24:1–4).

In the New Testament, Paul teaches that the right thing is not to separate; and if separation happens, seek reconciliation or remain unmarried (1 Corinthians 7:10–11). However, possible exceptions discussed within Christianity appear: • Jesus mentions an exception related to "sexual immorality" (Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9). • Paul teaches that if an unbelieving spouse abandons the believer, the believer "is not bound" in that case (1 Corinthians 7:15).

Even with those exceptions, the Bible insists on a heart that loves forgiveness and peace (Ephesians 4:32). It is also important to remember that God does not stop loving a person because of their past; grace and restoration exist, although the topic requires pastoral wisdom case by case.