Divorce and remarriage are deeply emotional and often painful topics. Whether you’re navigating the heartbreak of a broken marriage, seeking hope after a divorce, or considering remarriage through a lens of faith, the Bible offers both challenge and comfort. While God’s design for marriage is rooted in faithfulness and unity, His Word also speaks to our brokenness with grace and truth.
These Bible verses about divorce and remarriage don’t just lay out laws—they provide spiritual insight, relational wisdom, and encouragement for healing. They call for honor, forgiveness, accountability, and redemption. Whether you’re seeking clarity or comfort, these Scriptures speak directly to the human heart in every stage of marriage, separation, or restoration.
Here are 35 Bible verses that address the complexities of divorce and remarriage, offering biblical guidance and God’s heart for love, commitment, and new beginnings.
1. Matthew 19:6
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.
Explanation: Jesus reminds us of God’s original plan for marriage—permanent unity between husband and wife.
2. Malachi 2:16
The man who hates and divorces his wife… does violence to the one he should protect.
Explanation: God speaks strongly against divorce, urging spouses to remain faithful and protect one another emotionally and spiritually.
3. Matthew 19:8–9
Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.
Explanation: Jesus acknowledges that divorce was allowed due to human sinfulness, but it was never God’s ideal.
4. 1 Corinthians 7:10–11
A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband.
Explanation: Paul advises believers to seek reconciliation when possible, emphasizing the sanctity of the marriage covenant.
5. Deuteronomy 24:1
If a man marries a woman… and finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce…
Explanation: This Old Testament law reflects cultural practices but also shows the serious legal and relational weight of divorce.
6. Mark 10:11–12
Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her.
Explanation: Jesus teaches the seriousness of divorce and remarriage, calling for deep reflection and accountability.
7. Luke 16:18
Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery.
Explanation: Scripture challenges us to honor the marriage covenant, even in difficult circumstances.
8. Romans 7:2–3
By law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive…
Explanation: Paul reflects on the binding nature of marriage and how it is only broken through death—or under certain biblical allowances.
9. 1 Corinthians 7:15
If the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances.
Explanation: Paul gives clarity that believers are not obligated to stay in a marriage where the unbelieving spouse chooses to leave.
10. Matthew 5:32
Anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery.
Explanation: Jesus acknowledges sexual immorality as a valid reason for divorce, showing both compassion and moral standard.
11. Genesis 2:24
A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Explanation: Marriage is a sacred, God-designed union that brings two lives together into one.
12. Ephesians 5:31–32
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother… This is a profound mystery…
Explanation: Paul points to marriage as a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church—deep, sacrificial, and lasting.
13. Isaiah 54:5
For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name.
Explanation: When marriage fails, God reminds us that He is our ultimate provider, protector, and healer.
14. 1 Peter 4:8
Love covers over a multitude of sins.
Explanation: Love has the power to heal and forgive—even in broken relationships. This verse encourages grace.
15. Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Explanation: Forgiveness is essential in any marriage, and especially crucial when dealing with deep wounds.
16. Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.
Explanation: Marriage is a blessing when done in love, commitment, and faithfulness.
17. Jeremiah 3:1
If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him… would he return to her again?
Explanation: This verse uses marriage as a metaphor for God’s relationship with Israel, showing the pain of broken covenant.
18. Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Explanation: God is near to those who are grieving—whether from divorce, betrayal, or heartbreak.
19. Ecclesiastes 3:1
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
Explanation: There may be seasons of separation or healing; God is present in every stage.
20. Hosea 3:1
Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another…
Explanation: God instructs Hosea to forgive and restore his broken marriage, symbolizing divine forgiveness and grace.
21. Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Explanation: In difficult relationships, do your part to bring peace, even when reconciliation is not possible.
22. James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God…
Explanation: Making decisions about divorce or remarriage requires spiritual wisdom and God’s guidance.
23. Galatians 6:1
If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.
Explanation: Restoration should always be the goal, approached with grace and gentleness.
24. Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Explanation: Whether you’re recovering from divorce or a failed remarriage, God’s healing is real and personal.
25. John 8:10–11
Neither do I condemn you… Go now and leave your life of sin.
Explanation: Jesus offers grace, not condemnation—but also calls us to walk in truth and righteousness.
26. 1 Corinthians 13:7
Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Explanation: True love is resilient and faithful, though not immune to struggles. It’s the goal in every relationship.
27. Proverbs 3:5–6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Explanation: In hard choices, including divorce or remarriage, trust God to guide you wisely.
28. Isaiah 43:18–19
Forget the former things… See, I am doing a new thing!
Explanation: God can redeem broken stories. Your future can still hold hope and purpose.
29. Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Explanation: Jesus invites those carrying the weight of broken relationships to find rest in Him.
30. 2 Corinthians 5:17
If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come…
Explanation: No matter what your past holds, God offers renewal and a fresh start through Christ.
31. Romans 8:1
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Explanation: God doesn’t shame us—He forgives and restores. Divorce doesn’t disqualify you from His love.
32. Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure…
Explanation: This verse upholds the holiness of marriage and calls for faithfulness within it.
33. Lamentations 3:22–23
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed… great is your faithfulness.
Explanation: God’s mercy renews daily—even for those who have gone through painful divorces or difficult remarriages.
34. Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.
Explanation: God is faithful to uphold you during the weight of heartache, decisions, or transitions.
35. 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.
Explanation: God’s forgiveness is always available, even when we’ve made mistakes in marriage or relationships.
Grace, Truth, and Healing in Difficult Seasons
These Bible verses about divorce and remarriage don’t just inform—they minister. They remind us that while God values faithfulness, He also extends grace to the brokenhearted. If you’ve experienced divorce or are considering remarriage, Scripture encourages reflection, forgiveness, and renewed hope.
What about you?
Which verse stood out to you today? Are you walking through divorce or healing from remarriage challenges? Share your story, questions, or favorite Bible verses about divorce and remarriage in the comments. Let’s walk this path together with grace, truth, and faith.