Bible Verse About Abuse and Divorce

Domestic abuse is a heartbreaking reality that affects countless individuals around the world. Unfortunately, many victims of abuse struggle with the decision of whether or not to divorce their abuser. In such situations, turning to the Word of God can provide guidance and clarity.

Verses in the Bible Concerning Divorce Divorce is discussed multiple times in both the Old and New Testaments. This is due to the fact that God despises divorce, and the Bible contains relatively few instances in which divorce is permitted. Marriage was designed by God with the intention that it would improve our lives. It was the introduction of sin that led to the dissolution of partnerships. Now more than ever, divorce is a widespread occurrence, especially among Christianity. It would be beneficial for us to examine the biblical passages that discuss divorce.

Key Bible Verses on Marriage and Divorce

Verse	Message
1 Peter 3:1	Wives are called to submit to their husbands, even if their husbands do not believe in the word of God, in order to win them over through their behavior.
Genesis 2:24	Marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman, where they become one flesh.
Matthew 5:31-32	Divorce is only permitted in cases of sexual immorality, otherwise, divorce and remarriage are considered adultery.
Mark 10:2-12	God joins a man and a woman together in marriage, and no one should separate them. Divorce and remarriage are seen as adultery.
Luke 16:18	Divorce and remarriage are classified as adultery in the eyes of God.
1 Corinthians 7:39	A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives, and she is free to remarry only if her husband dies.
Ephesians 5:33	Husbands are called to love their wives, while wives are called to respect their husbands.
Matthew 19:6-7	God joins a man and a woman together in marriage, and they should not be separated by man.
Romans 7:2-3	Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and remarriage after divorce is considered adultery unless the spouse has passed away.
Deuteronomy 22:19	Divorce is not permitted unless there are extreme circumstances, and the woman must not be divorced as long as her husband lives.

The Bible and Abuse: Understanding God’s Stance on Domestic Violence

While divorce is a difficult and often painful choice, there are instances where it may be necessary to protect oneself from harm. Here are 10 Bible verses that touch upon the topic of abuse and divorce:

1. Exodus 21:2-6

Exodus 21:2-6 – “If he comes alone, he shall go out alone; if he comes married, then his wife shall go out with him.”

2. Matthew 19:8-9

Matthew 19:8-9 – 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.”

3. 1 Corinthians 7:15

1 Corinthians 7:15 – “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.”

4. Ephesians 5:28-29

Ephesians 5:28-29 – “In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church.”

5. Colossians 3:19

Colossians 3:19 – “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”

6. 1 Peter 3:7

• 1 Peter 3:7 – “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”

7. Malachi 2:16

• Malachi 2:16 – “I hate divorce,” says the Lord God of Israel

8. Romans 12:19

• Romans 12:19 – “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

9. Proverbs 6:16-19

• Proverbs 6:16-19 – “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”

10. 2 Corinthians 6:14

• 2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”

What the Bible Says About Divorce and Abuse

Divorce and abuse are serious issues that many individuals face in their marriages. It is important to seek guidance and wisdom from the Bible when dealing with these difficult situations. Here are 12 Bible verses that address the topics of divorce and abuse:

Divorce

Matthew 19:6 – “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

1 Corinthians 7:10-11 – “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.”

Malachi 2:16 – “The man who hates and divorces his wife does violence to the one he should protect, says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.”

Matthew 5:32 – “But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

Abuse

1. Ephesians 5:25-28 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her… In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies.”
   
   Colossians 3:19 – “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”



2. 1 Peter 3:7 – “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”



3. Proverbs 22:24-25 – “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”