Marriage and Divorce in the Bible Marriage

Marriage and Divorce in the Bible

Marriage is often seen as a sacred engagement from a biblical perspective. The Bible does not spell out every detail of marriage, but makes it clear that certain requirements are necessary to make the union acceptable under God. Here, the research suggests that "it reflects the level of intimacy and commitment that distinguishes marriage from other relationships" (Carey, 2011). Marriage is the deepest relationship two individuals can have with one another. This relationship is based on respect and love, for one another, and for God. The Bible states that "love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs" (Corinthians 1:13). The Biblical assumptions of marriage require that God condone the union and remain at the center of the intimate relationship between husband and wife. Not only do they need to make promises to one another, but to God as well. Thus, "marriage is not a partnership or contract; not just a 50/50 commitment or an agreement based upon deeply held emotions of love and adoration, it is considerably more than that. Marriage is a covenant" (Site Organic, 2012). Respecting this idea of a covenant is the major requirement for a morally acceptable marriage.

The Bible considers a couple married when they give their vows and consummate the marriage. Much of the biblical literature sees marriage as occurring after the union is first consecrated in a church under God, and then later consummated. Genesis states that "therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). Once the marriage is consummated, it is official under the eyes of God. This is in many ways different than how we view marriage today. Marriage occurs when the licenses are signed and approved by a county judge. There are even some states that impose a common law marriage to couples that have cohabitated with one another for several years. Thus, the concept of when a marriage occurs is much different.

It is interesting to see how the Bible discusses divorce. On the one hand, divorce is essentially impossible because the married couple has become one. Yet, there are some rules that would allow for its practice. It is only acceptable when one party has committed adultery. The New Testament states, "and I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery" (Matthew 19:9). Thus, it is clear that one of the partners commits adultery, a divorce may be possible, but only then. The idea of divorce from a biblical perspective is incredibly damaging. According to the research, "a divorce rips the very fabric of the soul when the marriage covenant is broken" (Site Organic, 2012). It is the end of the most important relationship, and thus in many ways signifies the end to life itself. The Old Testament even suggests death before divorce. Deuteronomy 22:13 provides the concept that if a man is unhappy with his wife, he and the rest of the men in the village can stone her to death if she has done wrong to him. This is very much different than the popular conception of divorce in society today. In the modern context, we think that there is a life after divorce. People go on with their lives and go on to remarry often. In the Bible, remarrying is a questionable act. There is biblical evidence that allows for remarriage. The Old Testament states that "if he take him another wife, her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish" (Exodus 21:10). This practice is just highly frowned upon because marriage is supposed to be a relationship that cannot be repeated.