BIBLE VERSES ABOUT DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE KJV
Divorce and remarriage are topics that have sparked sincere questions, heartfelt debates, and deep reflection among Christians for centuries. Whether you’re seeking clarity for personal reasons, counseling someone else, or simply desiring to better understand Scripture, the King James Version (KJV) offers direct and powerful insight into God’s design for marriage.
In this article, we’ll explore key Bible verses about divorce and remarriage (KJV), examine their context, and discover what they reveal about commitment, grace, and restoration.
God’s Original Design for Marriage
Before examining divorce, it’s important to understand God’s original intention for marriage.
📖 Genesis 2:24 (KJV)
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
From the very beginning, marriage was designed to be:
- A lifelong covenant
- A union of two becoming one
- A sacred bond before God
Jesus later reaffirmed this design in the New Testament.
📖 Matthew 19:6 (KJV)
“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
God’s intention is permanence. Marriage is not merely a legal contract—it is a spiritual covenant.
What Did Jesus Say About Divorce?
Jesus addressed divorce directly, especially in response to questions about the Law of Moses.
📖 Matthew 19:8–9 (KJV)
“He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
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.”
Key Takeaways:
- Divorce was permitted under Mosaic Law because of hardened hearts.
- God’s original design did not include divorce.
- Jesus gives one exception: fornication (sexual immorality).
This passage is central in Christian discussions on divorce and remarriage. It suggests that marital unfaithfulness may provide biblical grounds for divorce.
Bible Verses About Divorce in the Old Testament
Divorce laws existed in the Old Testament, though they were regulated carefully.
📖 Deuteronomy 24:1 (KJV)
“When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes… then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.”
This passage shows:
- Divorce was acknowledged in Israel’s law.
- A formal process (a written certificate) was required.
- It provided some protection for the woman.
However, God also expressed His displeasure with divorce.
📖 Malachi 2:16 (KJV)
“For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away…”
God’s heart clearly grieves over broken covenants. Divorce was allowed in certain circumstances, but it was never celebrated.
Paul’s Teaching on Divorce and Remarriage
The Apostle Paul provides further guidance for believers in the New Testament.
📖 1 Corinthians 7:10–11 (KJV)
“And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:
But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.”
Paul emphasizes:
- Separation should not be the first option.
- Reconciliation is strongly encouraged.
- If separation occurs, remaining unmarried is advised.
What About Unbelieving Spouses?
Paul gives another important instruction:
📖 1 Corinthians 7:15 (KJV)
“But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.”
Many interpret this as:
- Allowing separation if an unbelieving spouse abandons the marriage.
- Indicating the believer is “not under bondage,” which some understand as freedom to remarry.
Remarriage After Divorce: What Does the KJV Say?
Remarriage is one of the most sensitive aspects of this topic.
📖 Luke 16:18 (KJV)
“Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery…”
This verse presents a strong warning against casual divorce followed by remarriage.
However, when examining the whole counsel of Scripture, several considerations matter:
- Was the divorce biblically justified (e.g., adultery)?
- Was there abandonment by an unbelieving spouse?
- Has true repentance and spiritual restoration taken place?
Christians may interpret these passages differently depending on denominational and theological perspectives, but the underlying principle remains clear: marriage is sacred and should never be dissolved lightly.
Grace, Forgiveness, and Restoration
While Scripture upholds marriage strongly, the Bible also emphasizes redemption.
📖 Romans 8:1 (KJV)
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…”
If you have experienced divorce:
- You are not beyond God’s grace.
- You are not excluded from God’s love.
- You are not defined by your past.
The gospel is about restoration. Many faithful believers in Scripture—including David and the woman at the well (John 4)—had complicated marital histories, yet God still worked in their lives.
Practical Biblical Principles to Remember
When studying Bible verses about divorce and remarriage (KJV), keep these principles in mind:
- ✅ Marriage is intended to be lifelong.
- ✅ Divorce was permitted because of human sin, not God’s ideal plan.
- ✅ Sexual immorality is given as a clear ground for divorce.
- ✅ Abandonment by an unbeliever is addressed in Scripture.
- ✅ Reconciliation is always preferable when possible.
- ✅ God’s grace offers healing and restoration.
Conclusion: Holding Truth and Grace Together
The Bible’s teaching on divorce and remarriage in the KJV is both firm and compassionate. God honors the sacred covenant of marriage and calls His people to faithfulness. At the same time, He understands human weakness and provides pathways for justice, peace, and redemption.
If you’re navigating questions about divorce or remarriage:
- Seek wise biblical counsel.
- Study Scripture prayerfully.
- Approach the issue with humility and grace.
Above all, remember that God’s ultimate goal is not condemnation—but reconciliation, healing, and spiritual growth.
Whether you are married, divorced, remarried, or considering your next steps, God’s Word remains a steady guide and a source of hope.
