What Does the Bible Say?
“WHAT God has yoked together let no man put apart.” (Matthew 19:6) We often hear those well-known words by Jesus Christ quoted as the final pronouncement in a marriage ceremony.
By those words, though, did Jesus mean that all marriages are to be permanent and that there is not to be any divorce whatsoever? Taking the words by themselves, that would appear to be the case. However, what prompted Jesus to make such a statement? Was he setting out something new?
‘Not the Case From the Beginning’
Jesus’ statement quoted above was part of his answer to the Pharisees’ question: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife on every sort of ground?” (Matthew 19:3-6) Not being satisfied with the answer, the Pharisees questioned him further by asking: “Why, then, did Moses prescribe giving a certificate of dismissal and divorcing her?” Thereupon, Jesus said: “Moses, out of regard for your hardheartedness, made the concession to you of divorcing your wives, but such has not been the case from the beginning.” Then he added: “I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of fornication, and marries another commits adultery.”—Matthew 19:7-9.
We must note that Jesus’ statement, “such has not been the case from the beginning,” was made in reference to divorce that was accomplished by “giving a certificate of dismissal.” In other words, when God instituted the first marriage between Adam and Eve, he did not provide them with “every sort of ground” for dissolving their marriage. As a perfect couple, they had every reason to make their marriage a success. It would be successful if they continued to live according to God’s law and direction.
When mankind lapsed into sin and imperfection, so did the institution of marriage. (Romans 5:12) Since humans were no longer perfect, human relations became strained and tainted by selfishness, greed, and self-interest. That was what Jesus referred to as “hardheartedness,” because of which the Mosaic Law made room for divorce. Yet, Jesus reminded the Pharisees: “Such has not been the case from the beginning.” Now, under imperfect conditions, mates should put forth the effort needed to resolve any difficulties and problems instead of using them as grounds or excuses for breaking up their marriage. However, Jesus pointed out that there is one exception, namely, fornication. Marital infidelity can be grounds for breaking up a marriage.
Regards
shakespeare
2006-06-11 01:32:52
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answer #1
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answered by shakespeare 3
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That is the ideal given in the New Testament (the part during & after Jesus). Marriage is considered a vow before God, not to be entered into lightly. As with any sin, if one does divorce, there is forgiveness from God. Sometimes only 1 spouse may want the divorce, so there will be an "innocent" spouse(as in they didn't want to divorce).
2006-06-11 08:27:27
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answer #2
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answered by fourkidsrmine 1
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Well, divorce in the Bible is legal in some cases. Case in point, if a woman is barren (unable to bear children) then a man is in his rights to divorce her.
Keep in mind, the Old Testament portion of the Bible was written in ancient times, and a marriage contract had to be sacred primarily due to the fact that property was exchanged in regard to marriage.
I trade my property to you, if your son marries my daughter. The son gets a dowry from the Father-in-Law as compensation for having to marry a woman.
Women were not regarded highly in ancient cultures since they couldn't do the burdensome amount of labor that men could do. So, society saw them as useless, except for their ability to make babies.
Consider how harsh many religious texts are regarding the treatment of women, and what a woman's proper role is in society.
We've come a long way since ancient times in that regard and we've realized that women are just as capable as men in many ways. Women have advantages in some cases that men don't, and men have some in cases women don't
We've reached a new point in human history. Women and men can finally work as partners instead of a dominant/submissive relationship.
Secondly, marriages generally didn't last long in ancient times, as few people lived past the age of 40. So, the "til death do us part" aspect of marriage really wasn't such a long time. However, considering that people now live until they're in their 80's and even older, the concept of life-long marriage seems confining, unfair, and unreasonable by modern conventions.
As such, divorce is an option that is treated with less stigma. That being said, there's no reason for people not to work on their marriages and keep them alive.
Marriage is a means for keeping a stable household for children. We owe it to our children to give them a loving and stable upbringing. Otherwise, people shouldn't get married until they're ready to start a family.
2006-06-11 08:31:23
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answer #3
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answered by dgrhm 5
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That's the way it used to be in reality - but people today seem to get married with the knowledge that it probably won't last. I guess they got that idea from the celebrity marriages - which are also (in most cases) ridiculous.
It's supposed to be "...for richer and for poorer, for sickness and in health, till death do us part..." So what accounts for prenups, etc? The fact that people are unsure (no matter what age they are)--they shouldn't marry unless they are sure that they will be there for the other person no matter what happens.
2006-06-11 08:28:42
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answer #4
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answered by Holiday Magic 7
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The bible only allows divorce when it comes to some one cheating on the other...
But then again, if some one cheated, and you forgive them, then you are not to get a divorce...
But then again, if you DONT forgive them, then you are holding it against her, and that is wrong too...
Hmmm Well, you can forgive them and let the LORD decide whats best for you...
I wish you well...
Jesse
2006-06-11 08:27:13
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answer #5
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answered by x 7
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That is correct. And it is the reason why as a Roman Catholic, a divorce can't marry again in Church.
The protestants though allow it.
2006-06-11 08:24:59
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answer #6
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answered by SomeOneWhoKnowsBetter 6
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Moses allowed for divorce, but really, God hates divorce.
I Corinthians 13;8a, Love never fails!!!
2006-06-11 08:23:33
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answer #7
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answered by ? 7
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Ahhh but like so many things said today, " 'til death do us part" means squat to most people in this society.
2006-06-11 08:26:23
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answer #8
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answered by Helga_the_hermit 2
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acyually the bible allows for divorce in cases of spousal abuse and infidelity.
2006-06-11 08:26:19
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answer #9
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answered by shadoknight1 1
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you heard wrong. the bible says you can get divorced if your spouse commits adultery.
2006-06-11 08:26:05
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answer #10
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answered by Cyndaly 3
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