Is there a provision in the Bible anywhere that says a wife is able to divorce her husband?

Question

There are many provisions that state a husband is the one who gives the divorce certificate .... but what if he is totally unworthy of the wife he has been given? What recourse does the woman have? To live in misery til death?

Answer 1

God, the Originator of marriage, designed it to be a permanent union. But is there any Scriptural reason for a person to divorce his or her mate, and one that would allow for the possibility of remarrying? Jesus addressed this matter by declaring: “I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of fornication, and marries another commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:9) Sexual infidelity by a mate is the only ground for a divorce that will allow the innocent mate to remarry.

In addition, the Bible’s words at 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, while encouraging marriage mates to stay together, allow for separation. Some, after trying very hard to preserve their marriage, feel they have no choice but to separate. What can be acceptable Scriptural grounds for such a step?

One is willful nonsupport. When getting married, a husband assumes the responsibility of providing for his wife and children. The man who willfully fails to provide the material necessities of life “has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” (1 Timothy 5:8) So separation is possible.

Another is extreme physical abuse. So then, if a mate physically abuses his wife, the victim may separate. (Galatians 5:19-21; Titus 1:7) “Anyone loving violence [God’s] soul certainly hates.” Psalm 11:5.

Another ground for separation is the absolute endangerment of a believer’s spirituality—one’s relationship with God. When a mate’s opposition, perhaps including physical restraint, has made it impossible to pursue true worship and has imperiled the believer’s spirituality, then some believers have found it necessary to separate. Matthew 22:37; Acts 5:27-32.

However, if divorce is pursued under such circumstances, one would not be free to enter a new marriage. According to the Bible, the only legitimate ground for divorce that permits remarriage is adultery or “fornication.” Matthew 5:32.

The Bible allows only one reason for getting a divorce that frees a person to remarry, and that is fornication (Greek, porneia, gross sexual immorality). If fornication is committed, then the innocent mate may decide whether to get a divorce or not. Matthew 5:32.

After telling the Pharisees that the Mosaic concession of divorcing their wives was not the arrangement that had prevailed “from the beginning,” Jesus said: “I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of fornication, and marries another commits adultery.” (Mt 19:8, 9)


Marriage involves two people with differing personalities learning to develop common interests and working together toward common goals. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, not a casual agreement that can be lightly abandoned. In many countries, divorce is not difficult to obtain, but in the eyes of a Christian, the marriage relationship is sacred. It is ended only for a very serious reason. (Matt. 19:9) Christian spouses can avail themselves of wise counsel from the Bible, support from fellow Christians, and a close, prayerful relationship with God. A successful marriage endures, and over the years, it brings happiness and contentment to husband and wife. More important, it brings honor to God, the Originator of marriage.

Answer 2

Yes there is. But it is a narrow reason. One can divorces for unfaithfulness, including affairs of the heart. It was not always so. Moses gave permission thru a writ of divorce but I don't believe God condones divorce. I struggled for three months with the idea after my wife left for another man. Many well meaning christian friends said I couldn't get out due to the vow I made to God at the alter. But after praying and asking God to reveal the real truth I found that I could for infidelity and so I did. I now believe that it was mostly due to the fact that I hardly knew my x and I believe that if you give a relationship at least a year you begin to know a person better. Even their faults come to the surface and then you can decide whether you are willing to live with them even though you know they aren't perfect. Oh, by living with them I mean in marriage only.

Answer 3

Actually, if we read the New Testament, in principle there's no provision for anyone to divorce anymore, except perhaps for adultery or if, for example, neither of you were believers when you got married, but then you became a believer, and your spouse left you or kicked you out of the house.

If neither of those situations exists, there is provision for separation, if you just can't stand him - but then (unless he then proceeds to run off with someone else, one would gather) the options given are to remain unmarried or be reconciled to your husband.

Answer 4

i dont know about christianity or other religions.

but in islam a woman has her right over her parents property, her property and her husbands property.

when a woman marries she is the treasurer of the family while the man is the head of the family. so she definitely has a share in her property even when the couple s opting for a divorce.

and infact it was 1st islam that said that woman no more were second class citizens and that women have the right 2 vote.

it was islam that said that woman should be educated . it was islam that made female infanticide a sin

all this was possible by the efforts of one man prophet muhammed(pbuh) whom all u people call a fasle prophet, a devil, a cheat , a fraud and bad mouth him in all meanest ways possible.

Answer 5

YES, the bible does give a set of criteria for divorce to be biblical ok. Infidelity is one reason, there are a couple of others. check with your local clergy to find out or look it up. some bibles have an index in them that will give chapter and verse on the subject.

Answer 6

No, in the New Testament, it is written for men and women. If a man is found to be unfaithful, she can leave him. However, just because a person or persons can divorce doesn't mean that they have to. There can be healing, forgiveness and restoration after unfaithfulness.

If a man is abusive to his wife, the Bible sanctions her to leave him.

Answer 7

You get a divorce because god wants you to be happy. Ignore the old testament, because according to your beliefs jesus is the way. If you're going to obey old testament law like that, you should also be sacrificing your animals and leaving the city while on your period.

Answer 8

Pretty much, yeah. Bibilical marriage is nothing like marriage today in terms of intentions.

There probably is some way to get out of it, but it would probably have to do with something like the husband being infedelous, or killed in some way, but then you'd probably be passed on to his brother or father.

Answer 9

I think you may find it in I Corinthians. I don't remember which chapter. I believe its Ch 5. I do remember Paul talked about divorce in that particular book.

Answer 10

When the bible was written, women had no rights.. at all.

Women were and are seen as inferior to devout Christians.