20 Biblical Reasons to Get Divorced

Marriage is one of the most sacred covenants we can enter into. As a believer, I have always viewed it as a spiritual bond, not just a legal or emotional one. Scripture is clear about the seriousness of the marriage vow. But it also acknowledges the brokenness of our world—and provides guidance for situations when separation becomes necessary.

You can read our blogs here:

1. 20 legal reasons to get divorced
2. 20 funny reasons to get divorced

This isn’t a list made lightly. These are not casual reasons, nor are they intended to encourage divorce. Rather, they are based on biblical principles that offer clarity, protection, and sometimes mercy in situations of suffering and sin.

Below are 10 scripturally supported reasons for divorce, rooted in both Old and New Testament teaching.

• 1️⃣ Adultery (Sexual Immorality)

When a spouse breaks the covenant through infidelity.

📖 “But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery…” — Matthew 5:32 (ESV)

• 2️⃣ Abandonment by an Unbelieving Spouse

If a non-believing spouse chooses to leave the marriage, Scripture permits the believer to let them go.

📖 “But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved.” — 1 Corinthians 7:15 (ESV)

• 3️⃣ Physical Abuse

While not explicitly stated as a reason for divorce, the Bible speaks against violence and calls for protection of the innocent.

📖 “The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.” — Psalm 11:5 (NIV)

(Church leaders often interpret physical abuse as a form of abandonment or covenant-breaking.)

• 4️⃣ Emotional or Verbal Abuse

Words can destroy as powerfully as actions, and the Bible repeatedly condemns harsh, cruel speech.

📖 “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

• 5️⃣ Habitual Unrepentant Sin

Ongoing, unconfessed sin that hardens the heart can destroy the foundation of a godly marriage.

📖 “But if your brother sins against you… and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” — Matthew 18:15-17 (ESV)

• 6️⃣ Sexual Depravity (Perverse Practices or Abuse)

Sexual sin beyond adultery—such as perversion, exploitation, or abuse—also defiles the marriage covenant.

📖 “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” — Ephesians 5:11 (NIV)

• 7️⃣ Neglect of Marital Duty

A spouse who withholds love, intimacy, or care without cause breaks their covenantal obligation.

📖 “The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.” — 1 Corinthians 7:3 (ESV)

• 8️⃣ Spiritual Division or Idolatry

When one spouse leads the other into spiritual corruption or practices idolatry.

📖 “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness?” — 2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV)

• 9️⃣ Breaking of Oaths or Deceit in the Covenant

Lying about major issues like addiction, hidden children, or other forms of betrayal can nullify the trust required in marriage.

📖 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” — Exodus 20:16 (ESV)

• 🔟 Endangerment of Children or Household

If a spouse endangers children or family through sin or violence, their actions violate the call to protect and provide.

📖 “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith…” — 1 Timothy 5:8 (ESV)

Divorce With Discernment and Grace

Divorce is never ideal, but in a fallen world, it is sometimes necessary. Scripture provides allowances—not commands—for divorce in specific situations where the marriage covenant has been repeatedly and seriously violated.

If you’re facing the weight of this decision, I urge you to seek pastoral counsel, biblical wisdom, and professional help. God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He provides grace for every painful chapter of life—including this one.

What The Bible Says about Divorce

The Bible treats divorce with great seriousness, as marriage is seen as a sacred covenant between a man, a woman, and God. In Malachi 2:16, God declares, “I hate divorce,” highlighting His deep desire for marital faithfulness. Marriage is meant to reflect God’s unbreakable love and commitment to His people, and divorce disrupts that divine picture. Therefore, divorce is never encouraged lightly and is always viewed as a last resort.

However, Scripture does acknowledge that, because of human sin and hardness of heart, divorce can become a tragic but permissible outcome (Matthew 19:8). Jesus allows divorce in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32), and the Apostle Paul adds abandonment by an unbelieving spouse as another biblical ground (1 Corinthians 7:15). These exceptions exist to protect the innocent and acknowledge real harm that can take place within broken relationships.

Ultimately, the Bible calls for forgiveness, reconciliation, and humility in conflict whenever possible. Yet, when those efforts fail and the covenant is persistently violated, God’s grace still covers those who walk through the pain of divorce. Healing, redemption, and even restoration are still possible in Christ.