The Scriptures offer varied perspectives on the dissolution of marriage. Certain passages, particularly in the Old Testament, acknowledge divorce as a permitted practice under specific circumstances, often related to infidelity or irreconcilable differences. These allowances provided legal and social frameworks for marital separation within the historical context of ancient Israel. For example, Deuteronomy outlines procedures for a husband to issue a certificate of divorce to his wife.
Throughout biblical history, marriage has been viewed as a sacred covenant, reflecting the relationship between God and humanity. While the Old Testament acknowledged divorce, the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament present a stricter interpretation, emphasizing the permanence of marriage and questioning the permissibility of ending it. This perspective underscores the value of commitment and reconciliation within marital relationships. This theological tension between allowance and condemnation has shaped ongoing discussions regarding the ethical and spiritual implications of marital dissolution.