Project – Exegesis of Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage from New and Old Testaments Perspective

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Marriage is one of the most ancient and universal institutions known to humanity. It exists in virtually every culture and religious tradition as a recognized union between individuals for companionship, procreation, social order, and mutual support. In the biblical worldview, marriage is not merely a social arrangement or legal contract but a sacred institution established by God for the good of mankind. The Bible presents marriage as a divine ordinance that began at creation when God made man and woman and united them in covenant relationship. In Genesis 2:24, it is written that a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This foundational passage forms the basis of biblical teaching on marriage in both the Old and New Testaments.

The concept of marriage in scripture extends beyond physical union to include spiritual, emotional, moral, and covenantal dimensions. Marriage is portrayed as a bond of companionship in which husband and wife support one another, share responsibilities, and build a family under God’s authority. In many biblical texts, marriage is also used symbolically to describe God’s relationship with His people. In the Old Testament, Israel is often depicted as the bride of Yahweh, while in the New Testament, the Church is described as the bride of Christ (Isaiah 54:5; Ephesians 5:25–32; Revelation 19:7). This symbolic use of marriage reveals its sacred significance within biblical theology.

Despite the divine intention for marriage, human sinfulness has often disrupted marital relationships. Throughout history, marriages have been affected by unfaithfulness, abuse, neglect, selfishness, conflict, infertility, economic hardship, and cultural distortions. These challenges sometimes lead to separation, divorce, and remarriage. Divorce refers to the formal dissolution of a marriage covenant, while remarriage refers to entering another marital union after divorce or widowhood. The issues of divorce and remarriage have generated theological debate, pastoral concern, and legal controversy for centuries.

In the Old Testament, marriage was deeply embedded in family structure, inheritance systems, tribal identity, and covenant community life. Marriage was not merely a private relationship but a social and religious institution affecting entire families and communities. Patriarchs such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others were married within cultural frameworks that sometimes included polygamy, concubinage, arranged marriages, and levirate marriage. While these practices were historically present, they do not always represent God’s ideal design for marriage. Rather, many Old Testament narratives describe human realities within fallen societies.

The Mosaic Law addressed marriage and family matters in practical ways. For example, Deuteronomy 24:1–4 contains regulations concerning divorce certificates, indicating that divorce existed within Israelite society. However, the law appears more concerned with regulating an existing practice than promoting divorce as an ideal. Malachi 2:16 strongly condemns marital unfaithfulness and presents God as opposing treacherous divorce. The wisdom literature, especially Proverbs, praises faithful marriage, warns against adultery, and encourages joyful companionship between spouses (Proverbs 5:18–19). Thus, the Old Testament presents both descriptive accounts of marital practices and normative principles emphasizing covenant faithfulness.

When the New Testament begins, Jewish society had inherited Old Testament teachings but also developed competing interpretations regarding divorce. Different Jewish schools debated the acceptable grounds for divorce. Some rabbis allowed divorce for minor displeasure, while others restricted it to serious moral failure. It was into this environment that Jesus Christ spoke authoritatively on marriage, divorce, and remarriage.

Jesus restored attention to God’s original purpose for marriage by referring back to Genesis. In Matthew 19:4–6 and Mark 10:6–9, Jesus taught that from the beginning God made male and female and joined them together as one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together should not be separated by man. Jesus challenged permissive attitudes toward divorce and explained that Moses allowed divorce because of the hardness of human hearts, but it was not so from the beginning (Matthew 19:8). His teaching elevated marriage as a sacred and enduring covenant rather than a disposable contract.

Jesus also addressed remarriage, teaching that one who divorces a spouse and marries another commits adultery, except for sexual immorality as recorded in Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9). These sayings have been central to Christian theological discussions. Some traditions interpret the exception clause as permitting divorce and remarriage in cases of adultery, while others understand it differently. The teachings of Jesus therefore remain foundational yet heavily debated.

The Apostle Paul further developed Christian teaching on marriage in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul addressed celibacy, marital responsibilities, separation, mixed marriages between believers and unbelievers, widowhood, and remarriage. He advised married couples not to separate, but where separation occurs, reconciliation should be pursued or the individuals remain unmarried. He also stated that if an unbelieving spouse departs, the believer is not bound in such circumstances (1 Corinthians 7:15). Paul encouraged widows to remarry only in the Lord if they desired to do so (1 Corinthians 7:39).

Paul’s writings reveal pastoral sensitivity to practical realities while maintaining the holiness of marriage. In Ephesians 5:22–33, he described marriage as a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church, emphasizing sacrificial love, respect, unity, and mutual responsibility. In Romans 7:2–3, he noted the binding nature of marriage while both spouses live. These teachings complement the words of Jesus by applying divine principles to the life of early Christian communities.

Today, the issues of marriage, divorce, and remarriage remain highly relevant. Contemporary societies face increasing divorce rates, domestic violence, sexual immorality, economic migration, delayed marriage, cohabitation, blended families, and changing moral values. Churches and Christian families often struggle to apply biblical teachings faithfully in these complex situations. Some adopt strict interpretations, while others adopt more flexible pastoral approaches. As a result, confusion exists among believers regarding what the Bible truly teaches.

An exegetical study is therefore necessary. Exegesis involves careful interpretation of biblical texts within their historical, literary, linguistic, and theological contexts. Rather than relying on isolated verses or denominational assumptions, exegesis seeks to understand the intended meaning of scripture. Through exegetical examination of Old and New Testament passages, clearer understanding can emerge regarding the biblical view of marriage, divorce, and remarriage.

This study therefore focuses on the exegesis of marriage, divorce, and remarriage from Old and New Testament perspectives. It aims to examine major scriptural texts, compare covenantal themes across both testaments, and derive principles relevant to Christian faith and family life today.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Marriage is widely recognized in Christianity as a divine institution intended for lifelong companionship, family stability, and moral order. However, many marriages today are breaking down through separation, divorce, and controversial remarriages. Christian couples increasingly face challenges such as adultery, infertility, financial stress, domestic violence, poor communication, emotional neglect, migration-related separation, and cultural pressures. As these problems grow, many believers seek answers concerning the biblical legitimacy of divorce and remarriage.

One major problem is that many Christians possess only partial knowledge of biblical teaching on marriage. Some rely exclusively on a few New Testament sayings of Jesus without considering Old Testament covenant foundations. Others emphasize Old Testament legal provisions while neglecting the restorative teachings of Jesus and apostolic instructions of Paul. This selective reading often produces confusion and doctrinal imbalance.

Another serious problem is the wide disagreement among churches and scholars regarding scriptural interpretation. Some traditions teach that divorce is never permissible except by death. Others allow divorce for adultery, abandonment, abuse, or severe marital breakdown. Likewise, some prohibit remarriage after divorce, while others permit it under certain circumstances. These conflicting interpretations leave many believers uncertain about how to live faithfully before God.

Furthermore, many discussions on marriage, divorce, and remarriage are based more on tradition, emotion, or denominational policy than on careful exegesis of scripture. Isolated proof-texting without regard for context, language, historical background, or covenant theology has led to misinterpretations. Without proper exegesis, biblical passages may be applied harshly or permissively in ways never intended by scripture.

In addition, modern marital issues present complexities that ancient communities did not experience in the same form. Matters such as cyber-infidelity, civil legal divorce systems, blended families, long-distance marriages, substance addiction, emotional abuse, and co-parenting require careful application of timeless biblical principles. Church leaders often struggle to counsel wisely when scriptural interpretation is unclear.

Broken marriages also affect children, churches, and society. Children may suffer emotional trauma and weakened moral guidance. Churches may face scandal, leadership disputes, and declining witness. Society may experience increasing family instability and social disorder.

Although many studies discuss Christian marriage generally, fewer studies undertake a detailed exegetical comparison of Old and New Testament teachings on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Without such study, believers may fail to appreciate the continuity and development of biblical revelation across both testaments.

Therefore, the central problem of this study is the lack of clear and comprehensive exegetical understanding of marriage, divorce, and remarriage from both Old and New Testament perspectives. This study seeks to address that gap by examining key scriptural texts and drawing balanced theological conclusions relevant to contemporary Christian life.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine marriage, divorce, and remarriage through exegesis of relevant Old and New Testament texts. Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. Examine Old Testament teachings on marriage, divorce, and remarriage.
2. Analyze New Testament teachings on marriage, divorce, and remarriage.
3. Compare the continuity and differences between Old and New Testament perspectives.
4. Interpret major biblical passages using sound exegetical principles.
5. Determine the relevance of these teachings for contemporary Christian families and churches.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What are the Old Testament teachings on marriage, divorce, and remarriage?
2. What are the New Testament teachings on marriage, divorce, and remarriage?
3. What similarities and differences exist between Old and New Testament perspectives?
4. How can key biblical texts be interpreted through sound exegesis?
5. What relevance do these teachings have for contemporary Christian families?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study will benefit pastors, priests, and church leaders by providing clearer biblical understanding for counseling and family ministry.

It will benefit married and intending couples by presenting scriptural principles for faithful and stable marriages.

It will help divorced or separated believers understand biblical teachings concerning reconciliation, repentance, and remarriage.

The study will contribute to biblical scholarship through exegetical comparison of Old and New Testament texts.

It will also benefit society by promoting stronger families and moral stability.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on selected biblical texts relating to marriage, divorce, and remarriage in both the Old and New Testaments. Old Testament passages include Genesis 2:24, Deuteronomy 24:1–4, Malachi 2:16, and selected wisdom texts. New Testament passages include Matthew 5:31–32, Matthew 19:3–9, Mark 10:2–12, Luke 16:18, Romans 7:1–3, 1 Corinthians 7, and Ephesians 5:22–33. The study emphasizes exegetical interpretation and contemporary application.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Exegesis: Critical interpretation of biblical texts according to context, language, and intended meaning.

Marriage: A covenant union between a man and a woman established by God.

Divorce: Formal dissolution of a marriage relationship.

Remarriage: Entering another marriage after divorce or widowhood.

Old Testament: The first major division of the Bible containing the law, prophets, and writings.

New Testament: The second major division of the Bible containing the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation.

Covenant: A binding relationship established by God involving commitments and obligations.

Project – Exegesis of Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage from New and Old Testaments Perspective