Divorce
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Divorce in the Bible?
Mosaic law permitted divorce through the issuance of a certificate of dismissal, while New Testament teachings restricted permissible grounds for divorce primarily to cases of sexual immorality.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding these distinct legal and ethical frameworks clarifies the historical evolution of marital norms and the specific theological arguments regarding the sanctity of marriage found in biblical texts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Divorce. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Divorce in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Divorce clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Divorce." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/divorce/