Bible Dictionary
DIVORCE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
Jesus taught that marriage is intended to be a lasting union and condemned putting away a spouse to marry another, identifying it as adultery. Matthew records an exception concerning fornication.
Biblical Usage
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 19, with parallel material in Mark 10 and Luke 16, is presented as the central New Testament doctrine of divorce. The Sermon on the Mount agrees with it. The exception in Matthew concerns fornication. Paul’s instruction about an unbelieving partner who departs says to let the person depart, but does not expressly grant permission for remarriage.