The Bible Gives Four Reasons for Divorce—Not Just Adultery
Dr. Douglas Hamp
155,607 views
Most Christians have been taught that adultery is the only biblical reason for divorce—but is that actually what Scripture says?
In this teaching, Dr. Douglas Hamp examines Jesus’ words in Matthew 19 alongside Exodus 21, Deuteronomy 24, Malachi 2, and 1 Corinthians 7. When these passages are read together, the Bible reveals four ways a marriage covenant can be broken:
Sexual unfaithfulness, material neglect, marital neglect, and abandonment.
You will also discover why the Greek word *apolyō*—often translated “divorce”—can mean to send away or dismiss, and why that is not always the same thing as a lawful divorce with a written certificate of release.
This distinction also sheds new light on the famous statement, “God hates divorce.” Malachi is condemning treacherous dismissal and covenant betrayal—not every lawful divorce as a category.
This teaching does not make divorce easy or treat marriage casually. It shows that biblical marriage includes real covenant responsibilities—and that Scripture does not require people to pretend a covenant is alive when it has been persistently destroyed.
For a deeper study, read Dr. Hamp’s book:
*Set Free: What the Bible Really Says About Divorce and Remarriage*
In the next video, we will tackle the question many divorced Christians are afraid to ask:
*If the divorce was biblical, is remarriage still adultery?*
#DivorceAndRemarriage #ChristianMarriage #BiblicalDivorce #MarriageCovenant #Matthew19 #Malachi2 #BibleTeaching #SetFree
Contribute to Douglas Hamp Ministries through Patreon! Patreon: doughamp
20 Comments
I know Jesus forgives me and I pray for my ex but never want that horror again.
Thank you for speaking up for those that have been trapped in ungodly marriages by cruel religiosity and tradition. May YHVH bless you abundantly for your courage!
There was coercive control, neglect, deprivation, financial abuse, seXual abuse, physical abuse, torture, emotional abuse, isolation and more. 🥺
I left with our children, and only the clothes on my back. If I had not left him THAT DAY, I would not have survived, and most likely the children would've been next.
Thank God we found safe passage and lived to tell the tale. God has been with me every step of the way. ❤🙏🏻
Most people I knew turned their backs on me immediately without even bothering to study the issue. God has since brought me a beautiful wife and we have a heavenly marriage. Thank you, brother.
The Bible Gives Four Reasons for Divorce—Not Just Adultery
Dr. Douglas Hamp
155,607 views
Most Christians have been taught that adultery is the only biblical reason for divorce—but is that actually what Scripture says?
In this teaching, Dr. Douglas Hamp examines Jesus’ words in Matthew 19 alongside Exodus 21, Deuteronomy 24, Malachi 2, and 1 Corinthians 7. When these passages are read together, the Bible reveals four ways a marriage covenant can be broken:
Sexual unfaithfulness, material neglect, marital neglect, and abandonment.
You will also discover why the Greek word *apolyō*—often translated “divorce”—can mean to send away or dismiss, and why that is not always the same thing as a lawful divorce with a written certificate of release.
This distinction also sheds new light on the famous statement, “God hates divorce.” Malachi is condemning treacherous dismissal and covenant betrayal—not every lawful divorce as a category.
This teaching does not make divorce easy or treat marriage casually. It shows that biblical marriage includes real covenant responsibilities—and that Scripture does not require people to pretend a covenant is alive when it has been persistently destroyed.
For a deeper study, read Dr. Hamp’s book:
*Set Free: What the Bible Really Says About Divorce and Remarriage*
In the next video, we will tackle the question many divorced Christians are afraid to ask:
*If the divorce was biblical, is remarriage still adultery?*
#DivorceAndRemarriage #ChristianMarriage #BiblicalDivorce #MarriageCovenant #Matthew19 #Malachi2 #BibleTeaching #SetFree
Contribute to Douglas Hamp Ministries through Patreon! Patreon: doughamp