What Does the Bible Say About Remarriage?
1. How Does the Bible Define Remarriage?
In the Bible, remarriage refers to entering a new marital covenant after the previous marriage has ended, whether by death or divorce. God’s design for marriage from Genesis 2:24 is a lifelong union between one man and one woman. Yet Scripture recognizes that marriage can end due to human sin or death, and in certain cases, a new marriage may be permissible.
Because marriage is a covenant meant to reflect God’s own faithfulness, any discussion of remarriage must begin with the seriousness of that bond. The biblical question is not simply whether remarriage is allowed, but under what circumstances it honors God.
2. What Does the Bible Say About Remarriage After the Death of a Spouse?
For widows and widowers, remarriage is generally permitted. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 7:39 that a spouse is “free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord” if her husband dies. The phrase “in the Lord” emphasizes that believers should marry only other believers, ensuring that the new marriage is grounded in a shared faith.
At the same time, Paul suggests in 1 Corinthians 7:40 that remaining single after the death of a spouse may allow for greater devotion to the Lord. This is not a command but pastoral wisdom—an acknowledgment that singleness can provide unique opportunities for service and focus on God’s kingdom.
3. What Are the Biblical Grounds for Remarriage After Divorce?
The Bible teaches that remarriage after divorce is permissible only in certain circumstances. Jesus allows divorce in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9), and Paul adds that abandonment by an unbelieving spouse may also free a believer to remarry (1 Corinthians 7:15).
In these situations, the marriage covenant has been broken in a way recognized by God, releasing the innocent party from its obligations. However, Scripture also warns that remarriage after an unbiblical divorce—one that does not meet these conditions—is considered adultery (Mark 10:11–12).
4. Does the Bible Give Guidance for “Mixed” Marriages?
Paul addresses marriages between a believer and an unbeliever in 1 Corinthians 7:12–16. If the unbelieving spouse is willing to remain, the believer should not seek divorce, because the marriage can still be a place where God works to bless and influence the unbelieving partner.
However, if the unbelieving spouse chooses to leave, the believer “is not bound.” Many interpreters understand this as freeing the believer from the marriage covenant, making remarriage permissible. This passage underscores the biblical emphasis on peace and reconciliation when possible, but also recognizes that some situations may require release.
5. Are There Restrictions on Remarriage for Church Leaders?
Some interpretations of passages like 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6 suggest that remarriage after divorce may disqualify a person from certain leadership roles, such as elder or overseer. The phrase “husband of one wife” has been understood by some as requiring a leader to have been married only once.
Other scholars argue that this is too restrictive, noting that the emphasis in these passages is on marital faithfulness, not marital history. In this view, someone who has remarried under biblical grounds can still serve in leadership, provided they meet the character qualifications outlined in the Bible.
6. What Is the Bible’s Overarching Principle Regarding Remarriage?
The consistent biblical theme is that marriage is a sacred covenant, and remarriage should never be entered lightly. In both widowhood and divorce, the decision to remarry should be preceded by:
Prayerful discernment and examination of motives.
Biblical counsel from trusted church leaders.
Commitment to holiness and obedience to God’s Word.
Even when remarriage is permitted, the Bible places a strong emphasis on reconciliation where possible (1 Corinthians 7:10–11) and encourages believers to pursue peace and healing before entering a new covenant.
7. How Does the Gospel Shape Our View of Remarriage?
The Gospel brings both grace and clarity to the question of remarriage. In Christ, there is forgiveness for those who have sinned in the context of marriage, including those who have divorced or remarried outside of biblical grounds. Yet grace does not erase the call to obey God’s design going forward.
Remarriage that honors God is one that reflects Christ’s covenant love for His church—a love that is faithful, sacrificial, and enduring. This means that before entering a new marriage, believers should ask whether it will point others to the Gospel or undermine its witness.
8. How Should the Church Approach Those Considering Remarriage?
The church’s role is to uphold biblical teaching while walking alongside individuals with compassion. This involves:
Teaching clearly on the biblical grounds for remarriage.
Providing pastoral care for those navigating the pain of widowhood or divorce.
Encouraging reconciliation when possible, especially in cases of conflict rather than covenant-breaking sin.
Supporting couples entering remarriage to build their union on a solid biblical foundation.
A healthy church community will neither condemn unjustly nor compromise God’s Word—it will speak the truth in love, offering both guidance and grace.
Conclusion
The Bible’s teaching on remarriage is neither simplistic nor arbitrary. It permits remarriage for widows and widowers, and in cases where divorce has occurred due to sexual immorality or abandonment by an unbelieving spouse. In all other cases, remarriage should be approached with deep caution, biblical examination, and a commitment to God’s glory.
Ultimately, marriage—whether first or subsequent—is a reflection of God’s covenant with His people. When entered according to biblical principles, remarriage can be a beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness and the hope found in the Gospel.
Bible Verses About Remarriage
Deuteronomy 24:1–4 – Old Testament laws concerning divorce and remarriage.
Ruth 4:13 – Boaz marries Ruth, a widow.
Matthew 19:9 – “Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”
Mark 10:11–12 – Jesus’ teaching on remarriage and adultery.
Luke 16:18 – “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery.”
Romans 7:2–3 – Marriage binding until death, with freedom to remarry after.
1 Corinthians 7:15 – Guidance on abandonment by an unbelieving spouse.
1 Corinthians 7:39 – Freedom for a widow to remarry “in the Lord.”
1 Timothy 5:14 – Paul’s counsel for younger widows to marry.
Titus 1:6 – Leadership qualifications regarding marriage.
