What Does the Bible Say About Remarrying After Divorce?
1. What Is the Bible’s Starting Point on Marriage and Divorce?
The Bible begins its teaching on marriage with God’s original design in Genesis 2:24: one man and one woman joined in a lifelong covenant. Jesus affirms this in Matthew 19:4–6, emphasizing that “what God has joined together, let no one separate.” This ideal reveals why divorce is treated with gravity in Scripture—it is a breaking of what God intended to be permanent.
Divorce is never commanded in the Bible but is permitted in limited circumstances due to human sinfulness (Matthew 19:8). This understanding frames all discussion about remarrying: marriage is a sacred covenant, not a disposable arrangement.
2. What Are the Biblical Grounds for Divorce?
The Bible explicitly names two primary grounds for divorce:
Sexual immorality – Jesus permits divorce on this basis in Matthew 19:9, using the Greek word porneia to describe marital unfaithfulness.
Abandonment by an unbelieving spouse – Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 7:15, stating that if an unbelieving spouse leaves, the believer “is not bound.”
Some pastors and scholars also acknowledge abuse as a legitimate cause for divorce, even though the Bible does not name it explicitly. The reasoning is that abuse violates the covenant’s call to love, protect, and nurture, making the marriage covenant effectively broken.
3. Does the Bible Permit Remarrying After Divorce?
If a divorce occurs on biblical grounds, many believe the innocent party is free to remarry. In such cases, the bond of marriage has been dissolved in a way recognized by Scripture.
However, some Christian traditions hold a stricter view, arguing that even in cases of sexual immorality or abandonment, remarriage should be avoided unless the former spouse has died. This reflects an interpretation of passages like Luke 16:18 and Romans 7:2–3, which stress the enduring nature of the marriage covenant.
In all views, the question of remarrying is never treated lightly. The Bible consistently warns that remarriage after an unbiblical divorce is considered adultery (Mark 10:11–12).
4. What Does the Bible Say About Unbiblical Divorce and Remarriage?
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:31–32 and Matthew 19:9 is clear: divorcing for reasons outside the biblical grounds and then remarrying results in adultery. This is because, in God’s eyes, the original marriage covenant still stands.
The seriousness of this should lead Christians to seek reconciliation whenever possible before pursuing divorce. Paul urges believers in 1 Corinthians 7:10–11 to remain unmarried or be reconciled if separation occurs for non-biblical reasons. This preserves the possibility of restoring the covenant.
5. How Should Abuse Be Addressed in Light of Remarrying and Divorce?
Although the Bible does not directly list abuse as a ground for divorce, it condemns violence, oppression, and failure to love one’s spouse (Malachi 2:16; Ephesians 5:25–28). Many pastors and counselors apply biblical principles to conclude that abuse can, in severe cases, warrant separation and possibly divorce.
When abuse occurs, the priority is safety and protection for the victim. Whether remarrying is permissible after such a divorce requires careful pastoral counsel and discernment, seeking to balance God’s compassion for the oppressed with the sanctity of the marriage covenant.
6. How Does the Gospel Shape the Bible’s Teaching on Remarrying After Divorce?
The Gospel offers both grace and truth to those wrestling with the pain of divorce. It calls for repentance where sin has contributed to marital breakdown, and it extends forgiveness to those who have sinned.
For those considering remarrying after divorce, the Gospel urges careful reflection on whether the decision aligns with God’s Word, promotes holiness, and serves as a testimony of His faithfulness. This perspective keeps the focus on the covenantal nature of marriage as a reflection of Christ’s love for His church (Ephesians 5:31–32).
7. What Practical Steps Should Christians Take Before Remarrying?
For those who believe they may remarry after divorce, the Bible and wise pastoral practice suggest:
Seek counsel from trusted church leaders who will guide you through Scripture.
Examine motives to ensure the desire to remarry is not driven by bitterness, loneliness, or retaliation.
Confirm biblical grounds for the divorce, ensuring alignment with God’s Word.
Pursue healing from past wounds to build a healthier foundation for a new marriage.
Remarrying after divorce is not merely a personal choice—it is a covenant decision that carries spiritual significance.
8. How Should the Church Respond to Those Who Remarry After Divorce?
The church must balance upholding biblical standards with offering grace to those who have fallen short. While Scripture clearly defines when remarrying is permissible, it also calls believers to restore those who have stumbled with gentleness (Galatians 6:1).
A Gospel-centered church will hold marriage in honor, confront unbiblical divorces with truth, and walk alongside divorced and remarried believers to encourage faithfulness in their current covenant.
Conclusion
The Bible treats marriage as a sacred, lifelong covenant and speaks clearly about when divorce and remarrying are permissible. While sexual immorality and abandonment are the clearest biblical grounds, some believe severe abuse may also apply. In every case, Scripture urges reconciliation when possible, and remarriage should only be pursued after careful biblical examination and godly counsel.
Ultimately, God’s design for marriage reflects His unbreakable covenant with His people. For those navigating the pain and complexity of divorce, the Gospel offers both forgiveness and the call to live faithfully in the present covenant.
Bible Verses About Remarrying After Divorce
Genesis 2:24 – “A man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Deuteronomy 24:1–4 – Laws concerning divorce and remarriage in Israel.
Malachi 2:16 – “The man who hates and divorces his wife… covers his garment with violence.”
Matthew 5:31–32 – Jesus’ teaching on divorce and remarriage.
Matthew 19:9 – “Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”
Mark 10:11–12 – “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her.”
Luke 16:18 – “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery.”
1 Corinthians 7:10–11 – Paul’s instruction on separation and reconciliation.
1 Corinthians 7:15 – Guidance on abandonment by an unbelieving spouse.
Romans 7:2–3 – Marriage binding until death, except for biblical grounds.
