Is remarriage after divorce permissible according to the Bible? Definition and Context Remarriage after divorce involves entering into a new marital covenant following the dissolution of a previous one. The biblical teaching on this topic arises from passages that address marriage, divorce, and subsequent unions. These passages generally emphasize marriage as a lifelong covenant, yet they also offer conditions under which divorce, and in some cases remarriage, might be considered. Below, each major segment of Scripture is explored to provide clarity on whether remarriage is permissible, highlighting support from both Old and New Testament teaching. Key Old Testament Perspectives One of the earliest references to divorce in the Old Testament is Deuteronomy 24:1–4. It reads: “When a man takes a wife and marries her, if she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her, and sends her away from his house, and if after leaving his house she goes and becomes another man’s wife, and the second man hates her and writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her, and sends her away from his house, or if he dies, then her first husband who sent her away may not take her back to be his wife after she has been defiled…” This provision regulated Israelite society by requiring a formal certificate for divorce. It guarded against hasty repudiations and offered a measure of legal protection. The text does not command or endorse divorce but allows it under a restricted scenario, indicating a level of tolerance for divorces taking place. However, it imposes limits on remarriage specifically: once the divorced wife remarried, her first husband was prohibited from remarrying her if the second marriage ended. 2. Cultural and Historical Backdrop Archaeological inscriptions and legal codes from neighboring ancient Near Eastern cultures (for instance, portions of text discovered at sites like Nuzi and Mari) reveal that divorce practices were widespread, often leaving women vulnerable. Deuteronomy’s guidelines helped restrain such practices. This Old Testament framework established the principle that marriage was not to be dissolved lightly and that there were set boundaries for remarriage after divorce. Jesus’ Teachings in the Gospels “It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her; and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” Here, Jesus references the Mosaic allowance for divorce yet tightens the standard. The phrase “except for sexual immorality” is key, suggesting an exception for marital unfaithfulness. Some Pharisees tested Jesus by asking if one could divorce “for any reason.” Jesus responded by pointing to God’s original design from Genesis, stating that from the beginning, a man and woman become “one flesh.” When pressed about Moses permitting divorce, Jesus explained, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of the hardness of your hearts,” but from the start, it was not so (Matthew 19:8). He then reiterated: “And I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9). This passage is often understood as giving a clear guideline: in cases of sexual immorality, divorce is not required but is allowable. Should a spouse choose to end a marriage because of such immorality, remarriage apparently does not incur the charge of adultery. 3. Mark 10:2–12 Mark’s account aligns closely with Matthew’s, omitting the explicit “except for sexual immorality” phrase, but underscoring that God’s intention does not include divorce. 4. Luke 16:18 “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” This succinct statement mirrors the seriousness of the marriage bond. Many interpret Luke’s summary in the context of Jesus’ more extended discussion in Matthew. Paul’s Instructions in the Epistles “To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.” These verses uphold the principle that believers should aim for reconciliation or remain single if separation occurs, suggesting that remarriage for believers in conflict might not be the immediate course. Paul addresses marriages between a believer and an unbeliever. He counsels believers not to initiate divorce if the unbelieving spouse is willing to live peaceably. If the unbelieving spouse departs, however, “the brother or sister is not bound in such cases,” (1 Corinthians 7:15). Some interpret “not bound” to mean liberty to remarry, although others advise caution. The immediate context implies that the deserted spouse is free from obligation, often understood as permission to remarry without guilt. 3. Romans 7:1–3 Paul uses marriage as a metaphor for the believer’s relationship to the law and states that a woman is bound to her husband while he lives; if he dies, “she is free from that law, and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.” This specifically addresses marital bonds ending at death, but the principle of permanent union remains. The Exception Clause The most debated point is commonly known as the “exception clause” found in Matthew’s Gospel: “except for sexual immorality.” The Greek term “porneia” typically refers to various forms of sexual sin. Scholars differ on the precise scope, but the consensus is that serious sexual betrayal can be a legitimate ground for divorce and potentially remarriage, according to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew. Those who remarry under these circumstances do not necessarily bear the guilt of adultery, provided the divorce is in line with the permissible ground outlined by Christ. Pastoral and Community Considerations Christian practice has historically encouraged reconciliation whenever possible, urging both spouses to strive to keep the marriage intact (see 1 Corinthians 7:10–11). The emphasis on unity and forgiveness is based on broader scriptural teachings (Ephesians 4:32). However, for those who have encountered marital unfaithfulness or desertion, Scripture offers grounds that may allow for both divorce and remarriage. In contemporary settings, many church communities guide individuals through counseling, prayer, and pastoral care. These efforts aim to discern if the divorce is consistent with the biblical parameters and to provide support for those navigating the emotional and spiritual impacts of a broken covenant. Conclusion Biblical texts affirm that marriage is designed to be an unbreakable bond between husband and wife. Nevertheless, certain passages present specific scenarios in which divorce and subsequent remarriage can be permissible—particularly in cases of unrepentant sexual immorality or desertion by an unbelieving spouse. While these are recognized biblical grounds, Scripture consistently upholds striving for forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace whenever feasible. In any scenario, believers seeking clarity on whether remarriage is appropriate are encouraged to weigh the relevant biblical passages, seek wise counsel within their faith community, and prayerfully consider how best to honor the divine intention for marriage. “Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Matthew 19:6) |
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