Topical Bible: Divorce: Women: Could Marry After

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In the context of biblical teachings, the topic of divorce and the subsequent remarriage of women is addressed with specific guidelines and cultural considerations. The Scriptures provide insights into the conditions under which a woman, once divorced, may enter into a new marriage covenant.

Old Testament Context

The Mosaic Law provided regulations concerning divorce and remarriage. In Deuteronomy 24:1-4, the law outlines a scenario where a man divorces his wife, giving her a certificate of divorce. This certificate served as a formal declaration of the dissolution of the marriage, allowing the woman to marry another man. However, if the second marriage ended either through divorce or the death of the second husband, the woman was not permitted to return to her first husband. This law aimed to protect the sanctity and seriousness of the marriage covenant.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce and remarriage in the Gospels. In Matthew 5:31-32 , Jesus states, "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 whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery." Here, Jesus emphasizes the gravity of divorce and the conditions under which it is permissible, specifically citing sexual immorality as a valid reason.

The Apostle Paul also provides guidance on this matter in 1 Corinthians 7. In verses 10-11 , Paul advises married couples to remain together, but if separation occurs, the woman should remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. However, in verse 15, Paul acknowledges that if an unbelieving spouse departs, the believing partner is not bound in such circumstances, implying a level of freedom to remarry.

Cultural and Historical Considerations

In biblical times, the status of women and their ability to remarry after divorce was influenced by cultural norms and legal stipulations. The issuance of a certificate of divorce was crucial, as it provided legal and social recognition of the woman's freedom to remarry. Without such a certificate, a woman could face significant social and economic challenges.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the allowance for remarriage after divorce, particularly in cases of marital unfaithfulness or abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, reflects the balance between upholding the sanctity of marriage and recognizing human fallibility. The teachings of Jesus and Paul underscore the importance of marriage as a covenantal relationship while providing compassionate provisions for those who find themselves in broken marital situations.

Overall, the biblical narrative on divorce and remarriage for women is one that seeks to uphold the integrity of marriage while offering grace and guidance for those navigating the complexities of marital dissolution.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 24:2
And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... "If anyone," said the rabbis, "see a woman handsomer than his wife, he may dismiss
his wife and marry that woman." It was ... Women could not gain divorce. ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

Whether the Old Law Set Forth Suitable Precepts About the Members ...
... 5,6: and this in order that he who could not have ... forbade them to marry certain women;
to wit, women of strange ... that he should write a bill of divorce and send ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the old law set.htm

Women of the Frankish Church
... in regard to Hildegarde who, after her divorce, went to ... end of the tenth century
there were no women who can ... study among his courtiers; but he could not revive ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/viii women of the frankish.htm

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
... The union could not be dissolved, except by regular divorce; breach of ... was regarded
as adultery; and the property of the women became virtually that of ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 9 mothers daughters and.htm

On the Journey to Jerusalem - Departure from Ephraim by Way of ...
... we can scarcely suppose that these many women' had gone ... lawfulness of relaxing Christ's
law of divorce, which confines ... it is not good to marry,' could not be ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxii on the journey.htm

On the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Commandments of the Church
... It could not, for example, give permission to a ... For instance, the State allows divorce;
it allows persons ... holiness of the Sacrament, and the women should not ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 36 on the third.htm

What Christ Himself Taught.
... And many, both men and women, who have been Christ's ... years; and I boast that I could
produce such ... second, marriage with a second wife after divorce from the ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter xv what christ himself taught.htm

Of the Apostle's Meaning in 1 Cor. vii. 12-14.
... who prefers that widows and unmarried women should persevere ... For who but could
understand that the apostle ... at all be dissolved: in short, divorce He prohibits ...
/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter ii of the apostles meaning.htm

Post-Nicene Mothers
... Jerome's defence of her divorce shows such liberality of thought on the ... him in regard
to his friendship with those women whose attractions could not have ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/v post-nicene mothers.htm

Electress Louisa
... studies than were common with the women of those ... the devoted attachment of her husband;
he could not bear ... her intention of applying for a divorce, that might ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/electress louisa.htm