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The Bible teaches about remarriage in several places, addressing both the principles and circumstances under which remarriage is permissible. The topic of remarriage is complex, with various nuances depending on different contexts such as divorce, infidelity, and the sanctity of marriage. For Christians, the Bible offers clear guidelines that seek to uphold the sanctity of marriage while also addressing the realities of human imperfection and sin. By examining key biblical passages, we can understand what God’s Word teaches about remarriage.
The Sanctity of Marriage
Before delving into the specific teachings on remarriage, it is essential to understand the Bible’s view of marriage. The foundation for God’s design for marriage is laid out in the book of Genesis. Marriage was established by God as a sacred institution, meant to reflect His relationship with His people and to fulfill His purpose for humanity.
In Genesis 2:24 (NKJV), we read:
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
This passage highlights the union between a man and a woman in marriage, describing it as a bond that is meant to be lifelong. Marriage is not only a physical or social contract but a spiritual covenant, symbolizing the intimacy and unity that God desires for His people.
In Ephesians 5:31-32 (NKJV), Paul reaffirms the sacredness of marriage, using it to illustrate Christ’s love for the Church:
“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”
The Bible emphasizes that marriage is to be a reflection of God’s faithful love, and the unity that is created in marriage mirrors the unity of Christ and the Church. Thus, marriage is sacred, and its permanence is emphasized throughout Scripture. In this context, remarriage must be understood as a response to specific conditions, often involving the breakdown of the original marital covenant.
Divorce and Remarriage in the Old Testament
While the Old Testament upholds the sanctity of marriage, it also acknowledges human sinfulness and provides instructions for divorce under certain conditions. The laws regarding divorce are given in Deuteronomy 24:1-4 (NKJV):
“When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some uncleanness in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house, when she has departed from his house and goes and becomes another man’s wife, if the latter husband detests her and writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house, or if the latter husband dies, who took her as his wife, then her former husband who divorced her must not take her back to be his wife after she has been defiled; for that is an abomination before the Lord.”
This passage addresses the issue of divorce and remarriage. While God permitted divorce in certain circumstances, it was never part of His original design for marriage. The “uncleanness” mentioned here refers to some form of sexual immorality. Divorce was allowed to protect the dignity of the innocent party, particularly in cases where the other spouse had been unfaithful or violated the covenant in some way.
However, remarriage was not without restrictions. The law forbade a woman who had been divorced from returning to her first husband if she had remarried another man in the interim. This was seen as a defilement, and the former husband was not permitted to take her back after her second marriage ended. The rules surrounding divorce and remarriage in the Old Testament show that while divorce was permitted in cases of infidelity or serious wrongdoing, remarriage was subject to certain restrictions and was not to be taken lightly.
Jesus’ Teaching on Divorce and Remarriage
In the New Testament, Jesus addresses divorce and remarriage directly in the Gospels. His teachings focus on the sanctity and permanence of marriage, stressing that divorce should only be permitted in the case of sexual immorality. In Matthew 19:3-9 (NKJV), Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ question about divorce:
“The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?’ And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.’ They said to Him, ‘Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?’ He said to them, ‘Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.'”
In this passage, Jesus refers to the original intention of God for marriage—one man and one woman, united for life. Jesus acknowledges that Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of people’s hearts, but He emphasizes that divorce is not God’s ideal. Jesus’ teaching on divorce is clear: remarriage is only permissible in cases of sexual immorality (Greek: “porneia”), which includes adultery and other forms of sexual sin.
Jesus’ statement that “what God has joined together, let not man separate” reinforces the importance of the marital covenant and the permanence of marriage. This principle sets the foundation for understanding remarriage, as it underscores the sacred nature of marriage and the difficulty of dissolving that bond without serious consequences.
Paul’s Teaching on Divorce and Remarriage
The Apostle Paul provides further clarity on divorce and remarriage in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (NKJV), Paul reaffirms Jesus’ teaching and addresses the situation of divorce among believers:
“Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.”
Paul emphasizes that divorce should not be part of the believer’s life, echoing the teachings of Jesus. He also recognizes that there may be situations where a divorce occurs, but he urges the individuals involved to remain unmarried or seek reconciliation. This reflects God’s desire for the restoration of relationships whenever possible.
In 1 Corinthians 7:15 (NKJV), Paul provides another allowance for remarriage:
“But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.”
Here, Paul addresses the situation where one spouse is a believer and the other is not, and the unbelieving spouse chooses to leave. In this case, the believing spouse is not bound to remain in the marriage, and remarriage is permissible. Paul makes it clear that God desires peace, and if the unbeliever departs, the believer is no longer under the bondage of that marriage.
The Principle of Forgiveness and Restoration
It is important to understand that even in cases where divorce occurs, the Bible emphasizes the principle of forgiveness and restoration. God is always ready to forgive those who repent and turn to Him. The New Testament teaches that the blood of Jesus Christ covers all sins, including the sin of divorce. In 1 John 1:9 (NKJV), we read:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Thus, for those who have experienced divorce and remarriage, there is always the opportunity for restoration through repentance and faith in Christ. While the Bible outlines specific circumstances where remarriage is permissible, it also offers grace and forgiveness for those who have sinned in this area.
Summary of Biblical Teachings on Remarriage
The Bible presents a high view of marriage and upholds the idea that marriage should be a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman. However, the Bible also acknowledges the reality of sin and the difficulties that arise in relationships. In cases of sexual immorality, divorce and remarriage are permitted, as seen in Jesus’ teachings. The Apostle Paul further expands on this by allowing remarriage in cases where an unbeliever departs from the marriage.
For those who are remarried, the Bible calls for a heart of repentance and forgiveness. If remarriage occurs under permissible circumstances, it should be seen as a new covenant, and individuals should honor their new marriage just as they would any other biblical marriage. Ultimately, the teachings of Scripture point to the importance of faithfulness, forgiveness, and the pursuit of peace in all relationships.
While divorce and remarriage are tragic realities, the Bible provides a framework that encourages restoration, reconciliation, and living according to God’s standards. The overarching message of the Bible on remarriage is one of grace, restoration, and the desire for believers to honor God in all areas of their lives, including marriage.