What Does the Bible Say About Divorce and Remarriage?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

Divorce is a topic that generates a lot of questions, and the Bible does address it. In short, the Bible recognizes the painful reality of divorce but upholds the sanctity and permanence of marriage. Jesus spoke directly about it, indicating that divorce was not in God’s original plan. However, the New Testament offers some specific instances where divorce is allowed. Remarriage, too, comes with its biblical guidelines, often intertwined with the reasons behind the divorce.

Ready for a journey through ancient wisdom that can help us navigate modern dilemmas? Dive in to discover God’s view on divorce and remarriage.

What Does the Bible Say About Divorce and Remarriage?

Divorce wasn’t a part of God’s initial design for marriage. From the creation story in Genesis, it’s clear that God intended marriage to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman. However, as humanity wrestled with sin, hardships, and the complexities of life, divorce found its way into society.

Jesus, in the New Testament, revisits the topic of divorce. He acknowledges that Moses allowed divorce because of the hardness of people’s hearts but states that it wasn’t this way from the beginning. Jesus emphasizes the permanence of marriage by saying that whoever divorces, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another, commits adultery.

While Jesus speaks firmly about the sanctity of marriage, it’s worth noting that He also dealt compassionately with those who were caught in marital disputes or sins related to marriage. Think of the woman caught in adultery; Jesus didn’t condemn her but called her to leave her life of sin.

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But what about remarriage? The New Testament offers guidance, largely connected to the reasons behind a person’s divorce. If a person is divorced due to their spouse’s marital unfaithfulness, some interpretations suggest that remarriage is permissible. However, if the divorce happens for reasons other than marital infidelity, the waters become murkier. It’s essential to approach this topic with prayer, wisdom, and counsel.

Bible Verses About Divorce and Remarriage

  1. Matthew 19:8 – Jesus said, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.” This speaks to God’s original intent for marriage and how human sin altered His design.
  1. Matthew 5:32 – “But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” Jesus outlines the weightiness of the decision to divorce and the consequences tied to it.
  1. 1 Corinthians 7:15 – “But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases, the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.” Paul offers guidance, suggesting that if an unbelieving spouse wants to leave, the Christian spouse is not bound in such circumstances.
  1. Malachi 2:16 – “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the LORD, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.” Here, God expresses His displeasure with divorce and calls for faithfulness.
  1. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 – “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.” Paul reinforces Jesus’ teachings on the permanence of marriage.
  1. Mark 10:11-12 – “He said to them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.'” Jesus emphasizes the gravity of both divorce and remarriage.
  1. Romans 7:2-3 – “For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.” Paul elaborates on the bounds of marriage and how they can be broken.
  1. 1 Corinthians 7:39 – “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.” Paul touches on the concept of remarriage after the death of a spouse.