Divorce is one of the most painful experiences a person can go through.
It tears apart what was once whole, leaving behind broken hearts and difficult questions.
One of the biggest questions people ask after a divorce is, “Can I remarry?”
What does the Bible actually say about it?
Some believe remarriage is allowed, while others think it is a sin.
With so many opinions, it’s important to turn to Scripture for answers.
God’s Word gives wisdom, guidance, and hope for those who are navigating this difficult situation.
Let’s explore what the Bible says about remarrying after divorce.
God’s Original Design for Marriage
Before looking at remarriage, it’s important to understand how God views marriage in the first place.
From the very beginning, God designed marriage to be a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman.
Genesis 2:24 says, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
Marriage is not just a human contract—it is a covenant before God.
It was created to be permanent, reflecting the deep and faithful love that God has for His people.
Jesus reaffirmed this in Matthew 19:6 when He said, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This shows that divorce was never part of God’s original plan.
However, because of sin, brokenness entered the world, and with it came the reality of divorce.
What the Bible Says About Divorce
Divorce is mentioned multiple times in Scripture, often with a tone of sorrow.
God’s heart is for reconciliation and faithfulness.
Malachi 2:16 says, “The Lord, the God of Israel, says that he hates divorce.”
This doesn’t mean God hates divorced people.
It means that He hates what divorce does—how it causes pain, division, and suffering.
Jesus also spoke about divorce in Matthew 19:8, saying, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.”
This tells us that divorce exists because of human sinfulness, not because it was God’s desire.
However, Jesus did give one specific reason for when divorce is allowed—sexual immorality.
In Matthew 19:9, He said, “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
This means that in cases of marital unfaithfulness, divorce is allowed.
But what does that mean for remarriage?
When Remarriage Is Allowed
The Bible gives a few clear instances where remarriage after divorce is permitted.
The first is when a marriage ends because of sexual immorality.
In Matthew 19:9, Jesus mentions that if one spouse has been unfaithful, the other is not bound by that marriage.
Many scholars believe this means the innocent spouse is free to remarry.
Another biblical reason for remarriage is when a spouse has died.
Romans 7:2 says, “For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him.”
This makes it clear that widows and widowers are free to remarry.
But what about those who divorce for other reasons?
This is where opinions differ.
Some believe that any remarriage after divorce is adultery, while others believe that God offers grace for those who have divorced under difficult circumstances.
What About Those Who Remarry Anyway?
What happens if someone remarries after divorce, even if their situation wasn’t one of the biblical exceptions?
Does that mean they are living in sin forever?
Some read Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:9 and conclude that remarriage is always adultery.
However, others point out that God is a God of grace.
When Jesus met the woman at the well in John 4, He knew she had been married five times.
Yet, He didn’t shame her.
Instead, He offered her living water—His forgiveness and love.
Yes, sin is serious.
But God is in the business of redemption.
For those who have remarried after divorce, repentance means acknowledging past mistakes and committing to honor God in the current marriage.
God’s grace covers those who come to Him with a sincere heart.
The Role of Grace in Divorce and Remarriage
One of the most powerful truths in Scripture is that God’s grace is greater than our failures.
Divorce is painful, and sometimes it happens for reasons that don’t fit neatly into biblical guidelines.
What about those who were abandoned by a spouse?
What about those who were in abusive marriages?
1 Corinthians 7:15 speaks about believers who are abandoned by an unbelieving spouse.
It says, “If the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances.”
This verse suggests that in some cases, a person may be released from their marriage and possibly free to remarry.
While divorce is never ideal, God’s grace covers those who have experienced it.
He brings healing and restoration, even when life hasn’t gone according to plan.
Seeking God’s Will Before Remarriage
If you are considering remarriage, the most important thing you can do is seek God’s guidance.
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding.
This means surrendering our plans to God and asking for His wisdom.
Before stepping into another marriage, it’s important to take time to heal.
Unresolved pain from a previous marriage can carry into a new one.
Seeking wise counsel from pastors or mature Christians can also help.
God wants His children to make choices that honor Him.
Rushing into remarriage without seeking His will can lead to more heartache.
But when we wait on Him, He directs our steps.
Marriage Is a Covenant, Not Just a Contract
One reason the Bible speaks so seriously about divorce and remarriage is that marriage is more than just a legal agreement.
It is a covenant before God.
Malachi 2:14 says, “The Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.”
A covenant is different from a contract.
A contract can be broken if one party doesn’t hold up their end of the deal.
But a covenant is meant to be lasting, a sacred promise before God.
When considering remarriage, it’s important to remember that marriage isn’t just about love or companionship.
It’s about committing to honor God through that relationship.
Healing After Divorce
Divorce leaves wounds, even when it’s necessary.
God understands that pain and offers healing.
Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
If you’ve been through a divorce, know that God sees your hurt.
He doesn’t condemn you—He wants to restore you.
Forgiveness is a big part of the healing process.
Forgiving your former spouse doesn’t mean forgetting what happened, but it does mean releasing bitterness.
Healing also takes time.
Jumping into a new relationship too soon can lead to repeating past mistakes.
God’s plan is always for redemption.
He can take what is broken and create something new.
Final Thoughts
Remarrying after divorce is a deeply personal and sometimes difficult topic.
The Bible makes it clear that marriage is meant to be a lifelong covenant.
However, because of sin and brokenness, divorce happens.
Scripture gives certain allowances for remarriage, particularly in cases of unfaithfulness or abandonment.
For those who have remarried outside of these reasons, God’s grace is still available.
He is not a God of condemnation but of restoration.
If you are considering remarriage, seek God’s wisdom.
Wait on His timing.
Trust that He will guide you.
No matter your past, His love remains.
And through Him, healing and new beginnings are always possible.