In the Bible, widows remarrying is viewed with compassion and practicality. The Scriptures provide guidance, showing an understanding of the challenges faced by widows. Importantly, there is no sin attached to remarriage. The New Testament, in particular, offers clear advice that widows are free to remarry, especially emphasizing that they should choose a Christian partner. This perspective aligns with God’s view on marriage as a supportive, loving relationship, regardless of whether it’s the first or a subsequent marriage.
Ever wondered what the Bible really says about widows remarrying? It’s a topic filled with empathy, practical advice, and surprising insights. Read on to discover how ancient wisdom speaks to this very modern issue.
What Does the Bible Say About Widows Remarrying?
When exploring the Bible’s stance on widows remarrying, it’s evident that the Scripture approaches this issue with both sensitivity and practicality. Far from forbidding it, the Bible acknowledges the social and personal needs of widows, offering guidance that reflects God’s compassionate nature.
In the Old Testament, the law provided specific protections for widows, recognizing their vulnerable position in society. There were laws to ensure their welfare and rights, including the practice of levirate marriage, where a widow would marry her late husband’s brother to continue the family lineage and provide for her needs. This practice was more about social security and preserving family inheritance, rather than a moral directive on remarriage.
Transitioning to the New Testament, the approach shifts from social obligation to personal choice. Paul, in his letters, speaks directly about the issue. He advises that widows are free to remarry, but adds a key stipulation — they should marry a fellow believer. This advice aligns with the broader Christian principle of being equally yoked in faith within marriage.
The New Testament also addresses the role of the church in supporting widows. In 1 Timothy, Paul instructs the church to care for those who are truly in need, highlighting the community’s responsibility towards widows. However, he also encourages younger widows to remarry, to have children, and to manage their homes, suggesting that remarriage is not only allowed but also viewed as a positive step.
These perspectives show a balance between upholding the sanctity of marriage and recognizing the practical and emotional needs of individuals. The Bible does not attach any stigma to a widow remarrying. Instead, it offers guidance that reflects understanding, compassion, and respect for personal decisions. This approach underlines the Biblical view that marriage, at its core, is about companionship, love, and mutual support, values that are as relevant in remarriages as they are in first marriages.
Bible Verses About Widows Remarrying
- 1 Timothy 5:14 – “So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.” Paul’s advice here is clear: younger widows are encouraged to remarry. This verse emphasizes the importance of family life and the church’s role in guiding and supporting widows.
- 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.” This verse explicitly states that a widow has the freedom to remarry, with the important criterion that her new spouse should share her Christian faith.
- 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 is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.” Paul clarifies here that a widow is not bound by the law of marriage after her husband’s death and is free to remarry without any moral wrongdoing.
- Deuteronomy 25:5-6 – In the Old Testament, the law of levirate marriage is described: “If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead man shall not be married outside the family to a stranger. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her and take her as his wife and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her.” While this is a specific cultural practice, it underscores the importance placed on caring for widows and ensuring their security.
- Luke 2:36-37 – “And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.” While this passage does not explicitly discuss remarriage, it highlights the dignified life of a widow devoted to God. It shows that widows were respected and could lead fulfilling lives within their communities.
- 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 – “To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” Here, Paul acknowledges the practical and personal aspects of remarriage. He suggests that if a widow desires companionship or struggles with loneliness, it is better for her to remarry.
- Ruth 4:13-15 – “So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. … Then the women said to Naomi, ‘Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel!’” This passage from the story of Ruth, a widow, illustrates God’s provision and blessing in her remarriage to Boaz, which also brought joy and blessing to her mother-in-law Naomi, a widow herself.
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” While not directly about remarriage, this verse speaks to God’s nature of providing comfort in times of loss and loneliness, which can be a significant aspect of a widow’s life and her decision to remarry.
- John 14:18 – “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” This promise of Jesus speaks to the broader theme of God’s care and presence, especially relevant for widows who might feel alone or abandoned.
- Psalm 68:5 – “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.” This verse highlights God’s special care and concern for widows, reassuring them of His protective presence in their lives.
These verses collectively offer a comprehensive view of the Bible’s stance on widows remarrying. They reflect a balance of cultural practices, personal choice, and the Christian value of companionship. The Bible does not impose restrictions on widows remarrying but instead provides guidance and support for their choices, always within the framework of faith and community. This compassionate and understanding approach underscores the Biblical view that marriage, whether first or subsequent, is a union blessed by God and grounded in mutual love and support.