The Bible allows believers to remarry after a divorce under specific, limited circumstances, such as when a spouse has committed sexual immorality or when an unbelieving spouse chooses to depart. While God’s ideal design for marriage is a lifelong, permanent covenant between one man and one woman, Scripture acknowledges human brokenness. In cases where a divorce is biblically justified, the “bond” of the previous marriage is dissolved, granting the believer the freedom to remarry in the Lord.
The Biblical Foundation of Marriage
To understand the biblical perspective on remarriage, we first need to recognize the sanctity of the original marriage covenant. In the beginning, God designed marriage to be a permanent union. When the Pharisees questioned Jesus about divorce, He pointed them back to the creation account in Genesis, emphasizing that what God has joined together, no human being should separate. This high view of marriage means that divorce is never God’s “Plan A” for a couple. It is a concession to human sinfulness rather than a divine preference.
However, the Bible does not treat all divorces the same way. When a marriage ends for reasons outside of biblical permissions, the New Testament often views a subsequent marriage as an act of adultery because the original spiritual bond remains intact in God’s eyes. Therefore, a believer’s first priority should always be reconciliation and forgiveness whenever possible. Grace provides the power to heal even the most fractured relationships. Yet, because we live in a fallen world where one partner may remain unrepentant or unwilling to reconcile, God provides specific “exception clauses” that release a person from the marriage bond.
The Exception of Sexual Immorality
Jesus provided the first clear exception for divorce and subsequent remarriage during His Sermon on the Mount and later in discussions with religious leaders. He taught that “marital unfaithfulness” or sexual immorality (the Greek word porneia) breaks the fundamental “one flesh” union of the marriage. When one partner violates the covenant through sexual sin, the innocent party is no longer bound to the legal and spiritual contract of that marriage.
“I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:9)
In this context, the “except for” clause is vital. It implies that if the divorce occurs because of sexual immorality, the subsequent remarriage does not constitute adultery. By breaking the covenant through unfaithfulness, the offending spouse has essentially dissolved the union. While God encourages the innocent spouse to offer forgiveness and seek restoration, He does not command them to remain single if the marriage ultimately ends due to this betrayal. In such cases, the believer is free to move forward and remarry another believer.
The Departure of an Unbeliever
The second biblical grounds for remarriage involves the “Pauline Privilege,” found in the writings of the apostle Paul. This situation specifically addresses “mixed marriages” where one spouse is a Christian and the other is not. Paul explains that if an unbelieving spouse is willing to remain in the marriage, the believer should stay and model the grace of Christ. However, if the unbelieving spouse chooses to leave the relationship, the believer is not obligated to force them to stay or remain legally tied to them forever.
“But if the husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the Christian husband or wife is no longer bound to that person, for God has called you to live in peace.” (1 Corinthians 7:15)
When Paul says the believer is “no longer bound,” he uses language that signifies the legal and spiritual dissolution of the marriage contract. Being “unbound” means the person is restored to the status of a single individual, which includes the right to remarry. This provision exists because God values the peace and spiritual health of His children. A believer should not be held hostage by a spouse who rejects both Christ and the marriage covenant. If the unbeliever departs, the Christian is free to seek a new God-honoring union.
Remarriage for Widows and Widowers
While much of the debate surrounding remarriage focuses on divorce, the Bible is explicitly clear and affirming regarding those who have lost a spouse to death. Death naturally and completely dissolves the marriage covenant. Paul instructs that a widow or widower is completely free to marry whomever they wish, provided that the new spouse is also a follower of Jesus Christ. This “in the Lord” requirement ensures that the new home remains centered on a shared faith.
“A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:39)
For those in this position, remarriage is not a sign of disloyalty to the deceased spouse but a celebration of God’s gift of companionship. The Bible encourages younger widows, in particular, to remarry and lead productive, godly lives. This reminds us that God is the author of new beginnings. Whether through the tragedy of death or the pain of a biblical divorce, God’s desire is for His people to find support, love, and partnership within the community of faith.
Walking in Grace and Wisdom
For believers who have experienced a divorce that does not fit these specific biblical categories, the path forward requires deep repentance and pastoral guidance. If a person divorced for unbiblical reasons and has already remarried, they should not seek another divorce to “fix” the mistake. Instead, they should confess the sin of the past, seek God’s forgiveness, and commit to making their current marriage a reflection of Christ’s love. God’s grace is bigger than our past failures, and His mercy is new every morning.
Before entering into a second marriage, every believer should undergo a period of healing and spiritual reflection. It is essential to examine the heart to ensure that the previous marriage’s issues have been addressed so they are not carried into the new relationship. Seeking wise counsel from church elders or Christian mentors is a vital step in discerning if one is truly “free” to remarry. Ultimately, every marriage—whether it is a first or second—is intended to be a living picture of the relationship between Jesus and His Church.
The Takeaway
Can believers remarry after a divorce? The answer is yes, provided the divorce was based on biblical grounds such as sexual immorality or the abandonment by an unbelieving spouse. While God hates the pain and destruction that divorce causes, He provides a pathway for restoration and new life for those who have been sinned against. If you find yourself in a position where remarriage is possible, ensure that you move forward with a commitment to biblical principles, seeking a partner who shares your devotion to Christ.
