The Bible teaches that marriage is sacred, but divorce is permitted in certain circumstances, such as adultery. However, remarriage after divorce is viewed differently depending on the context. Understanding the biblical foundations on these matters is essential for living according to God’s will.
Divorce and remarriage are sensitive topics that many Christians wrestle with, seeking answers rooted in Scripture. The Bible offers clear guidance on these issues, yet understanding the nuances can be difficult.
In this post, we will explore 25 key Bible verses that speak directly about divorce and remarriage. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive biblical perspective on how God views marriage, divorce, and the possibility of remarriage after divorce.
Whether you're in the midst of a personal decision or seeking to support others, this resource aims to provide you with both clarity and comfort.
God's Original Design for Marriage
Marriage is one of the first institutions created by God, designed to reflect His love and covenant with humanity. From the very beginning, the Bible emphasizes that marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman, rooted in love, commitment, and unity. It is more than just a legal contract; it is a spiritual covenant meant to mirror God’s relationship with His people.
Genesis 2:24 (NIV)
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
This foundational verse illustrates the depth of unity that marriage represents. In becoming “one flesh,” a husband and wife are meant to live in harmony, sharing every aspect of life together.
Ephesians 5:31-32 (NIV)
"For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church."
The Apostle Paul compares marriage to the union between Christ and the church, highlighting the sacred nature of this relationship. Just as Christ loves the church unconditionally, spouses are called to love each other selflessly.
Marriage was created to be a permanent and loving partnership. It’s not something to be entered into lightly or discarded when difficulties arise. The Bible encourages couples to work through their challenges, keeping God at the center of their relationship.
Malachi 2:14 (NIV)
"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."
Here, God emphasizes that marriage is a covenant—a solemn agreement before Him. Breaking this covenant is taken seriously in Scripture, as it goes against His design for marriage.
Proverbs 18:22 (NIV)
"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord."
This verse reminds us that marriage is a blessing, a gift from God to be cherished. Through marriage, we experience God’s favor and His good plan for our lives.
While God’s design for marriage is perfect, the reality is that we live in a fallen world where relationships can break down. Still, these verses provide a clear foundation for understanding how God intended marriage to function—as a lifelong, loving commitment that mirrors His own faithfulness.
Biblical Grounds for Divorce
While God’s design for marriage is lifelong unity, the Bible acknowledges that divorce may be necessary in certain situations. Scripture provides clear guidance on when divorce is permitted, although it is always presented as a last resort. The most explicit reason for divorce, according to the New Testament, is sexual immorality.
Matthew 19:9 (NIV)
"I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery."
Jesus makes it clear that sexual immorality, such as adultery, breaks the marriage covenant and is a legitimate ground for divorce. However, Jesus also emphasizes that remarriage after divorce, when the grounds are not legitimate, leads to adultery.
Deuteronomy 24:1-4 (NIV)
"If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce... he is not allowed to marry her again after she has been defiled."
In the Old Testament, Moses permitted divorce due to "indecency," which many scholars believe refers to sexual immorality. While this was allowed, it was more of a concession to human weakness rather than God’s ideal plan for marriage.
However, Scripture makes it clear that divorce should be a last option, not the first response to marital issues. Jesus criticizes those who divorce without cause, especially in a culture where divorce was becoming too easy and frequent.
Mark 10:9 (NIV)
"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
This verse reinforces the sanctity of marriage, reminding believers that God Himself is part of the union between husband and wife. Divorce, without serious cause, undermines this sacred bond.
Another legitimate reason for divorce mentioned in the New Testament is abandonment by an unbelieving spouse.
1 Corinthians 7:15 (NIV)
"But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace."
Here, the Apostle Paul teaches that if a Christian is married to an unbeliever and that person chooses to leave the marriage, the Christian is no longer "bound" to the marriage covenant.
There are also broader principles within Scripture that could be applied in situations of abuse or extreme hardship, although the Bible doesn’t explicitly mention these as grounds for divorce. The protection and safety of individuals are consistent with God’s heart for His people.
Malachi 2:16 (NIV)
"For I hate divorce, says the Lord, the God of Israel, and him who covers his garment with violence."
This verse reflects God's disdain for divorce, especially when it is caused by betrayal or violence within the marriage. It serves as a reminder that divorce, though permitted under certain circumstances, is never God’s first choice.
In summary, while the Bible permits divorce in cases of adultery and abandonment, it always encourages reconciliation whenever possible. Divorce should be approached with careful thought, prayer, and godly counsel.
Jesus' Teachings on Divorce
Jesus spoke directly about divorce during His ministry, providing some of the most profound and clear teachings on this sensitive subject. His words challenged the cultural norms of the time, where divorce had become more common and was often justified for trivial reasons.
In the Gospels, Jesus addresses the Pharisees' attempts to test Him on the issue of divorce. His response emphasizes God's original intent for marriage, highlighting that it was meant to be an unbreakable bond.
Matthew 19:4-6 (NIV)
"Haven’t you read," He replied, "that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
In this passage, Jesus references Genesis, affirming that God’s design for marriage is rooted in the creation itself. The union between a husband and wife is sacred, and human actions should not tear it apart lightly.
Matthew 5:31-32 (NIV)
"It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 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."
Here, Jesus critiques the practice of divorcing for convenience, emphasizing that divorce without serious cause (such as adultery) causes further harm, leading to adultery if remarriage occurs.
Jesus’ teachings make it clear that divorce should never be pursued lightly or for selfish reasons. In His time, many men would divorce their wives simply by writing a certificate of divorce, often leaving women vulnerable and unprotected. Jesus condemned this practice, pointing out the moral and relational consequences of unjust divorce.
Mark 10:11-12 (NIV)
"Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."
In this passage, Jesus places responsibility on both men and women, showing that neither party is exempt from the moral consequences of divorce and remarriage. His words are direct and challenging, underscoring the seriousness of the marriage covenant.
Jesus also spoke about the hardness of human hearts being the reason Moses allowed divorce in the Old Testament. His teaching reveals that God’s standard for marriage is much higher than what the people had come to expect.
Matthew 19:8 (NIV)
"Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning."
This verse reminds us that while divorce was permitted under the Mosaic Law, it was never part of God’s original plan. Jesus calls His followers to live according to God's higher purpose for marriage, striving to overcome the hardness of heart that can lead to broken relationships.
In summary, Jesus’ teachings on divorce are firm and clear: marriage is meant to be a permanent and sacred union. While divorce is allowed in specific situations, such as adultery, it should never be seen as an easy option. Jesus calls His followers to uphold the sanctity of marriage and approach divorce with the utmost seriousness.
Remarriage After Divorce
The topic of remarriage after divorce is a delicate one in Christian teaching. The Bible speaks clearly about the conditions under which remarriage is permitted, while also emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God's original design for marriage. In cases where divorce was allowed due to sexual immorality or abandonment, remarriage is typically permitted. However, remarriage without valid biblical grounds can result in the sin of adultery.
Matthew 19:9 (NIV)
"I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery."
Jesus explicitly teaches that remarriage is only acceptable when the divorce was due to sexual immorality. If a person divorces for any other reason and remarries, they commit adultery. This underscores the seriousness of remarriage and its consequences when done outside God’s guidelines.
Romans 7:2-3 (NIV)
"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. So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man."
In this passage, Paul discusses how death releases a person from the marriage bond, allowing them to remarry without sin. The principle here applies to cases of remarriage after a spouse’s death, but it also informs the understanding of the lifelong commitment that marriage represents.
The possibility of remarriage depends on the circumstances of the divorce. In situations where the divorce was based on biblical grounds, such as adultery or abandonment, remarriage is allowed. However, in cases where the divorce was not justified biblically, remarriage can lead to adultery, as seen in Jesus' teachings.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (NIV)
"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 advises that if a couple separates for reasons other than those allowed by Scripture, they should remain unmarried or seek reconciliation. Remarriage without proper cause can violate the sacredness of the original marriage covenant.
Remarriage after divorce can also be considered a matter of personal conviction and context. Some Christians believe that grace allows for remarriage after repentance and healing, especially when both parties in the new marriage are committed to honoring God in their union. Still, it is crucial to seek godly counsel and prayerfully discern God’s will in such situations.
Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)
"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."
This verse reminds us of God's heart to bring healing and restoration to broken situations, including marriage. While the Bible upholds the sanctity of marriage, it also offers hope and grace to those who have experienced the pain of divorce.
Remarriage, therefore, is not forbidden in all circumstances but must be approached with deep reflection, prayer, and a desire to live in alignment with God’s will. Biblical grounds for divorce, repentance, and a commitment to a Christ-centered marriage are all vital considerations.
The Role of Forgiveness and Healing
Divorce is often one of the most painful experiences a person can go through. Whether it is due to infidelity, abandonment, or irreconcilable differences, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. However, the Bible offers hope and healing for those who have experienced the heartache of divorce. One of the key aspects of finding peace after a divorce is embracing forgiveness—both forgiving others and accepting God's forgiveness for ourselves.
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
The Bible encourages us to let go of bitterness and embrace forgiveness. This verse is especially important for those who have been wronged in marriage. Forgiving a spouse who has hurt you may be one of the most difficult steps to take, but it is necessary for healing. Holding onto bitterness can trap us in pain, but forgiveness allows us to move forward in freedom.
Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Forgiveness isn’t just a suggestion in Scripture; it’s a command. In the aftermath of divorce, forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing wrongdoing or ignoring the hurt, but it does mean releasing the offender from the debt they owe us. When we forgive, we are following Christ’s example of grace.
In many cases, healing after divorce also requires us to seek and accept God's forgiveness. Divorce, when pursued outside of biblical grounds, can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. Yet, the Bible promises that God’s grace is sufficient to cover all our sins and restore us.
1 John 1:9 (NIV)
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
This verse reassures us that no matter what has happened in the past, when we bring our sins and regrets to God, He is faithful to forgive. Whether the divorce was our choice or thrust upon us, we can find peace in knowing that God forgives and restores those who turn to Him with a repentant heart.
Psalm 147:3 (NIV)
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Divorce can leave deep emotional wounds, but God is the ultimate healer. The psalmist reminds us that God cares deeply for those who are hurting, and He is committed to binding up the wounds of the brokenhearted. Whether the healing process is quick or takes time, God's love and care remain constant.
In the journey toward healing after divorce, it’s also important to surround oneself with a supportive Christian community. Engaging in prayer, seeking wise counsel, and participating in support groups can help restore emotional and spiritual health.
James 5:16 (NIV)
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Sharing our struggles with others, whether it’s a pastor, counselor, or trusted friend, can provide the encouragement and support we need. As the body of Christ, we are called to carry one another’s burdens and help each other on the path to healing.
Ultimately, the journey of forgiveness and healing after divorce leads to greater freedom in Christ. When we release the past to Him, we open ourselves to His grace and restoration.
Conclusion: Trusting God in Divorce and Remarriage
Divorce and remarriage are deeply sensitive topics, touching the very heart of human relationships and emotions. For many, divorce may feel like the end of a dream or a failure that can’t be redeemed, but the Bible reminds us that God is a God of restoration, healing, and new beginnings.
Whether you are navigating the pain of a broken marriage, contemplating remarriage, or supporting someone going through this journey, the key is to anchor yourself in God's Word.
The Bible offers clear guidance on the circumstances under which divorce and remarriage are permissible, as well as how to live out our faith when faced with these challenges.
Above all, the focus should be on forgiveness, healing, and moving forward in God’s grace. By relying on the power of God’s Word, seeking wise counsel, and engaging in heartfelt prayer, you can find the strength to rebuild and renew your life.
As we’ve explored, forgiveness is a critical component for healing after divorce. Holding on to bitterness or regret can only hinder the healing process.
By forgiving others and accepting God's forgiveness for our own shortcomings, we release the past and open our hearts to the new plans God has in store for us.
Whether you're considering remarriage or simply learning how to live with peace after a difficult separation, trust that God is with you every step of the way, guiding you toward healing and restoration.
Remember, God specializes in transforming brokenness into beauty. No matter what you've experienced, God’s grace is greater. Trust Him with your heart, your future, and your relationships, and know that His plans for you are good.
Prayer for Those Navigating Divorce and Remarriage
Heavenly Father,
We come to You today seeking Your wisdom and comfort. For those who have experienced the pain of divorce, we ask that You bring healing to their hearts. Lord, we know that You are close to the brokenhearted, and we pray that You would bind up their wounds and restore their souls.
Help them to forgive those who have hurt them, and give them the grace to let go of any bitterness or anger. We ask that You would also provide wisdom and discernment for those who are considering remarriage, guiding them according to Your Word and will.
Lord, we trust in Your plans, knowing that You make all things new. May each person find peace in Your presence, hope in Your promises, and joy in the journey ahead. Help them to walk in faith, trusting You to lead them into a future filled with Your grace and love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the Bible say about divorce?
The Bible teaches that God’s original design for marriage is lifelong unity between one man and one woman. However, Jesus acknowledged that divorce is allowed in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9). It is also recognized in cases of abandonment by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15).
Is remarriage allowed after divorce in the Bible?
Yes, remarriage is allowed under specific circumstances in the Bible. According to Jesus’ teaching, remarriage is permissible after a divorce if the divorce occurred due to sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9). Paul also notes that remarriage is allowed if an unbelieving spouse abandons the marriage (1 Corinthians 7:15).
How does the Bible encourage forgiveness after divorce?
The Bible consistently calls believers to forgive one another. Ephesians 4:31-32 and Colossians 3:13 both encourage Christians to release bitterness and anger, forgiving as Christ forgave us. Forgiveness is key to finding peace and healing after a divorce.
What does the Bible say about healing after divorce?
Psalm 147:3 tells us that God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. God offers comfort and healing for those who have gone through the pain of divorce, and He promises to be near to those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).
What steps should I take to move forward after a divorce?
Moving forward after a divorce involves leaning on God for strength (Isaiah 40:31), seeking wise counsel (Proverbs 11:14), forgiving and releasing the past (Philippians 3:13-14), and taking practical steps toward growth (Proverbs 16:9). Trusting God with your future is key to finding peace and purpose.
Comments
Post a Comment