Divorce and remarriage can be a challenging subject, especially when it comes to the teachings in the Bible. Today, we will look at what the Bible says about divorce and remarriage, and how we can approach these topics in a way that honors God’s design for relationships.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Divorce And Marriage
What Does The Bible Say About Divorce And Remarrying
Matthew 19:9
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
This verse emphasizes the seriousness of divorce and the consequences of remarriage outside of biblical grounds. It reminds us that fidelity in marriage is of utmost importance and should not be taken lightly. Divorce should only be considered in cases of sexual immorality, and even then, remarriage should be approached with caution.
It is a reminder to couples to work through difficulties and strive for reconciliation rather than opting for divorce as a quick resolution. This verse encourages believers to prioritize the sanctity of marriage and the commitment they make to one another.
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.”
This verse reinforces the seriousness of divorce and remarriage, highlighting the lasting consequences it may have on individuals involved. It stresses that divorcing one’s spouse without biblical grounds not only leads to adultery but also causes harm to the innocent party.
Remarrying after divorcing a partner without valid reasons is considered adultery in the eyes of God. It reminds us of the importance of fidelity, commitment, and honor in marriage, and encourages believers to approach divorce and remarriage with godly discernment and seek reconciliation whenever possible.
Malachi 2:16
“For the Lord, the God of Israel, says, ‘I hate divorce and marital separation and him who covers his garment [his wife] with violence. Therefore, keep watch on your spirit, so that you do not deal treacherously [with your wife].'”
This verse illustrates God’s strong emotions toward divorce and the harm that can be caused within marriages. It conveys the truth that God hates divorce and desires for couples to work through their issues rather than resorting to separation.
Furthermore, the verse warns against violence in marriage, reminding us that all forms of abuse are contrary to God’s design for marital relationships. It serves as a reminder for couples to guard their hearts and treat one another with love, respect, and kindness.
Mark 10:11-12
“So he answered them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.'”
This verse displays Jesus’ teaching on the implications of divorce and remarriage. It clarifies that not only men but also women who divorce their spouses and remarry commit adultery. It highlights God’s intention for marriage to be a lifelong commitment.
It serves as a reminder to couples to carefully consider the gravity of their marital vows and to seek reconciliation rather than separation. This verse emphasizes faithfulness and fidelity in marriage and encourages believers to approach divorce and remarriage with godly wisdom and discernment.
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.”
This verse highlights the Apostle Paul’s instruction on marriage and divorce. It points out that wives should not separate from their husbands, and if they do, they should either remain unmarried or seek reconciliation. Similarly, it instructs husbands not to divorce their wives.
It emphasizes the importance of working through difficulties and prioritizing reconciliation over separation and divorce. This verse encourages believers to approach marriage with a commitment to persevere through challenges and strive for unity.
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 marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.”
This verse provides guidance on the topic of remarriage after the death of a spouse. It establishes that a wife is bound to her husband for life, but in the unfortunate event of her husband’s death, she is free to remarry, emphasizing the importance of marrying a fellow believer.
It acknowledges that in the face of death, the marital bond is released, allowing for the possibility of a new union. However, it reminds believers to seek a partner who shares their faith and values, ensuring a strong foundation for the new marriage.
Romans 7:2-3
“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.”
This verse further elaborates on the release from the marital bond in the event of death. It explains that as long as a spouse is alive, one remains bound to their marriage. However, if the spouse passes away, the remaining partner is released from the marital obligation.
It addresses the potential for adultery if a person engages in sexual relations with someone other than their spouse while the spouse is alive. It emphasizes the importance of honoring the marital commitment and provides clarity on the circumstances surrounding remarriage after the death of a spouse.
1 Timothy 5:14
“So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.”
This verse offers guidance specifically to younger widows, encouraging them to remarry, bear children, and attend to their households. It suggests that remarriage for widows can provide stability, support, and protection.
Paul’s instruction aims to prevent any opportunities for gossip or slander and underscores the importance of righteous living in the face of societal scrutiny. This verse acknowledges the specific circumstances of widows and provides practical guidance for their future.
1 Corinthians 7:15
“But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.”
This verse addresses the complex situation where a believer is married to an unbeliever. It states that if the unbelieving spouse decides to leave, the believer is not bound to the marriage and is free to live in peace.
It recognizes the challenges that may arise when two individuals with differing beliefs are joined in marriage. It reminds believers that their ultimate calling is to live in harmony and peace, and if the unbelieving spouse abandons the marriage, the believer is released from the obligation.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse underscores the sacredness of the marital union and the divine intention for marriage to be a lifelong commitment. It emphasizes that once two individuals are united in marriage, they become one flesh, and no human should attempt to separate them.
It serves as a reminder that marriage is a covenant established by God, and breaking that covenant through divorce goes against His plan and design. This verse encourages believers to honor and preserve the unity of marriage, seeking God’s guidance and strength to overcome challenges instead of seeking separation.
Malachi 2:14
“You ask, ‘Why?’ It is because 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.”
This verse admonishes those who have been unfaithful to their spouse, pointing out that the Lord is a witness to their actions. It reminds them that their spouse is their partner in the marriage covenant and that infidelity is a betrayal of that covenant.
It highlights the weight of the commitment made in marriage and the importance of faithfulness. This verse calls believers to reflect on their actions and seek forgiveness and restoration within the bounds of their marriage covenant.
Proverbs 2:16-17
“Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.”
This verse warns against the danger of finding oneself swayed by the temptations of adultery and immorality. It specifically highlights the behavior of a woman who forsakes her long-standing partner and disregards the covenant she made.
It encourages believers to seek wisdom and discernment, enabling them to resist the allure of unfaithfulness and remain committed to their spouse and the covenant they entered into before God.
1 Corinthians 6:16
“Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, ‘The two will become one flesh.'”
This verse addresses the seriousness of engaging in sexual relations outside of marriage. It highlights the profound spiritual union that occurs when two individuals become intimately involved.
It serves as a reminder of God’s design for sexual intimacy solely within the boundaries of marriage. The verse emphasizes that any form of sexual activity outside of marriage, including prostitution, contradicts the unifying bond that occurs in the covenant of marriage.
Proverbs 5:18-19
“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.”
This verse celebrates the blessings and joys of marital love and intimacy. It encourages husbands to find delight and satisfaction in their wives and to cherish the companionship and physical union they share.
It affirms the importance of monogamy within marriage and exhorts spouses to draw comfort and fulfillment from their relationship with one another. This verse reminds couples of the beauty and intimacy that can be experienced within the boundaries of a faithful marriage.
Proverbs 31:10-12
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
This verse extols the virtues of a wife of noble character and her impact on her husband’s life. It recognizes the immense value of a spouse who conducts oneself with integrity, loyalty, and wisdom.
It encourages husbands to place their trust and confidence in their wives, acknowledging the positive influence they can have on the overall well-being of their household. This verse promotes the importance of a harmonious partnership built on love, respect, and mutual support.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse calls husbands to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ demonstrated His selfless love for the church. It sets a high standard for husbands, emphasizing that their role is to lead, protect, and care for their wives.
It encourages husbands to prioritize their wives’ well-being and spiritual growth, fostering an environment of love, understanding, and support. This verse reminds husbands of their responsibility to love their wives unconditionally, mirroring the love of Christ in their marriage.
Ephesians 5:22-23
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.”
This verse addresses wives, calling them to submit to their husbands’ leadership, just as the church submits to Christ. It acknowledges the unique roles and responsibilities within marriage, with the husband as the head of the household.
It encourages wives to respect and honor their husbands’ leadership, fostering unity and harmony within the marriage. This verse promotes a partnership marked by mutual love, support, and submission to God’s design for marriage.
Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
This verse establishes the foundation of marriage, highlighting God’s original design for the unity and intimacy of a husband and wife. It emphasizes leaving one’s family and cleaving to one’s spouse to form an unbreakable bond.
It stresses the importance of prioritizing the marital relationship above all others, establishing a new family unit. This verse serves as a reminder of the sacredness and oneness that God intends for marriages to embody.
Proverbs 12:4
“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.”
This verse draws a contrast between a wife of noble character, who brings honor and joy to her husband, and a disgraceful wife, who causes him pain and sorrow. It underscores the significance of a spouse’s character and behavior within the marital relationship.
It encourages wives to strive for integrity and virtue, recognizing the positive impact they can have on their husbands and the overall health of the marriage. This verse serves as a reminder of the profound influence a wife’s words and actions can have on her husband’s well-being.
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
This verse instructs husbands to treat their wives with consideration, respect, and understanding. It acknowledges the differences between husbands and wives, reminding husbands to honor their wives as co-heirs of God’s grace.
It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy and loving relationship with one’s spouse, recognizing that the way husbands treat their wives can impact their relationship with God. This verse calls husbands to cultivate a gentle and honoring attitude towards their wives.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse reiterates the command for husbands to love their wives and urges them to avoid harshness or any form of cruelty. It highlights the need for husbands to demonstrate love, kindness, and compassion towards their wives.
It serves as a reminder that a healthy and thriving marriage is built on a foundation of love and mutual respect. This verse encourages husbands to treat their wives with tenderness and understanding, fostering an environment of love and security within the marriage.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
This verse stresses the importance of upholding the sanctity of marriage and maintaining purity within the marital relationship. It admonishes believers to honor and respect the institution of marriage, recognizing its significance to God.
It emphasizes the severity of sexual immorality and reminds us that God will judge those who engage in adulterous behaviors. This verse encourages believers to prioritize faithfulness, cherishing the sacredness of the marriage covenant.