Losing a spouse is heartbreaking, and some widows may wonder if it’s okay to remarry. The Bible addresses this issue with compassion, offering wisdom on remarriage and how to approach this decision with grace. Let’s explore the biblical guidance for widows considering remarriage.
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What Does The Bible Say About widows remarrying
Genesis 38:8-10
Judah then said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife and fulfill your duty to her as a brother-in-law to raise up offspring for your brother.”
This verse speaks about the levirate marriage, a practice where a widow marries her deceased husband’s brother to produce offspring and carry on the family line.
It shows that in ancient times, widows were allowed and even encouraged to remarry to ensure the continuation of their husband’s lineage.
Ruth 1:11-13
But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me – even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons – would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has turned against me!”
Naomi, after losing her husband and sons, encourages her daughters-in-law to remarry and find happiness with new husbands.
This verse illustrates that widows were not expected to remain unmarried and could seek new companionship.
1 Timothy 5:14
So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.
The apostle Paul advises younger widows to remarry, have children, and take care of their households as a way to avoid idleness and potential harm.
This verse implies that marrying again was seen as a beneficial course of action for young widows.
1 Corinthians 7:8-9
Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
Paul acknowledges the challenges of remaining unmarried and celibate and suggests that if widows struggle with self-control, it is better for them to remarry than to be consumed by passion.
This verse recognizes the natural desires and needs of widows and encourages them to seek companionship through marriage.
Mark 12:19-23
“Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died without leaving any children. The second one married the widow, but he also died, leaving no child. It was the same with the third. In fact, none of the seven left any children. Last of all, the woman died too. At the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?”
In this passage, the Sadducees present a hypothetical situation to Jesus regarding the levirate marriage. They question whose wife a woman will be in the resurrection if she had been married to multiple brothers.
Although this verse does not directly address widows remarrying, it demonstrates the cultural acceptance and practice of marrying widows to ensure lineage continuity.
Deuteronomy 25:5-6
If brothers are living together and one of them dies without a son, his widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother shall take her and marry her and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to her. The first son she bears shall carry on the name of the dead brother so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel.
In this verse, God commands that if a man dies without children, his brother should marry the widow and bear children on behalf of the deceased to preserve the family name.
This verse reflects the ancient custom of widows remarrying to ensure the continuity of the family lineage.
Proverbs 31:10-11
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.
This verse speaks of the virtuous wife, highlighting the value and importance of a good and trustworthy spouse.
Though it does not explicitly address widows remarrying, it implies that finding a new spouse can bring joy, companionship, and fulfillment in life.
Isaiah 54:4-5
“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. For your Maker is your husband – the Lord Almighty is his name – the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.”
In this verse, God reassures widows that He will be their husband, providing comfort, protection, and redemption.
While it does not directly address remarriage, it emphasizes God’s faithfulness and care for widows, offering them security and hope for the future.
Mark 12:25
When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.
In response to the Sadducees’ question, Jesus states that in the resurrection, marriage will no longer exist, and people will be as the angels in heaven.
This verse indicates that widows remarrying in this life should not be viewed as a permanent state, as marriage will have no significance in the afterlife.
1 Peter 3:1-2
Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.
While addressing married women, this verse implies the possibility of widows remarrying and entering new marriages.
It highlights the influential role that widows, as potential wives, can play in leading their husbands to faith through their godly conduct.
1 Corinthians 7:39
A woman 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.
Paul states that if a woman’s husband dies, she is free to marry whomever she desires, provided the potential spouse is a believer.
This verse affirms the freedom and permission given to widows to enter new marriages, granted they choose a partner who shares their faith.
Matthew 22:29-30
Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”
Jesus corrects the religious leaders’ misunderstanding about marriage in the resurrection and emphasizes that it will no longer exist.
Although this verse does not directly mention widows, it reinforces the idea that remarriage for widows is a temporal arrangement and not a permanent state.
1 Timothy 5:9-10
No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.
In this passage, Paul provides qualifications for widows who may receive support from the church, emphasizing the importance of their character and good deeds.
While it does not explicitly mention remarriage, it indicates that widows who have been faithful and devoted to good works may be considered for assistance, suggesting that they had the freedom to remarry if they desired.
Psalm 68:5
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.
This verse celebrates God’s role as a protector and advocate for widows, providing comfort and support in their time of need.
While it does not directly discuss remarriage, it showcases the care and concern God has for widows, suggesting that He would guide them in their decisions regarding remarriage.
1 Timothy 5:3
Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.
Paul instructs the church to show appropriate honor and support to widows who are genuinely in need.
Though not addressing remarriage directly, it implies that widows may have various circumstances, possibly including the desire or need for a new marriage.
Isaiah 54:5
For your Maker is your husband – the Lord Almighty is his name – the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.
This verse emphasizes God’s role as a spouse to widows, underscoring His faithful love, protection, and provision.
While not explicitly discussing remarriage, it conveys the idea that widows can find comfort and fulfillment in their relationship with God, regardless of their marital status.
Proverbs 15:25
The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow’s boundaries.
This verse proclaims God’s care and protection for widows, highlighting His role in safeguarding their well-being.
Though it does not directly reference remarriage, it implies that widows may find security and stability under the Lord’s care.
Proverbs 23:10-11
Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.
While speaking about defending the fatherless, this verse indirectly recognizes widows’ vulnerability and the need to safeguard their rights and well-being.
Although it does not focus solely on remarriage, it suggests that widows, like the fatherless, deserve protection and support.
1 Timothy 5:16
If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.
Paul advises women believers to care for the widows under their responsibility, emphasizing the importance of community support.
While it does not directly address remarriage, it implies that widows were part of the community and could be provided for within their social networks, which might include the possibility of finding new companionship.
Psalm 146:9
The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow but thwarts the ways of the wicked.
This verse declares God’s watchful care over widows, outlining His commitment to their well-being.
While not explicitly mentioning remarriage, it demonstrates God’s protective nature and His desire to provide for widows in various ways.
Exodus 22:22-24
Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.
In this passage, God sternly warns against mistreating widows and fatherless children and promises severe consequences for those who do.
Although it does not explicitly address remarriage, it underscores the importance of treating widows with fairness, respect, and compassion.
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
James highlights the true essence of religion as caring for the vulnerable and oppressed, including widows.
While not specifically mentioning remarriage, it implies that supporting and assisting widows in their distress is an important aspect of demonstrating genuine faith.