Does the Bible say you can remarry after a divorce?

Yes, the Bible permits remarriage after divorce in specific situations, primarily if the divorce was due to sexual immorality (adultery) or abandonment by a non-believing spouse, though some interpretations hold a stricter view, allowing it only after a spouse's death. Jesus taught that divorce and remarriage without biblical grounds is adultery, but acknowledged grounds for divorce, freeing the innocent party to remarry. The Apostle Paul also addressed this, allowing remarriage if an unbelieving spouse leaves.

Can a divorcee remarry according to the Bible?

The Bible presents different views on remarriage after divorce, generally discouraging it as adultery unless the divorce was for sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9) or abandonment by a non-Christian (1 Corinthians 7:12-15), with many traditions seeing only death as a true end to the marriage bond, while others emphasize forgiveness and grace, allowing remarriage after seeking God's wisdom. Key passages suggest marriage is a lifelong covenant, but exceptions for adultery, abandonment, or death are debated, with some interpretations allowing the innocent party to remarry, while others stress remaining single or seeking reconciliation. 

Is it a sin to marry a divorced woman according to the Bible?

Yes, the Bible, particularly Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9, says that marrying a divorced woman can be considered adultery, unless the original divorce was for the exception of sexual immorality (porneia). In cases of unbiblical divorce, Jesus taught that the person remarrying commits adultery, as the previous marriage bond is still considered valid in God's eyes, making the new union an act of adultery. 

Is it a sin to get divorced and remarry?

Whether remarriage after divorce is a sin depends heavily on religious interpretation, with many Christian views stating it's adultery unless for specific reasons (like sexual immorality or abandonment by an unbeliever), while others see exceptions or focus on God's grace, noting Jesus allowed divorce for "hardness of heart", but emphasizes lifelong commitment. Some faiths hold stricter views on the permanence of marriage, while Islamic teachings allow remarriage after divorce, especially with certain conditions. 

Can I remarry my ex-husband biblically?

In evaluating the Scriptural texts in regard to marriage, divorce, and remarriage the Bible points to the marriage bond as ending only in death, not merely being severed by legal divorce, thereby prohibiting remarriage following divorce no matter the circumstance (Matthew 19:6, Romans 7:1-3, 1 Corinthians 7:10-11,39).

What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage? | GotQuestions.org

Does God recognize a second marriage?

Whether God recognizes a second marriage depends heavily on religious interpretation, but many Christian views see remarriage as valid after a biblical divorce (adultery, abandonment, death) because the covenant is broken, while others view remarriage with a living former spouse as adultery unless exceptions apply, emphasizing the lifelong covenant; Judaism generally permits second marriages, especially after a spouse's death, for procreation or care, while Islam allows a man to have multiple wives but requires fairness. 

Does Matthew 19:9 allow for remarriage?

While Jesus makes it plain that divorce and remarriage without biblical grounds is sinfully adulterous (Matt. 19:9; cf. 1 Cor. 7:10–11), he also acknowledges that those who are divorced are truly divorced (not still married in God's eyes) and those who have remarried are truly married.

Is remarriage the unforgivable sin?

The only unforgivable sin is the sin of refusing to repent and believe in Jesus Christ as Savior. Neither divorce nor remarriage is in itself the unforgivable sin any more than murder, stealing, lying or coveting. "All sins will be forgiven the sons of men" (Mark 3:28).

What are the two exceptions for divorce in the Bible?

When divorce does occur, Scripture gives two permissions: 1) adultery (Matt. 5:32; 19:9) and 2) abandonment (1 Cor. 7:15). With adultery, sexual immorality is an “exception” that gives biblical permission for divorce.

Are Christians allowed to marry twice?

After reading above it is clear that Second Marriage in Christianity is allowed but in very few situations, mostly Christians and even every person believes that once someone is married that marriage is forever, and breaking marriage is considered as a Sin in Christianity.

Do I have to be legally married to be married in the eyes of God?

In the Bible, marriage is a covenant before God, not just a legal contract. While Scripture doesn't say you must have a government- recognized marriage, it does emphasize commitment, faithfulness, and the joining of two into one flesh (Genesis 2:24).

Is a sexless marriage biblical ground for divorce?

While the Bible primarily lists sexual immorality (adultery) and abandonment as grounds for divorce, a sexless marriage, particularly when one partner intentionally withholds sex without valid reason (like agreed-upon prayer), is viewed by many Christian interpretations as a serious breach of marital covenant, potentially falling under abandonment or a violation of conjugal duty, making divorce a considered option, especially if reconciliation efforts fail and abuse or unwillingness persists. 

Is marrying a divorced woman considered adultery?

Whether marrying a divorced woman is adultery depends on your religious beliefs, especially interpretations of Jesus' teachings, where some passages say remarrying after divorce (unless for sexual immorality) is adultery because the first marriage bond isn't fully dissolved; while others emphasize the reason for the divorce, suggesting remarriage is okay if the first divorce was biblically valid (e.g., for sexual immorality), but still condemn marrying someone divorced for other reasons, viewing the bond as ongoing. 

Will God forgive me for marrying a divorced woman?

Yes, most Christian teachings emphasize that God offers forgiveness for marrying a divorced person, as long as there's genuine repentance for any sin involved, focusing on building a new, God-honoring relationship through grace, though interpretations vary on whether such a marriage is considered "biblical" or if specific conditions (like adultery in the prior marriage) were met. The key is heartfelt sorrow for sin, not mourning the consequences, seeking God's forgiveness, and committing to righteousness, with God's grace capable of restoring and blessing even marriages starting on difficult foundations. 

What does the Bible say about being divorced and getting remarried?

The Bible presents marriage as a lifelong commitment, but allows for divorce and remarriage in specific situations, primarily sexual immorality (adultery) (Matthew 19:9) and the abandonment by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15). While God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), Jesus provided exceptions, permitting the innocent party to remarry without committing adultery, a principle also extended by Paul in cases of desertion. 

What are the three biblical reasons for divorce?

The Bible provides grounds for divorce, primarily centered on Sexual Immorality (Adultery), as Jesus mentions in Matthew 19:9; Abandonment, especially by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15); and often includes Abuse (Physical/Emotional) as a severe violation of the marriage covenant, though sometimes seen as a form of abandonment. While God hates divorce, these are considered permissible allowances, not commands, with restoration always encouraged first, according to various interpretations. 

Does God forgive divorce and allow remarriage?

Yes, Christians believe God offers forgiveness for divorce and remarriage through repentance, but views differ significantly on whether remarriage after divorce is permissible, with some traditions allowing it only for adultery or abandonment, while others see God's grace covering all sins, emphasizing sincere sorrow and seeking forgiveness. Major viewpoints include: 

What actions break the marriage covenant?

Actions that break a marriage covenant often involve violating sacred vows, with infidelity (adultery/sexual immorality) and abandonment being primary biblical grounds, alongside severe acts like domestic abuse, neglect, addiction, betrayal, chronic dishonesty, or disrespect that fundamentally destroy trust and commitment, potentially allowing for divorce in some beliefs. While some actions like poor communication or greed erode the relationship, major breaches such as abuse, addiction, and infidelity are seen as directly severing the covenantal bond. 

What are the 4 A's of divorce?

While every marriage is unique, certain patterns and recurring issues frequently contribute to marital breakdown. One helpful, though not exhaustive, framework for understanding these common causes is the “4 A's”: Adultery, Abandonment, Abuse, and Addiction.

Does God recognize a second marriage in Christianity?

Matthew 5:32 and 19:3-9

Some commentators have argued, however, that in Matthew's Gospel the Lord Jesus gives an exception to the rule that one cannot remarry while their spouse lives, by saying that one may in fact remarry if they divorced their spouse due to their spouse's adultery.

Does God forgive adultery and accept the new relationship?

Yes, most Christian teachings state God can forgive adultery through sincere repentance, which involves turning from the sin, but accepting a new relationship after adultery is complex, often dependent on the circumstances (e.g., if the original marriage was irreparably broken, if the new relationship is "in the Lord," or if it's with the person from the affair) and involves different views on divorce and remarriage, emphasizing brokenness, restoration, and seeking God's will. 

Is it biblically wrong to be a second wife?

The same is true with polygamy. God does NOT want a man to have more than one wife. Jesus said that “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Jesus spoke of one man and one woman marrying.

Am I living in sin if I remarry?

The short answer: If sin was involved in your past divorce, yes, that needs repentance—but once confessed, it is forgiven in Christ. If you've remarried, your new marriage is a covenant before God. God's call is not to tear apart that relationship, but to make it holy and faithful.

Why is the Bible against remarriage?

Jesus taught that divorce and remarriage, without biblical cause, was adultery. It constituted a sin against the covenant of the first marriage (Matthew 5:32; 19:9; Mark 10:11–12; Luke 16:18). In these passages, Jesus appeared to speak to those who willfully initiated divorce without having biblical grounds to do so.

Is remarriage after divorce a mortal sin?

The claim that “remarriage after divorce adds to the sin” is false. In Catholic teaching, only a valid, sacramental marriage creates an indissoluble bond; if a tribunal declares a prior union null, it means no valid sacramental bond ever existed, so entering a new marriage carries no additional guilt.