Can a divorced person remarry?

TL;DR:

Divorce is biblically permitted mainly for sexual immorality or abandonment, and remarriage is allowed only in these cases. True readiness to remarry requires repentance, healing, and a heart committed to God’s standards rather than rushing to fill loneliness or societal pressure.

what does the bible say?

Divorce is allowed in the Bible primarily for cases of sexual immorality or abandonment, and remarriage is permitted only under these biblically justified circumstances. God’s ideal is lifelong marriage, and believers are called to pursue reconciliation before seeking a divorce. Remarrying without addressing the root causes of the first divorce is unwise. Remarriage should never be rushed or driven by loneliness but by a transformed heart committed to God’s standards. Statistics show that divorcees are more likely to divorce again and that children of divorced and remarried parents face higher risks of divorce themselves, speaking into the importance of following God’s ways. Ultimately, God’s grace offers healing, but remarriage must be pursued with wisdom, repentance, and a sincere desire to honor Him.

from the old testament

Deuteronomy 24:1-4 allows a man to divorce his wife and she can marry someone else. However, if her second husband divorces her or dies, her first husband is forbidden from remarrying her. So, remarriage is allowed but returning to the first spouse after remarriage is not.
While the Old Testament provides a way for remarriage after divorce, God’s original design is lifelong marriage (Malachi 2:16). Remarriage is not encouraged casually but allowed as part of dealing with human brokenness.

from the new testament

The Bible only mentions three situations in which a divorced person may remarry. Matthew 5:32 gives a person permission to remarry if their marriage ended due to adultery on the part of their spouse.
First Corinthians 7:39 says that a widow or widower may remarry; combined with 1 Corinthians 7:11, this would extend to someone whose unbelieving spouse abandoned them. First Corinthians 7:11 indicates that if a divorced couple has not remarried others, they can reconcile and remarry each other.
Regarding getting remarried after a divorce, in 1 Corinthians 7:40, Paul says, "Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is…" that is, divorced and unmarried. If any divorcee chooses to remarry, it would at least be a good idea to address the causes of the divorce. The more often a person is married, the more likely any subsequent marriage will fail. A change in spouse doesn't change the heart.

implications for today

People who are divorced and remarry may have not dealt with the issues that caused the first divorce. It could be judgment in choosing a spouse, communication skills, trust, or just the inability to commit to another person the way God designed us to. Until and unless those personal issues are addressed and resolved, even the most innocent divorcee should seriously reconsider before marrying again.

Those who are eager to remarry after a divorce may be caught up in a lie that is propagated by both secular society and Christian culture—that marriage is the standard and singleness is inferior. Jesus is clear that singleness can be a gift (Matthew 19:12). Paul says that singleness can mean a life free to serve God in a way married couples cannot (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). One's marital status should reflect the Lord's leading, not fear of loneliness.

Can a divorced person biblically remarry? Not if they committed adultery during their first marriage. Not if they divorced their spouse for trivial reasons. And they should not if they haven't resolved the issues that fed their first divorce. Still, God’s grace is greater than our past mistakes, and His healing power can restore broken hearts and relationships. Before stepping into a new marriage, it’s vital to seek God’s guidance so the new union honors Him and reflects His love. True readiness to remarry comes not from rushing to fill a void but from a heart renewed by Christ, committed to faithfulness and growth. When we prioritize God’s standards over societal pressures or personal desires, remarriage can become a redemptive step rather than a repeat of past failures. Ultimately, walking carefully in obedience preserves not only our own souls but also the spiritual well-being of those around us.

understand

Divorce is permitted in the case of sexual immorality and abandonment.
Remarriage is permitted in the case of divorce that is biblically permissible.
True readiness to remarry comes from repentance, healing, and a heart committed to God’s standards.

reflect

Why is it important for you to address or heal from issues that contributed to your past or current relationships?
How are you seeking God’s guidance and transformation in pursuing remarriage if you were divorced?
How do you view singleness in light of Scripture?

engage

How can our church community better support divorced individuals in healing and spiritual growth?
What does it practically mean to pursue reconciliation versus divorce when facing serious marital issues?
How do we balance societal pressures and biblical standards regarding marriage, singleness, and remarriage?