What is the biblical view on divorce and remarriage?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible teaches that marriage is a lifelong covenant and that divorce was never part of God’s original design. Remarriage is permitted in specific cases—particularly when a spouse has been unfaithful or has died—though reconciliation is encouraged wherever possible. Scripture also warns against remarriage in situations where divorce was not biblically justified. God's instructions on divorce and remarriage reflect His desire for faithfulness, peace, and holiness in relationships. While His standards may seem strict and situations involving divorce and remarriage are difficult in many ways, God’s ways ultimately protect and uphold the sacred nature of marriage as a reflection of His love.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Deuteronomy 24:1–4 states that if a man divorces his wife and she remarries, he may not marry her again if her second marriage ends, because doing so is detestable to God and defiles the land.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In Matthew 19:9, Jesus says, "And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery." Some interpret this to mean that if a marriage ends because of infidelity or sexual immorality on the part of one party, the innocent party is free to remarry.
• Divorce and remarriage is also allowed if a blameless spouse was sent away, remained single, and the divorcing spouse died. First Corinthians 7:39 says, "A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord." Like a widow, if a man or woman remained faithful to their wedding vows before and after the marriage, death releases them.
• Reconciliation is encouraged between the couple that originally divorced (1 Corinthians 7:11).
• More verses explain when it is not appropriate to remarry after divorce. says that if a man divorces his wife, he causes her to commit adultery (assuming that she remarried). says that any man who divorces his wife and remarries commits adultery against his first wife. And says that if a wife leaves her husband, she should remain unmarried or reconcile to her husband.
• The Bible is clear that remarriage is permitted to the innocent spouse whose divorce was due to sexual immorality and to the faithful spouse who is released by death, but Scripture does not command people to remarry. was written to Christians who were about to go through horrible persecution, but the words are still worth considering today: “I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.”

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

grounds for divorce feel incredibly strict. More tender hearts wish to allow remarriage for abused spouses, people who became believers after the divorce, and even Christians who have grown more mature in their faith. It is entirely possible that God will call those in such circumstances to remarry. Such specifics just aren't found in Scripture.

When we consider the biblical view of divorce and remarriage, we’re reminded that God’s design for marriage is a lifelong covenant of faithfulness, which why it seems so restrictive by today’s worldly standards. However, God is perfectly good and loving, and is purposes for marriage are perfectly good and loving. We are to approach marriage with seriousness, humility, and commitment. If divorce does occur, the Bible sets clear boundaries for when remarriage may be permissible—particularly in cases of sexual immorality or abandonment. Even then, we should first seek reconciliation and honor God through the process. As believers, we’re called to reflect Him in all relationships.

In our personal journey, we must examine our hearts and circumstances in light of Scripture, not emotion or cultural pressure. Whether we’re married, divorced, or considering remarriage, the goal remains the same: to pursue holiness and be faithful to God above all else. God’s grace is big enough to redeem broken stories, but His truth calls us to walk in wisdom and obedience. This calls us to seek counsel, stay rooted in God’s Word, and allow God to guide each decision. When we put Him first, even painful experiences can lead to healing, purpose, and peace.

UNDERSTAND

• Marriage is a lifelong covenant by God’s design, and divorce was never His original intention.
• The Bible permits divorce—and potentially remarriage—only in specific cases like sexual immorality, abandonment, or death of a spouse.
• God calls believers to trust God’s guidance above cultural norms or emotional impulses.

REFLECT

• How does your understanding of marriage as a lifelong covenant shape the way you view commitment and reconciliation?
• How are you tempted to let culture or emotion influence your view of divorce or remarriage?
• If you've experienced brokenness in relationships, how are you seeking God’s wisdom, healing, and direction through it?

ENGAGE

• What challenges do we face today in upholding God's original design for marriage?
• How can we uphold God’s intention for marriage while also compassionately coming alongside those who have gone through the process of divorce or remarriage?
• What does it look like for believers to reflect God’s grace and holiness in difficult relational situations?