Does the Bible Permit Second Marriages?

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Does the Bible Permit Second Marriages?

Divorce, Widowhood, Marriage Permanence, and Remarriage in Scripture

The Bible does address second marriages, though always within the larger framework that marriage itself is sacred, covenantal, and intended by God to be lifelong.

From Genesis onward, Scripture presents marriage not as a temporary arrangement based merely upon emotion or convenience, but as a profound covenant designed to endure:

“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matt. 19:6).

Because of this, the overarching biblical pattern strongly upholds marital permanence as God’s design and ideal.

Remarriage After the Death of a Spouse

Scripture clearly permits remarriage after the death of a spouse.

The apostle Paul writes concerning widows:

“She is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord” (1 Cor. 7:39).

This passage affirms freedom to remarry following widowhood while encouraging believers to marry fellow Christians.

At the same time, Paul also suggests that remaining unmarried may in some situations allow greater devotion to ministry and service.[2] Remarriage is permitted, but singleness may also carry spiritual advantages depending upon one’s calling and circumstances.

The Old Testament likewise records examples of remarriage after widowhood. Abraham married again following Sarah’s death (Gen. 25:1).[3]

Divorce and the Seriousness of Covenant Breaking

The issue becomes far more serious and complex regarding divorce and remarriage after divorce.

Jesus spoke about divorce with sobering gravity because marriage represents a covenant established by God Himself. Scripture consistently treats divorce not as a casual solution to unhappiness, but as a tragic consequence of human sinfulness, hardness of heart, and covenant failure.

While Christians differ regarding certain exceptional situations mentioned in Scripture — such as adultery or abandonment — the New Testament consistently pushes believers toward:

  • reconciliation,

  • forgiveness,

  • endurance,

  • and covenant faithfulness whenever possible.

The biblical emphasis falls overwhelmingly upon preserving marriage rather than dissolving it.

Forgiveness Does Not Erase the Ideal

At the same time, Scripture also teaches that divorce is not an unforgivable sin.

Many believers carry deep grief, shame, regret, or brokenness from failed marriages. The gospel offers genuine forgiveness to those who repent and seek God’s mercy.[1]

However, forgiveness should not be confused with minimizing the seriousness of divorce itself. Christianity simultaneously upholds:

  • God’s grace toward sinners,

  • and God’s high view of marriage.

The existence of forgiveness does not weaken the biblical ideal of covenant permanence.

Marriage as a Reflection of Christ and the Church

One reason Scripture treats marriage so seriously is because marriage reflects something larger than the couple themselves.

Paul teaches in Ephesians 5 that marriage reflects:

  • Christ’s love for the Church,

  • covenant faithfulness,

  • sacrificial devotion,

  • forgiveness,

  • and enduring commitment.

Husbands are called to sacrificial love.
Wives are called toward loving partnership and respect.
Both are called toward:

  • patience,

  • humility,

  • forgiveness,

  • faithfulness,

  • and perseverance.

Marriage therefore becomes not merely a personal arrangement, but a living picture of covenant love.

Approaching Remarriage Carefully

Because marriage carries such spiritual significance, remarriage should never be approached casually or impulsively.

Scripture calls believers toward:

  • prayer,

  • repentance where needed,

  • wisdom,

  • accountability,

  • and serious reflection.

The goal should not simply be:

  • escaping loneliness,

  • easing emotional pain,

  • or replacing a failed relationship quickly.

Christians are called to view marriage with reverence because of its covenant nature before God.

Different Christian Interpretations

Christians do differ regarding the precise biblical conditions under which remarriage may occur after divorce.

Some traditions permit remarriage only after the death of a spouse.
Others allow remarriage under limited biblical exceptions such as:

  • adultery,

  • or abandonment.

Yet across these differences, historic Christianity has overwhelmingly affirmed:

  • the sanctity of marriage,

  • the seriousness of divorce,

  • and marital permanence as God’s intended design.

Conclusion

The Bible clearly permits remarriage after the death of a spouse while treating divorce and remarriage after divorce with much greater caution and gravity.

Throughout Scripture, marriage is consistently presented as:

  • sacred,

  • covenantal,

  • enduring,

  • and intended to reflect God’s faithful love.

While God’s grace extends to broken and wounded people, the biblical vision of marriage remains one of lifelong covenant faithfulness grounded in love, forgiveness, perseverance, and devotion before God.

Sources

[1] Zonnebelt-Smeenge J et al., From We to Me: Embracing Life Again After the Death or Divorce of a Spouse (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2010).

[2] Joseph Pohle and Arthur Preuss, The Sacraments: A Dogmatic Treatise, Dogmatic Theology (St. Louis, MO; London: B. Herder, 1917), 180.

[3] Got Questions Ministries, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered (Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2014–2021).