Can Divorced People Remarry?
Can Divorced People Remarry? Jesus permitted divorce for sexual immorality, and Paul allowed it for abandonment by an unbeliever — in such cases, the innocent party appears free to remarry.
Key verse: Matthew 19:9 (KJV)
Jesus permitted divorce for sexual immorality, and Paul allowed it for abandonment by an unbeliever — in such cases, the innocent party appears free to remarry.
Jesus permitted divorce for sexual immorality, and Paul allowed it for abandonment by an unbeliever — in such cases, the innocent party appears free to remarry.
"Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery." — Matthew 19:9 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
Jesus taught, 'Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery' (Matthew 19:9). The exception clause — 'except it be for fornication' — indicates that sexual immorality by a spouse constitutes legitimate grounds for divorce, and the divorced innocent party may remarry without sin. Paul adds a second exception in 1 Corinthians 7:15: if an unbelieving spouse departs, 'a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases.' 'Not under bondage' is understood by many scholars as freedom to remarry. God's ideal is lifelong marriage: 'What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder' (Matthew 19:6). Malachi 2:16 says God 'hateth putting away.' Divorce always involves brokenness and pain. Yet God is a God of grace who restores the broken. The church should uphold marriage's sanctity while extending compassion to those who have experienced its failure.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
What the Bible teaches about divorce, remarriage, and God's heart for marriage.
Key Scripture References
"Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery."
"But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace."
"For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, designed by God to reflect Christ's relationship with the church.
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, designed by God to reflect Christ's relationship with the church.
Why Should Christians Forgive Others?
Jesus commands forgiveness because God has forgiven believers an unpayable debt — refusing to forgive contradicts the gospel and imprisons the unforgiving heart.
What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
The Bible teaches that God hates divorce but permits it in cases of sexual immorality and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse.
What Does the Bible Say About Raising Children?
The Bible instructs parents to train children in God's ways through teaching, discipline, love, and personal example.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “Can Divorced People Remarry?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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