Divorce and remarriage are deeply personal topics that can stir up a mix of emotions—pain, confusion, hope, and even healing. Whether you’re walking through a divorce, considering remarriage, or simply want to understand what the Bible teaches, it’s important to know that Scripture speaks both truthfully and compassionately about these issues.
The Bible doesn’t shy away from hard topics. Instead, it offers guidance rooted in love, wisdom, and redemption. In this post, we’ll explore 15 carefully chosen verses in the Bible about divorce and remarriage, offering brief, clear explanations for each one to help you understand the spiritual context and significance.
Key Takeaways:
- The Bible addresses divorce with both seriousness and grace.
- God values marriage but also provides wisdom for those navigating broken relationships.
- These verses aim to bring clarity, not condemnation.
15 Bible Verses About Divorce and Remarriage
Each verse is placed in a quote block and followed by a short explanation. These scriptures are meant to guide, inform, and comfort anyone facing questions about marriage, separation, and new beginnings.
1. Matthew 19:6
So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.
Explanation:
Jesus reaffirms the sacredness of marriage. This verse highlights that marriage is a God-ordained union meant to be lasting and respected.
2. Matthew 19:9
And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.
Explanation:
Jesus acknowledges that divorce is not ideal, but He allows an exception in cases of sexual unfaithfulness. This verse emphasizes the seriousness of both divorce and remarriage.
3. Malachi 2:16
For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord… covers his garment with violence…
Explanation:
God expresses strong disapproval of careless or unjust divorce. The verse emphasizes that love and faithfulness matter deeply to God.
4. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11
A wife should not separate from her husband… and a husband should not divorce his wife.
Explanation:
Paul gives guidance to married couples, urging them to stay together whenever possible. The goal is reconciliation rather than separation.
5. 1 Corinthians 7:15
But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.
Explanation:
In situations where one spouse is not a believer, Paul offers understanding that separation may occur—and believers are not bound in such cases.
6. Deuteronomy 24:1
When a man takes a wife and marries her, if… he finds some indecency in her, he writes her a certificate of divorce…
Explanation:
This Old Testament law allowed for divorce, but it also added structure and accountability to the process, highlighting the seriousness of ending a marriage.
7. Mark 10:11-12
Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery… and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.
Explanation:
Jesus speaks directly about remarriage after divorce, underscoring the importance of treating marriage with deep respect and faithfulness.
8. Romans 7:2-3
A married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives… But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to another man.
Explanation:
This passage helps clarify that remarriage is permitted after the death of a spouse, offering freedom to love again under new circumstances.
9. Matthew 5:32
But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery…
Explanation:
Here again, Jesus allows an exception for infidelity but emphasizes how serious the consequences of divorce can be.
10. Genesis 2:24
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Explanation:
This foundational verse defines God’s original design for marriage—a covenant of unity and permanence between two people.
11. Luke 16:18
Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery…
Explanation:
This verse reiterates the theme that remarriage after an unjust divorce can lead to sin, reflecting the gravity of breaking marriage vows.
12. 1 Corinthians 7:39
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.
Explanation:
Paul offers a clear guideline on remarriage after the death of a spouse, affirming that it’s permissible and should align with faith.
13. Exodus 21:10-11
If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, or her marital rights…
Explanation:
This Old Testament law shows that even in difficult relational situations, God cares about the fair treatment and dignity of spouses.
14. Isaiah 54:5
For your Maker is your husband… and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer…
Explanation:
God reminds the brokenhearted that He is their eternal spouse and source of healing and restoration, even when earthly relationships fail.
15. John 8:10-11
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
Explanation:
While not about divorce directly, this verse reveals Jesus’ heart toward those with complicated pasts. Grace and truth go hand in hand.
Final Thoughts
The verses in the Bible about divorce and remarriage show us that while marriage is meant to be a lasting covenant, God understands human frailty. He offers grace, forgiveness, and wisdom for those facing the painful reality of broken relationships.
Whether you’re navigating this personally or supporting someone who is, let Scripture be your guide. These verses don’t just give rules—they reflect God’s heart for healing, restoration, and hope.
Share With Us
Have any of these verses spoken to your situation? Do you have a testimony or favorite Bible verse about divorce and remarriage that brought you peace or clarity?
Share your thoughts in the comments—we’re here to walk with one another in truth and grace.