By Vlad Savchuk | May 26, 2025 | 3 minutes
Is Getting Remarried Adultery?
God’s original design for marriage was permanent. It was not something that is supposed to be conditional, until we don’t like each other or until we’re not compatible anymore (Genesis 2:24-25). However, we do see in the Bible certain instances where divorce was permitted. Here is what the Bible teaches.
Marriage and Divorce According to Scripture
In the Bible we see that there were times where divorce was “allowed.” This was due to the hardness of people’s hearts (Matthew 19). For instance, in Deuteronomy 24:1, the grounds for divorce “some” uncleanness. Two schools of thought interpreted this differently:
- Shammai: Refers only to moral reasons like adultery or unfaithfulness.
- Hillel: Any reason, like bad breath or bad cooking, could be a reason for divorce.
Jesus aligned with Shammai. We also see in Ezra 10, Israelites were commanded to divorce foreign wives and in other areas (Jeremiah 3:8, Isaiah 50:1), where God divorced Israel for unfaithfulness. Yet in Jeremiah 3:14, God calls Israel to return to Him.
In the Bible we see that Jesus allowed divorce only in cases of adultery. He hoped for reconciliation and restoration even in unfaithfulness. This stance was something that came as a shock to the disciples (Matthew 19:9-10). We also see what Paul taught on the subject, dealing with an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7). Paul’s teaching applies when one spouse becomes a believer and the other does not. In other words, if the unbelieving spouse stays, choose to stay. If they decide to leave the believer, let them go.
When Divorce and Remarriage Are and Aren’t Allowed
There are specific times when divorce is allowed, and in these cases, as mentioned above, it would be considered okay to divorce:
- Adultery – according to Jesus
- Abandonment – according to Paul
- Abuse – not explicitly stated, but 1 Corinthians 7:15 suggests separation for peace and safety.
In other words, remarriage in these instances would not be considered adultury according to scripture.
- Divorce because of adultery
- Death of a spouse
- Unbeliever abandons the marriage
- Reconciliation and remarriage to the original spouse
Now, it’s important to remember that the Bible lays these reasons out as the grounds for divorce and potential remarriage. However, we see in Matthew 19:9 that remarriage without biblical grounds is in fact a sin. Now, it’s not the unpardonable sin, and there is hope for those who repent.
We see that Jesus said to the adulterous woman: “I don’t condemn you, but go and sin no more,” it is this same posture that He continues to extend to us.
If You Are Planning on Marrying a Divorced Person
It’s important to remember that marriage is sacred and divorce should never be taken lightly. However, Christianity is a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). If you are considering marrying someone who was once divorced, I would encourage you to first of all seek clarity on whether their divorce was for biblical reasons, pray and consult with godly mentors, and remember that God calls us to walk in wisdom and obedience.
Even if someone remarried wrongly, there is grace, but we must not abuse God’s grace. If you marry a divorced person and there are no biblical grounds, according to Matthew 19:9, it’s adultery. Ultimately, remember that when we ask for forgiveness, Jesus does restore and heal.