It is okay to marry a divorced man as long as he was not divorced because of sexual immorality. This is according to the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 19:9, that says
“And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”
It is important to point out that God does not sanction divorce at all, for whatever reason (Malachi 2:16). This is because He created the institution of marriage to be a lifelong commitment. In other words, a marriage is supposed to be binding on both parties until death separates them.
If you got divorced from your husband because of sexual immorality, you cannot marry a divorced man. If you go ahead with such a marriage, you will be committing adultery according to the scriptures recorded in Luke 16:18, which says
“Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.”
Introduction
At the very beginning, we see God creating the institution of marriage in Genesis 2:24 when he makes this statement
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
From this passage, we learn that a proper marriage, according to God’s purpose, is one between a man and a woman. Any other arrangement that does not meet this requirement is nothing but rebellion against God’s word.
One may ask, Why did God ordain marriage? The scriptures give us three answers to this question.
The first reason is procreation. In the book of Genesis 1:27–28, we read this:
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
From this scripture, we see God blessing the first couple by telling them to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth. So, reason number one as to why God instituted marriage was for procreation.
Secondly, God instituted marriage for companionship. We read this in Genesis 2:18:
“And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.””
As a result, we see God forming a woman using Adam’s rib. This is recorded in Genesis 2:21–23, which says
“And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib that the LORD God had taken from man, He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman. Because she was taken out of Man.’”
The third reason why God created marriage is for the two parties to meet each other’s conjugal rights. We read this in 1 Corinthians 7:1–5, which says
“Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: it is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise, let the wife render to her husband the same affection. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage?
According to Malachi 2:16, the Bible teaches that God hates divorce because it covers an individual’s garment with violence. This is what the scripture says
“For the LORD God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. ‘Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.’”
Therefore, when coming together in a marriage covenant, the couple must be brought alive to the fact that marriage is a binding covenant expected to last a lifetime.
That is why the only condition that qualifies for divorce is sexual immorality by either the husband or wife (Matthew 19:4–9).
In Deuteronomy 24:1-4, we learn that a divorced woman who gets remarried to another man should never get married to her first husband. This is what the scripture says
“When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some uncleanness in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house, when she has departed from his house, and goes and becomes another man’s wife, if the latter husband detests her and writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house, or if the latter husband dies who took her as his wife, then her former husband who divorced her must not take her back to be his wife after she had been defiled; for that is an abomination before the LORD, and you shall not bring sin on the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.”
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul delves into this topic by intimating that divorce should never be an option among brethren. Instead, Paul encourages dialogue and reconciliation whenever differences arise between married couples. This is recorded in 1 Corinthians 7:10–11, that says
“Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: a wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.”
In the same vein, the Apostle Paul encourages a believer who is married to a non-believer to stick to their marriage vows unless the unbelieving partner opts out. This is recorded in 1 Corinthians 7:12–15, which says
“But to the rest, I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise, your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.”
Conclusion
This article discussed whether it is okay to marry a divorced man. According to the scriptures, it is okay to marry a divorced man as long as sexual immorality was not the reason for his divorce. However, we have also established that God hates divorce, so it should never be an option for believers in Christ Jesus. Therefore, the concerned parties must always endeavor to reconcile despite their differences. God Himself gives us a perfect example of how to forgive and reconcile, as shown by His unwavering love for Israel despite their harlotry. We read this in Jeremiah 3:1, which says
“They say, If a man divorces his wife and she goes from him and becomes another man’s, may he return to her again?’ Would not that land be greatly polluted? But you have played the harlot with many lovers; yet return to Me,’ says the LORD.”
I hope the information was helpful. Thank you.
Related Post: Bible teaching on marriage
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Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/
My name is Nicodemus. I'm a Kenyan by birth. I got saved over 30 years ago while in high school.
I love studying scriptures in order to enhance my comprehension of God and His plan for mankind.
I have an MBA degree in strategic management and a BSc degree in botany and zoology.
I’m married to a loving lady called Leah. God has gifted us three sons: Wayne, Salem, and Michael.
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