Remarriage after the death of a spouse is a subject that is deeply intertwined with biblical teachings on marriage, love, and commitment. Many Christians turn to Scripture for guidance when considering whether remarriage is acceptable, how it should be approached, and what God’s will is for those who have lost a spouse. The Bible has much to say about relationships, marriage, and the sacredness of the marital bond. This article will explore 53 Bible verses on remarriage after the death of a spouse, offering biblical insights and explanations to help individuals understand God’s perspective on this issue.
Introduction
The Bible acknowledges the profound grief that accompanies the death of a spouse. It also highlights the sanctity of marriage and the commitment that it requires. However, the Bible offers comfort and guidance for those who are considering remarriage after a spouse’s death. Remarriage is not a sin, but it does come with its own responsibilities and considerations, as outlined in the Bible.
In examining the verses below, it is important to understand that remarriage is addressed in different contexts in the Bible: the sanctity of marriage, the widow’s role, and the guidelines for remarriage. The Bible recognizes the beauty of marriage as a lifelong covenant, but it also provides hope for those who are widowed and may desire to remarry.
1. Romans 7:2-3
“For a woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives; but if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. So then, if while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man.”
This verse emphasizes that a woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive. However, once the husband dies, she is no longer bound by the marriage covenant and is free to remarry without committing adultery.
2. 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.”
This verse confirms that a widow is free to remarry after her husband’s death, as long as she marries a believer (“only in the Lord”). This underscores the importance of shared faith in the context of remarriage.
3. 1 Timothy 5:14
“So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.”
Paul encourages younger widows to remarry and take care of their families. He offers this advice as a way to help them avoid unnecessary temptation and to continue in their calling as wives and mothers.
4. Matthew 22:29-30
“But Jesus answered them, ‘You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.’”
Though not directly related to remarriage after death, this passage speaks to the ultimate reality that earthly marriage ends at death. Jesus reminds us that in the resurrection, relationships will no longer be defined by marriage but by our eternal relationship with God.
5. Mark 12:25
“For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.”
Similar to the passage in Matthew, this verse reaffirms that marriage is a temporary institution meant for life on earth and does not continue after death.
6. 1 Corinthians 7:8-9
“To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
Paul acknowledges that, while it is good for a widow to remain single, remarriage is permissible if they cannot remain celibate. This is an important passage that affirms that remarriage is not a sin but a choice that can be made for spiritual, emotional, and physical reasons.
7. Luke 20:34-35
“And Jesus said to them, ‘The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage.’”
This passage, like the ones above, suggests that marriage in the context of earthly life has a time and place, but the resurrection transforms relationships into something different.
8. 1 Corinthians 7:27-28
“Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.”
Paul addresses the difficulties of marriage in this life, encouraging those who are unmarried to remain so, but acknowledging that marrying is not a sin. This also applies to remarriage after the death of a spouse.
9. Matthew 19:9
“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.”
This passage is often quoted in the context of divorce, but it also speaks to the broader understanding of marriage and remarriage, implying that remarriage is only allowed after the death of a spouse, as there is no longer a covenantal bond.
10. 1 Timothy 5:9-10
“Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.”
These verses describe the qualifications for widows who might be enrolled in the church’s care. It highlights the virtues that widows should possess, yet it is understood that if they choose to remarry, they are not excluded from God’s grace.
11. Romans 7:4
“Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.”
Paul’s discussion about spiritual death and remarriage can be seen as a metaphor for the freedom a widow has to remarry after the death of her husband. In both physical and spiritual realms, death frees from prior commitments.
12. Ephesians 5:31-33
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
The passage is about marriage in general but serves as a reminder of the sanctity and depth of the marital covenant. Although remarriage is allowed, it should reflect the principles of love, respect, and commitment taught in Scripture.
13. 1 Corinthians 7:11
“But if she does, she should remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband. And the husband should not divorce his wife.”
While this verse primarily addresses divorce, it underlines the fact that separation from a spouse is only permissible under certain circumstances. The concept of remarriage after the death of a spouse is addressed through the death of the marital covenant.
14. 2 Samuel 12:24
“Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her, and she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. And the Lord loved him.”
David’s remarriage to Bathsheba after the death of her husband shows that God does not condemn remarriage but continues to bless the new union.
15. Genesis 38:11
“Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, ‘Remain a widow in your father’s house, till Shelah my son grows up,’ for he feared that he would die, like his brothers. So Tamar went and remained in her father’s house.”
This verse highlights the role of widows in the ancient world and the importance of honoring family obligations. Although Judah initially withheld his son from Tamar, the eventual remarriage that occurs in her life later on underscores the principle of widowhood and remarriage in biblical times.
16. Ruth 1:9
“The Lord grant that you may find rest, each of you, in the house of her husband!” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept.
Ruth’s story shows the heartache of losing a spouse but also the possibilities of remarriage. Naomi prays for Ruth and Orpah to find rest in the homes of new husbands, highlighting that remarriage after widowhood is not seen as wrong in the eyes of God.
17. Ruth 4:13
“So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son.”
The marriage of Ruth and Boaz after the death of her first husband illustrates the redeeming power of love and God’s blessing on remarriage. Their union was divinely orchestrated and was part of the lineage of David.
18. Jeremiah 29:6
“Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters. Multiply there, and do not decrease.”
Though this verse is directed to the exiles in Babylon, it reflects the general biblical view that marriage, including remarriage after the death of a spouse, is a normal and expected part of life.
19. 1 Corinthians 7:39-40
“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. Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.”
Paul affirms that a widow is free to remarry after the death of her husband. He also expresses a personal preference for widows to remain single, though not as a command, but as a recommendation for their spiritual well-being.
20. 1 Peter 3:1-2
“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives when they see your respectful and pure conduct.”
Although these verses are directed to wives in marriage, they set a foundational principle of mutual respect that can be applied in the context of remarriage. Respect and purity are central to any marriage, including remarriage.
21. Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
This verse underscores the sanctity of marriage and affirms that God’s intention for marriage—whether first or second—is to honor it and keep it pure.
22. Matthew 5:32
“But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
Although this passage primarily addresses divorce, it also alludes to the fact that remarriage after the death of a spouse is not considered adultery, as death ends the marriage covenant.
23. Luke 16:18
“Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.”
Again, this passage emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and is commonly cited in discussions about divorce. It reinforces the idea that remarriage is permissible after the death of a spouse but not after a divorce unless sexual immorality was involved.
24. 1 Timothy 5:3-4
“Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.”
While this passage addresses the care of widows, it also affirms that widows should receive honor and support. Remarriage is one possible way for widows to move forward in life.
25. 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.”
This foundational verse about marriage emphasizes the union of two individuals in a lifelong covenant. While this primarily speaks to the first marriage, it reinforces the sacred nature of the marital bond that would also apply to remarriage.
26. John 4:17-18
“The woman answered him, ‘I have no husband.’ Jesus said to her, ‘You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.’”
Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman about her marital history, highlighting the importance of the commitment and covenant in marriage. Though remarriage is addressed in a context of moral instruction, it affirms that God values the sanctity of each union.
27. Deuteronomy 25:5-6
“If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead man shall not be married outside the family to a stranger. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her and take her as his wife and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her.”
This passage outlines the ancient practice of levirate marriage, where a brother-in-law was expected to marry his deceased brother’s widow to provide an heir. Though not directly related to remarriage after the death of a spouse, it demonstrates that remarriage was an important part of biblical law.
28. 1 Corinthians 7:1-2
“Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: it is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman. But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”
Paul encourages marital relationships as a safeguard against immorality. This applies to remarriage as well, showing that marriage, including remarriage after the death of a spouse, is a means of fulfilling God’s design for sexual purity.
29. Matthew 19:5
“And said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’”
This passage underscores the permanent nature of the marriage bond, which is honored in remarriage after the death of a spouse. The act of remarrying should mirror the original biblical intention of commitment and unity.
30. 2 Corinthians 5:1
“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
While this passage is more about our earthly bodies, it speaks to the hope we have in the resurrection and eternal life, where relationships, including marriage, will be transformed.
31. Mark 12:18-23
“And Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection, and they asked him a question, saying, ‘Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but leaves no child, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no offspring. And the second took her, and died, leaving no offspring. And the third likewise. And the seven left no offspring. Last of all the woman also died. In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife.’”
Jesus addresses a common question about remarriage in the context of resurrection. He explains that in the resurrection, there will be no need for marriage as people will be like angels. This passage emphasizes that while remarriage is important on earth, it is not a requirement or focus in the afterlife.
32. 1 Timothy 5:9-10
“Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.”
This passage demonstrates that widowhood is respected in the church, and a widow can be honored for her faithful life, even without remarriage. However, this doesn’t rule out remarriage, as the earlier verse indicates.
33. Matthew 22:29-30
“But Jesus answered them, ‘You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.’”
Similar to the passage in Mark, Jesus here emphasizes that the concept of marriage, including remarriage, is an earthly institution that does not continue after death. This provides context for understanding remarriage as relevant to the earthly life.
34. Luke 20:34-36
“And Jesus said to them, ‘The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. For they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.’”
Here, Jesus reiterates that marriage does not continue after the resurrection, offering perspective on why remarriage is important only in the context of earthly life.
35. 1 Corinthians 7:11
“But if she does, let her remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband should not divorce his wife.”
This verse addresses the reconciliation of divorced couples but has broader implications for remarriage after a spouse’s death. It suggests that a widow or widower has the freedom to remain single or remarry, depending on their circumstances.
36. 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.”
In cases of abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, Paul clarifies that the believer is not bound in that marriage, and they are free to live in peace. While this primarily addresses divorce, it offers guidance on when remarriage would be acceptable after separation.
37. Romans 7:2-3
“For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man, she is not an adulteress.”
This passage directly addresses remarriage after the death of a spouse. Paul explains that a widow is free to remarry without committing adultery because the marriage covenant ends with the death of a spouse.
38. 1 Corinthians 7:8-9
“To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
Paul gives advice on remaining single, but also affirms that marriage (and remarriage) is a permissible and honorable choice. His counsel reflects the freedom in Christ to remarry after the death of a spouse.
39. Titus 2:3-5
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”
While not directly about remarriage, these verses emphasize the role of women in maintaining godly behavior and relationships. The freedom to remarry would be in line with living a godly life, as long as the remarriage reflects these principles.
40. Genesis 24:58
“And they called Rebekah and said to her, ‘Will you go with this man?’ She said, ‘I will go.’”
In the story of Isaac and Rebekah, we see the importance of a willing and faithful choice in marriage. While this passage is about the first marriage of Rebekah, it serves as an example of how remarriage should also be entered into willingly and with faith.
41. 1 Corinthians 7:26
“I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.”
Paul’s advice to remain as you are during times of distress or hardship suggests that for some, remaining single after a spouse’s death could be the better option. Yet, this is not a command, but a recommendation for spiritual focus.
42. Matthew 22:24
“Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.’”
This verse references the law of levirate marriage, which illustrates that in the Bible, remarriage after the death of a spouse is an accepted practice, particularly when the marriage was childless.
43. Luke 7:12-15
“As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ And he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise.’”
This passage speaks to Jesus’ compassion toward widows and their sorrow, highlighting the understanding that widowhood is a painful condition. It suggests that remarriage, while not directly mentioned, is a means by which widows can find peace and stability.
44. 2 Samuel 12:24
“Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba and went in to her and lay with her, and she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. And the Lord loved him.”
After the death of their child, David and Bathsheba remarried and had another child. This event shows that after loss, God allowed them to find healing through remarriage and the blessing of a new child.
45. 1 Corinthians 7:7
“I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.”
Paul speaks about singleness and marriage, noting that each is a gift. Some are called to remain single, while others may be called to remarry, both of which are acceptable before God.
46. Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
This verse emphasizes the sanctity and honor of marriage. It applies to all marriages, including remarriages after the death of a spouse. It underscores the importance of entering into remarriage with honor, integrity, and respect for God’s design for marriage.
47. Matthew 19:3-9
“And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, ‘Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?’ He answered, ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.’ They said to him, ‘Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?’ He said to them, ‘Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.’”
In this passage, Jesus teaches about the permanence of marriage, but He acknowledges that divorce and remarriage are allowed in certain circumstances, such as sexual immorality. After the death of a spouse, remarriage is not considered adultery, and the widow or widower is free to remarry.
48. Ruth 1:8-9
“But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, ‘Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The Lord grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!’ Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept.”
This passage illustrates Naomi’s blessing for her daughters-in-law to remarry after the death of their husbands. The idea of finding rest in a new marriage is seen as a way of moving forward after loss. Naomi’s wish for them to find new husbands shows the acceptance of remarriage after the death of a spouse.
49. Luke 2:36-37
“And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.”
Anna the prophetess lived as a widow for many years, remaining faithful to God. While she didn’t remarry, this passage speaks to the life of a widow who devoted herself to service and prayer. For some, remaining single may be the calling after the death of a spouse, though remarriage is still a valid option.
50. 1 Corinthians 7:33-34
“But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband.”
Paul recognizes that marriage brings divided interests. For widows and widowers, remarriage may offer a new way to fulfill both spiritual and personal needs, balancing their service to God with marital responsibilities.
51. Ephesians 5:25-33
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
This passage highlights the sacrificial love and commitment in marriage. For those remarrying after the death of a spouse, the same principles apply—marriage is a reflection of Christ’s love for the church. Remarriage should be entered into with a heart willing to give and love sacrificially.
52. 1 Timothy 3:2-5
“Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?”
This passage speaks to the qualifications of a leader in the church, but it indirectly touches on marriage by encouraging the idea of being faithful in one’s commitments, which includes remarriage. A godly remarriage after the death of a spouse should reflect these qualities.
53. 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.”
This verse directly addresses the issue of remarriage after the death of a spouse. A widow is free to marry again, but the Bible specifies that the new marriage should be in the Lord. It’s a reminder that any remarriage should honor God and reflect Christian values.
Conclusion
Throughout the Bible, remarriage after the death of a spouse is acknowledged as a lawful and acceptable choice in God’s eyes. The verses above provide both guidance and freedom regarding remarriage. The key themes include honoring the marriage covenant, the freedom for widows and widowers to remarry, and the importance of making that decision with spiritual discernment and integrity. Whether one chooses to remain single or remarry, the decision should always reflect a desire to honor God and live according to His will.
Remarriage can be an opportunity for healing and restoration, and while the Bible offers various perspectives, it also provides a framework for making these decisions with wisdom and a heart that seeks God’s will above all.
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