Is a second marriage considered adultery? Definition and Scope A second marriage, by definition, refers to entering into a marital covenant after a previous marriage has ended. Whether it is considered adultery hinges upon the biblical understanding of marriage, divorce, and the allowable grounds for remarriage as described in Scripture. While some passages give specific instructions, others underscore key principles of God’s design for marriage and fidelity. To address this topic, it is essential to examine the Old Testament foundations, Jesus’ teachings, and the apostolic instructions that bring clarity to those seeking to honor God’s Word. God’s Original Design for Marriage From the beginning of creation, the institution of marriage was established as a lifelong, exclusive union. Genesis 2:24 states: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” This design underscores permanency and is a guiding principle throughout Scripture. Both the Old and New Testaments uphold this standard—that marriage is intended to be a covenant partnership, symbolizing fidelity and reflecting the loving commitment between God and His people. Old Testament Foundations 1. Legislation on Divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1–4) In the Mosaic Law, divorce was permitted under certain conditions to regulate social and moral issues in ancient Israel. Deuteronomy 24:1 mentions granting a “certificate of divorce” to a wife who is sent away. Although this legislation recognized circumstances where a divorce might occur, it never suggested that divorce was part of God’s perfect intention. Rather, it addressed the fallen reality of human relationships (cf. Matthew 19:8). 2. Prophets’ Emphasis on Covenant Faithfulness Throughout the Old Testament, the imagery of husband and wife is used to convey God’s covenant relationship with Israel. When Israel strayed, prophets such as Hosea used marital imagery to illustrate unfaithfulness and the longing of God for repentance and restoration (Hosea 3). This theme of faithfulness underlies all subsequent teachings on marriage and remarriage, cautioning believers to approach marriage, separation, and potential remarriage with solemn respect for God’s covenant purposes. Teachings of Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage Jesus addresses divorce in the context of the Sermon on the Mount: “It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:31–32) In this teaching, Jesus underscores the severity of divorce. He also introduces what many refer to as the “exception clause,” allowing for remarriage in the specific case of sexual immorality (porneia). When questioned by the Pharisees regarding divorce, Jesus explains that Moses permitted divorce due to the hardness of people’s hearts (Matthew 19:8). However, He reiterates God’s original design from Genesis 2. Jesus then states: “And I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:9) This reinforces the principle that remarriage following a divorce caused by illegitimate reasons (i.e., not permitted by Scripture) constitutes adultery. Mark records Jesus saying: “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.” (Mark 10:11–12) Taken together with Matthew’s account, these teachings highlight the sanctity of marriage and the gravity of illegitimate divorce leading to adulterous remarriage. They must be balanced with the broader biblical teaching on permissible grounds for divorce and remarriage. Pauline Instructions and Pastoral Guidance 1. Romans 7:1–3 Paul emphasizes that a wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If a spouse dies, the surviving partner is thereby free to remarry without any stigma of adultery. Romans 7:2 reads: “For the married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage.” In addressing relationships among believers in Corinth, Paul instructs believers not to divorce; however, if a separation occurs, believers are encouraged either to remain unmarried or to be reconciled. Paul also addresses the situation of being married to an unbeliever who departs (1 Corinthians 7:15). In that case, the believing spouse is “not bound,” which many interpret to allow for remarriage if abandoned by an unbelieving partner. This passage carries significant pastoral weight in situations of desertion. 3. Protection Against Legalism The apostle Paul’s teachings also caution against a legalistic interpretation that ignores the nuanced realities of broken relationships, unrepentant sin, and genuine victimization within marriage. While upholding God’s design and Jesus’ clear teaching, there is room within Scripture for those who have experienced biblical grounds for divorce—such as sexual immorality or desertion by an unbeliever—to pursue a legitimate second marriage. Is a Second Marriage Always Considered Adultery? 1. No, Not Automatically Based on Scripture, a second marriage can be considered adultery if it follows an unbiblical divorce. Where no valid grounds for divorce exist, entering into a new marriage can violate the original covenant, thus incurring the label of adultery. Conversely, if a spouse has died, the survivor is free to remarry (Romans 7:2–3). Also, where a divorce is granted on biblical grounds—such as sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9) or abandonment by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15)—remarriage is typically seen as permissible without the stigma of adultery. 2. Contextual Considerations Each individual’s situation will differ. Pastoral wisdom is necessary to help discern whether a divorce stemmed from permissible biblical grounds or from irreconcilable differences not supported by Scripture. In many Christian traditions, professional counseling, prayer, and careful biblical inquiry play a crucial role in clarifying whether remarriage would be considered adulterous. 3. Grace and Restoration Even when a second marriage arises out of less-than-ideal circumstances, God’s grace remains a central theme in the gospel. When genuine repentance, confession, and seeking forgiveness unfold, believers often find restoration. It is never an excuse to violate Scriptural directives, but it speaks to God’s capacity for redemption in complex marital histories. Summary and Practical Implications • Scripture affirms lifelong monogamy as the ideal. • A second marriage may be considered adultery if a divorce was not based on biblical grounds. • A spouse who has lost their partner to death is free to remarry. • Instances of sexual immorality or desertion by an unbeliever may allow for a legitimate divorce and possible remarriage. • Each situation requires thoughtful pastoral care, prayer, and the thorough evaluation of one’s circumstances in light of God’s Word. Conclusion In determining whether a second marriage is considered adultery, the key hinges upon the biblical allowances for divorce and subsequent remarriage. Where marriages end in ways that Scripture does not recognize as legitimate, a subsequent union would fall under Jesus’ teaching that it constitutes adultery. However, in cases where biblical grounds exist (sexual immorality, abandonment by an unbeliever, or widowhood), remarriage is typically permitted and does not carry the biblical charge of adultery. In all circumstances, Scripture calls believers to honor God’s original design for marriage while also acknowledging His compassionate provision when relationships fail under extremes of sin or unbelief. Ultimately, for those struggling with complex marital histories, the challenge is to walk with integrity before God’s Word, seek wise counsel, and rest in the grace that brings healing and restoration through Christ. |
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