Second Marriage
Jump to: TopicalLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:
Second marriage refers to the union of an individual who has previously been married and is now entering into another marital relationship. This can occur due to the death of a spouse, divorce, or annulment of the previous marriage. The topic of second marriage is addressed in various parts of the Bible, providing guidance and principles for believers navigating this aspect of life.

Biblical References and Principles:

1. Widowhood and Remarriage:
The Bible provides specific guidance for widows considering remarriage. In 1 Corinthians 7:39, Paul states, "A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, only in the Lord." This passage indicates that remarriage is permissible for widows, provided the new marriage is with a fellow believer.

2. Divorce and Remarriage:
The topic of divorce and subsequent remarriage is addressed with caution in the Scriptures. In Matthew 19:9, Jesus says, "And I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery." This passage suggests that remarriage after divorce is permissible only in cases of sexual immorality. The sanctity of marriage is emphasized, and believers are encouraged to uphold the marriage covenant.

3. Pastoral Guidance and Church Leadership:
The qualifications for church leaders include considerations of marital status. In 1 Timothy 3:2, Paul writes, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." This has been interpreted to mean that church leaders should be committed to their current marriage, reflecting faithfulness and stability.

4. Grace and Redemption:
The Bible also emphasizes grace and redemption for those who have experienced broken marriages. In John 4, Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well highlights His compassion and offer of living water, despite her history of multiple marriages. This narrative underscores the message of forgiveness and new beginnings in Christ.

5. Cultural and Historical Context:
In biblical times, marriage customs and laws varied significantly from contemporary practices. The cultural context of polygamy, levirate marriage, and other marital arrangements influenced the biblical narrative. Understanding these historical contexts is essential for interpreting passages related to second marriages.

6. Practical Considerations for Believers:
Believers contemplating a second marriage are encouraged to seek God's guidance, wisdom, and counsel from spiritual leaders. Prayerful consideration of the motives, readiness, and implications of entering a new marriage is vital. The importance of marrying "in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 7:39) is reiterated, emphasizing the spiritual unity and shared faith in the marriage relationship.

Conclusion:
The Bible provides principles and guidance for second marriages, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage, the conditions under which remarriage is permissible, and the importance of faithfulness and spiritual unity. Believers are encouraged to approach second marriages with prayerful consideration, seeking alignment with biblical teachings and the counsel of the Christian community.
Topical Bible Verses
Matthew 5:32
But I say to you, That whoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery: and whoever shall marry her that is divorced commits adultery.
Topicalbible.org

Jeremiah 3:1
They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return to her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but you have played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, said the LORD.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Whether a Second Marriage is a Sacrament?
... OF SECOND MARRIAGES (TWO ARTICLES) Whether a second marriage is a sacrament? Objection
1: It would seem that a second marriage is not a sacrament. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a second marriage is 2.htm

Whether a Second Marriage is Lawful?
... OF SECOND MARRIAGES (TWO ARTICLES) Whether a second marriage is lawful? Objection
1: It would seem that a second marriage is unlawful. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a second marriage is.htm

Second Marriage a Species of Adultery, Marriage Itself Impugned ...
... Chapter IX."Second Marriage a Species of Adultery, Marriage Itself Impugned,
as Akin to Adultery. If we look deeply into his meanings ...
/.../tertullian/on exhortation to chastity/chapter ix second marriage a species.htm

If it be Granted that Second Marriage is Lawful, yet all Things ...
... Chapter VIII."If It Be Granted that Second Marriage is Lawful, Yet All
Things Lawful are Not Expedient. Let it now be granted ...
/.../tertullian/on exhortation to chastity/chapter viii if it be granted.htm

Excuses Commonly Urged in Defence of Second Marriage their ...
... Chapter XII."Excuses Commonly Urged in Defence of Second Marriage Their Futility,
Especially in the Case of Christians, Pointed Out. ...
/.../tertullian/on exhortation to chastity/chapter xii excuses commonly urged in.htm

Weakness of the Pleas Urged in Defence of Second Marriage.
... Chapter XVI."Weakness of the Pleas Urged in Defence of Second Marriage.
But I smile when (the plea of) "infirmity of the flesh ...
/.../tertullian/on monogamy/chapter xvi weakness of the pleas.htm

Concerning Widows.
... I. Choose your "widows not under sixty years of age," [2869] that in some measure
the suspicion of a second marriage may be prevented by their age. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i concerning widows.htm

Paul an Example to Widows, and to those who do not Live with their ...
... any one, on account of the strength of animal passion, he allows that one who is
in such a condition may, "by permission," contract a second marriage; not as ...
/.../chapter xii paul an example to.htm

The Marriage of Church Dignitaries.
... of the church, who has attained to any eminence beyond the many, as is attained
in the administration of the sacraments, to make trial of a second marriage. ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/22 the marriage of church.htm

Titus i. 5, 6
... might ascend the holy throne; and at the same reproving the wanton, and not permitting
their admission into this high office who contracted a second marriage. ...
/.../homily ii titus i 5.htm

Resources
Does the Bible say anything about making a second marriage a success? | GotQuestions.org

Does the Old Testament truly predict a second advent of the Messiah? | GotQuestions.org

What was Zerubbabel's temple/the second temple? | GotQuestions.org

Second: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Second

Second Chances

Second Coming

Second Death

Second Death: General Scriptures Concerning

Second Epistle Of Peter

Second Epistle To The Corinthians

Second Epistle To The Thessalonians

Second Marriage

Second Sabbath

The Second Coming of Christ is not to Make Atonement

The Second Coming of Christ: Blessedness of Being Prepared For

The Second Coming of Christ: Called The: Appearing of Jesus Christ

The Second Coming of Christ: Called The: Coming of the Day of God

The Second Coming of Christ: Called The: Day of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The Second Coming of Christ: Called The: Glorious Appearing of the Great God and Our Saviour

The Second Coming of Christ: Called The: Last Time

The Second Coming of Christ: Called The: Revelation of Jesus Christ

The Second Coming of Christ: Called The: Times of Refreshing from the Presence of the Lord

The Second Coming of Christ: Called The: Times of Restitution of all Things

The Second Coming of Christ: Every Eye Shall See Him At

The Second Coming of Christ: Faith of, Shall be Found to Praise At

The Second Coming of Christ: Foretold by Angels

The Second Coming of Christ: Foretold by Apostles

The Second Coming of Christ: Foretold by Himself

The Second Coming of Christ: Foretold by Prophets

The Second Coming of Christ: Illustrated

The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: Assured of

The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: Haste To

The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: Look For

The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: Love

The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: Pray For

The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: should be Patient To

The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: should be Ready For

The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: should Watch For

The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: Wait For

The Second Coming of Christ: Shall Appear With Him in Glory At

The Second Coming of Christ: Shall be Blameless At

The Second Coming of Christ: Shall be Like Him At

The Second Coming of Christ: Shall be Preserved To

The Second Coming of Christ: Shall not be Ashamed At

The Second Coming of Christ: Shall Receive a Crown of Glory At

The Second Coming of Christ: Shall Reign With Him At

The Second Coming of Christ: Shall See Him As he Is, At

The Second Coming of Christ: should be Always Considered As at Hand

The Second Coming of Christ: Signs Preceding

The Second Coming of Christ: The Heavens and Earth Shall be Dissolved At

The Second Coming of Christ: The Man of Sin to be Destroyed At

The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of Accompanied by Angels

The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of As a Thief in the Night

The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of As he Ascended

The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of As the Lightning

The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of in Clouds

The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of in Flaming Fire

The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of in his own Glory

The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of in the Glory of his Father

The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of Suddenly

The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of Unexpectedly

The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of With a Shout and the Voice of the Archangel

The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of With his Saints

The Second Coming of Christ: The Manner of With Power and Great Glory

The Second Coming of Christ: The Purposes of, are to be Admired in Them That Believe

The Second Coming of Christ: The Purposes of, are to be Glorified in his Saints

The Second Coming of Christ: The Purposes of, are to Bring to Light the Hidden Things of Darkness

The Second Coming of Christ: The Purposes of, are to Complete the Salvation of Saints

The Second Coming of Christ: The Purposes of, are to Destroy Death

The Second Coming of Christ: The Purposes of, are to Judge

The Second Coming of Christ: The Purposes of, are to Reign

The Second Coming of Christ: The Saints Alive At, Shall be Caught up to Meet Him

The Second Coming of Christ: The Wicked: Presume Upon the Delay of

The Second Coming of Christ: The Wicked: Scoff At

The Second Coming of Christ: The Wicked: Shall be Punished At

The Second Coming of Christ: The Wicked: Shall be Surprised By

The Second Coming of Christ: They Who Shall Have Died in Christ Shall Rise First At

The Second Coming of Christ: Time of, Unknown

Related Terms

Thirty-second (2 Occurrences)

Twenty-second (2 Occurrences)

Second-first (1 Occurrence)

Second-in-command (1 Occurrence)

Fifty-second (1 Occurrence)

Section (22 Occurrences)

Coupling (8 Occurrences)

After (10866 Occurrences)

Alphaeus (5 Occurrences)

Curtain (60 Occurrences)

Coming

College (2 Occurrences)

Corinth (13 Occurrences)

Cock's (7 Occurrences)

Ashe'rah (18 Occurrences)

Zerubbabel (25 Occurrences)

Abishai (25 Occurrences)

Abinadab (12 Occurrences)

Zechari'ah (51 Occurrences)

Belshazzar (8 Occurrences)

Shrine (34 Occurrences)

Calendar

Vashni (1 Occurrence)

Zif (2 Occurrences)

Kedar (11 Occurrences)

Cherubs (52 Occurrences)

Cockcrowing (1 Occurrence)

Cock-crowing (3 Occurrences)

Circled (12 Occurrences)

Shaashgaz (1 Occurrence)

Sapphire (11 Occurrences)

Shealtiel (12 Occurrences)

Similar (13 Occurrences)

Abi (2 Occurrences)

Abstinence (2 Occurrences)

Abijah (32 Occurrences)

Parousia

Abigail (18 Occurrences)

Creature (73 Occurrences)

Commandments (181 Occurrences)

Asherah (40 Occurrences)

All (60349 Occurrences)

Beatitudes

Ba'al (55 Occurrences)

Cord (47 Occurrences)

Anthropology

Broke (153 Occurrences)

Sinai (38 Occurrences)

Asaph (47 Occurrences)

Beast (243 Occurrences)

Cry (431 Occurrences)

Shallum (27 Occurrences)

Sir (90 Occurrences)

Agrapha

Ye (21989 Occurrences)

151450 (2 Occurrences)

Zebulun (46 Occurrences)

Zimri (16 Occurrences)

Zerub'babel (23 Occurrences)

Zealot (4 Occurrences)

Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences)

Keturah (4 Occurrences)

Kezia (1 Occurrence)

Kohath (30 Occurrences)

Barachiah (3 Occurrences)

Bildad (5 Occurrences)

Berechi'ah (11 Occurrences)

Boards (50 Occurrences)

Berechiah (12 Occurrences)

Bacchides

Buz (3 Occurrences)

Births (34 Occurrences)

Berekiah (11 Occurrences)

Beginneth (8 Occurrences)

Carmelite (6 Occurrences)

Chapiter (8 Occurrences)

Carpus (1 Occurrence)

Canaanite (74 Occurrences)

Second Letter
Top of Page
Top of Page