The subject of remarriage following the dissolution of a marital union is addressed in varied passages all through the Previous and New Testaments. Interpretations of those scriptures fluctuate throughout totally different Christian denominations and particular person theological viewpoints. The first texts typically cited embrace Deuteronomy 24:1-4, Matthew 5:31-32, Matthew 19:3-9, Mark 10:2-12, Luke 16:18, and 1 Corinthians 7:10-16. These verses current a variety of views, from prohibitions in opposition to a girl returning to her first husband after marrying one other, to allowances for divorce in instances of sexual immorality (typically translated from the Greek phrase porneia), and steering on separation and reconciliation inside marriage.
Understanding the scriptural views on remarriage after marital breakdown requires cautious consideration of the historic and cultural context wherein these texts had been written. Marriage in biblical occasions was typically seen as a covenant relationship, but additionally as a social and financial establishment. The steadiness of households and the safety of ladies and youngsters had been essential societal issues. Subsequently, rules regarding divorce and remarriage typically aimed to deal with these sensible realities. Differing interpretations come up from questions concerning the meant viewers of those teachings (e.g., Jewish folks underneath the Mosaic Legislation versus Christians underneath the New Covenant), the exact that means of key phrases (resembling porneia), and the overarching rules of grace and forgiveness inside Christian theology.