If My Unbelieving Spouse Leaves Me, Can I Remarry?

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Answered by True Bible Teachings AI on 6/26/2026

1) Direct Answer
No. If your unbelieving spouse leaves, you are not free to remarry while they are still living. You are free from the duty to chase or compel them, but you remain bound to the marriage covenant. You must remain unmarried or be reconciled. If your spouse dies, then you are free to marry in the Lord.

2) Scriptural Explanation
- The Bible says, “Let not the wife depart from her husband: but and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife” (1 Corinthians 7:10-11).
- Concerning an unbeliever who leaves, it says, “If the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases” (1 Corinthians 7:15). That releases you from forcing the union to continue, but it does not dissolve the marriage bond for remarriage.
- “The woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth… so then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress” (Romans 7:2-3; see also 1 Corinthians 7:39).
- Jesus said, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder… whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery” (Mark 10:9-12; Luke 16:18).

Now notice, some point to “not under bondage” as permission to remarry. But the same chapter already said, “remain unmarried or be reconciled,” and later, “she is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth” (1 Corinthians 7:39). God doesn’t contradict Himself.

3) Simple Clarifying Logic
- “Not under bondage” in 1 Corinthians 7:15 means you are not enslaved to pursue, cohabit, or litigate to hold them; God has called us to peace. It does not mean the marriage bond is dissolved for another marriage.
- If “not under bondage” meant free to remarry, it would oppose verses 10-11 and 39 in the same chapter, and Romans 7:2-3, and the words of Jesus. Truth harmonizes.
- Therefore, while your spouse lives, you either remain single or be reconciled. If they die, you are free to marry “only in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39).

Short reinforcing statement
You see, the Scripture holds the higher road: peace if they depart, purity if you remain—unmarried or reconciled. If death breaks the bond, then you may marry in the Lord. If your situation began before you knew the Lord and you’re already in another marriage, abide where you are now and honor God from this point forward (1 Corinthians 7:17, 24), but don’t use that to loosen what God has plainly bound.