Topic(s):  Bible Study, Marriage

Todd Clippard

The situation describe above is sometimes referred to as "the waiting game." One spouse divorces the other with the intention of remaining celibate until the other remarries, thus supposedly freeing the first to remarry. But does it?

Matthew 19:9 reads, "Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery." KJV

First, note the cause for divorce must be for fornication. The Greek word translated "for" means "because of." Therefore, the only person who may divorce his mate and remarry is the one who puts away his mate for the cause of fornication.

Second, note the absence of any indication that "the waiting game" is an acceptable action. The text clearly teaches that should a couple divorce for any reason other than fornication, then both commit adultery should they remarry.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11 says if a couple divorces (for reasons other than fornication), they must remain unmarried or be reconciled to their original mate.