Deuteronomy 24:2 - Can remarriage bring holiness?

Context in Torah

This verse (Devarim 24:2) appears in the context of the laws of divorce (גט), detailing the process of a woman leaving her husband's home and subsequently remarrying. The Torah establishes the permissibility of remarriage after a valid divorce, provided all halachic requirements are met.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi clarifies that the phrase "וְהָיְתָה לְאִישׁ־אַחֵר" ("she may be another man’s wife") teaches that the woman is permitted to marry any man except a Kohen (priest), as a divorced woman is prohibited from marrying a Kohen (based on Vayikra 21:7). Rashi also emphasizes that the verse underscores the finality of the divorce—once she leaves her first husband's home with a proper get, the marital bond is completely dissolved.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchos Gerushin (Laws of Divorce 1:1), the Rambam codifies that a woman is only free to remarry after receiving a get according to halachah. The phrase "וְיָצְאָה מִבֵּיתוֹ" ("she is departed out of his house") implies a formal halachic divorce process, not merely physical separation. The Rambam further rules (11:28) that if she marries without a proper get, the second marriage is invalid, and any offspring are considered mamzerim.

Talmudic Discussion (Gittin 85a)

The Gemara derives from this verse that a woman may not remarry until she has both received a get and left her husband's domain. The Sages debate whether "וְיָצְאָה" refers to physically departing or legally becoming free. The halachah follows the opinion that both elements are required for remarriage to be permitted.

Midrashic Insight (Sifri Devarim 269)

The Midrash highlights that the Torah uses the term "אִישׁ־אַחֵר" ("another man") rather than simply "איש" to teach that the second marriage must be to a different type of man—i.e., not someone who would cause her to return to her first husband (such as a close relative). This safeguards the integrity of the divorce process.

Practical Halachic Implications

• A woman may only remarry after receiving a halachically valid get.
• She must physically leave her first husband's home or domain.
• Remarriage to a Kohen is forbidden if she was previously married to a non-Kohen.
• The second marriage must not undermine the finality of the divorce (e.g., by marrying someone who would create familial conflicts).