What does Mark 10:11 mean?

Explanation

Mark 10:11 is a statement attributed to Jesus in the context of a discussion on the lawfulness of divorce.

In this passage, Jesus speaks directly about the implications of remarriage after divorce, indicating that if a man divorces his wife and marries another woman, he commits adultery against his first wife.

The verse stresses the sanctity of marriage and suggests that the marital bond should not be broken by divorce, followed by remarriage to another.

Historical Context

At the time this verse was written, Jewish law had provisions for divorce as outlined in Deuteronomy 24:1-4.

The grounds for divorce and subsequent interpretations were debated among Jewish scholars, with some schools of thought allowing for liberal grounds for divorce while others advocated for more restrictive conditions.

Jesus confronts this topic head-on and seems to side with a more conservative interpretation by equating remarriage after divorce to adultery.

Theological Insights

There are several theological perspectives concerning this verse. Traditional Christianity has often cited this passage to argue for the indissolubility of marriage.

Many Christian denominations view marriage as a sacrament – a holy union that is meant to last until the death of one of the spouses.

From a theological perspective, this verse is sometimes used to uphold the sanctity and permanence of the marriage covenant.

On the other hand, some theologians focus on the merciful aspects of Jesus' teachings and may argue for a more nuanced understanding of divorce and remarriage, taking into account contexts of abuse, neglect, or unfaithfulness.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse challenges individuals to consider the gravity of marital commitments and to work through difficulties in marriage rather than seeing divorce as an easy solution.

It also serves as a reminder for individuals who are considering marriage to understand the level of commitment that is being entered into, according to the teachings of Jesus.

Cross-References

• Matthew 5:32 - "But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery."
• Matthew 19:9 - "And I say unto you, 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."
• Luke 16:18 - "Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery."
• Romans 7:2-3 - "For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.

So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man."

Language Study

In the original Greek, key words in this verse include:

• "Apolyō" (ἀπολύω): Meaning "to put away" or "to divorce".

This term was commonly used in the context of legal divorce.

• "Gamē" (γαμέω): Meaning "to marry".

It refers to entering into a marital relationship.

• "Moichaō" (μοιχάω): Meaning "commits adultery".

It refers to being unfaithful in marriage, a serious violation of marital vows.

Analyzing these original terms emphasizes both the legal aspects of marriage and divorce and the moral implications of fidelity within those relationships.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural context of the ancient Near East, marital customs and laws regarding divorce varied.

In comparison to some other ancient cultures where divorce might have been more permissible, the Jewish context, in which this teaching of Jesus was given, had a more conservative view, rooted in the preservation of family and social stability.

Comparing this to other religious traditions, both contemporary (like the Roman pagan cults) or later (such as Islam), different attitudes toward divorce and remarriage can be observed, with some embracing more lenient divorce practices and others, like traditional Christianity, upholding stricter norms.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might look at the psychological and societal impacts of divorce and remarriage.

Studies show that stable, long-term marriages tend to be associated with various positive outcomes both for the couple and any children involved.

Conversely, divorce can lead to a range of emotional and financial difficulties.

However, it is also recognized that in certain situations, especially involving abuse or severe disharmony, divorce may be a necessary measure for the well-being of all parties involved.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have offered insights on Mark 10:11:

• John Calvin emphasized the permanence of the marital bond and regarded divorce followed by remarriage as a serious offense.
• William Barclay suggested that Jesus' teachings on this subject were revolutionary for His time, as He gave women a status and rights they did not possess in contemporary Jewish society.
• Modern commentators often explore the tension between the law of Moses, which permitted divorce, and Jesus' apparent intention to restore the original purpose of marriage as an unbreakable union.
• Some scholars propose that Jesus' words address the hardness of human hearts and aim to protect the vulnerable in a marital relationship, especially women who could be unjustly discarded by their husbands during that era.