What does Mark 10:12 mean?

Explanation

The verse Mark 10:12 states: "And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery." This signifies that if a woman divorces her husband and marries someone else, she is seen as committing adultery in the context of Christian teachings.

At the time of this statement, it was counter-cultural given that Jewish Law allowed for men to divorce their wives, but the reverse was less common or accepted.

This verse highlights the idea of the sanctity and permanence of marriage, suggesting that any dissolution of the marriage contract to unite with another is morally wrong and equivalent to adultery.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus' teachings in Judea, the Mosaic Law allowed for men to divorce their wives under certain conditions (Deuteronomy 24:1-4), yet there was debate among Jewish teachers regarding the grounds for divorce.

It's important to note that in the Jewish context, divorce was typically initiated by the man.

In Roman society, however, women could and did initiate divorce.

When Jesus speaks in Mark 10:12, he is placing constraints on both men and women in relation to the dissolution of marriage, which was a radical stance that elevated the status of marriage and the mutual responsibilities of both partners.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse emphasizes the idea that marriage is intended to be a lifelong covenant between individuals, reflecting the relationship between God and humanity.

It suggests that both men and women hold responsibility for maintaining the marital bond.

Theologically, this verse can be interpreted as a critique of the casual attitudes towards marriage and divorce prevalent in both Jewish and Roman cultures at the time.

Additionally, in Christian thought, this also puts forward a broader ethical teaching on the sanctity of marriage which applies to all, regardless of gender.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Mark 10:12 can guide individuals to work diligently on their marriage.

It serves as a reminder to consider the weight of commitment before entering into marriage and the importance of fidelity within the marriage.

It can also encourage couples to seek help to resolve issues rather than seeing divorce as an immediate solution.

In contemporary Christian counseling and teachings, this verse may be used to underscore the gravity of vows taken during a wedding ceremony.

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."
• 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."

• 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 - "And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, 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."

Language Study

The key phrases of importance in the original Greek from this verse are:

• "put away" (ἀπολύω - apolyo): Most often used to mean 'divorce' or 'send away' in a marital context.
• "married" (γαμέω - gameo): To wed or to take as a spouse.
• "committeth adultery" (μοιχάω - moichao): Refers specifically to marital infidelity, emphasizing the breach of the marriage covenant.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In a broader religious context, many ancient cultures had customs and laws surrounding marriage and divorce. For example, in ancient Babylon, the law code of Hammurabi addressed marriage and divorce, offering protection to certain rights of both men and women.

Furthermore, in Hinduism, the concept of marriage as a sacred bond is also strong, where the union is seen as a crucial samskara (sacrament).

Mark 10:12 defies some of these norms by implying a mutual responsibility and uniform standard for both genders within marriage, a standpoint not universally observed at the time.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse enters into the social sciences rather than the natural sciences.

Sociologists and psychologists may study the effects of divorce on individuals, families, and communities.

The emphasis on the stability of marriage found in this verse may align with research that suggests the positive impact of stable family structures on the mental and emotional health of individuals, especially children.

However, it should be noted that the scientific understanding of human relationships is descriptive rather than prescriptive and does not typically assign moral value to marital decisions.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Mark 10:12 offer various perspectives.

Some see this as Jesus' affirmation of the mutual commitment required in marriage and an equalizing stance on gender roles within that commitment.

Others focus on the historical setting, noting that Jesus challenges the norms of his time by speaking against the casual attitude toward divorce and remarriage.

Still, others may suggest that these teachings on divorce should be understood in the larger context of Jesus' ministry, highlighting mercy and redemption rather than as strict legal prescriptions.

Regardless of interpretation, scholars agree that Jesus emphasized the seriousness of the marital covenant.