What does Mark 10:19 mean?

Explanation

The verse Mark 10:19 in its immediate context is part of the conversation between Jesus and a man known as the rich young ruler, who asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life.

Jesus responds by listing several commandments, which are part of the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai, as foundational ethical principles.

These commandments constitute basic moral laws that were well-known to the Jewish people.

The summons to not commit adultery, not murder, not steal, not give false testimony, not defraud, and to honor one's father and mother, was a reaffirmation of the values that were supposed to govern the lives of those within the covenant community of Israel.

On a deeper level, these commandments also reflect the universal ethical principles of fidelity, respect for life, property, truth, justice, and family values.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Mark is generally considered to be the earliest of the four canonical gospels and is dated to around 70 AD.

It was written at a time when Christians were predominantly of Jewish origin and therefore very familiar with the Jewish Law. The recitation of these commandments by Jesus would have resonated with his listeners as an emphasis on traditional Jewish morality.

It is important to remember that at the time of Jesus, the Romans occupied Judea, and the Jewish people were living under Roman law, but they continued to live according to their own religious laws as well.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this teaching can be seen in a few different ways. In the traditional Jewish understanding, adherence to the Law was a means to live a life pleasing to God.

From a Christian theological standpoint, while adherence to the law is important, it is also understood that the Law cannot bring about salvation; this is brought about only through faith in Jesus Christ.

This is why, immediately after listing these commandments, Jesus will tell the young ruler that he still lacks one thing, pushing towards the notion of complete surrender to God.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse are quite straightforward.

In daily life, being faithful to one's spouse, respecting the lives of others, not stealing, telling the truth, behaving justly, and showing respect to one's parents are all behaviors that contribute to a harmonious and just society.

These are fundamental ethical principles that many find valuable regardless of religious belief.

Cross-References

• Exodus 20:12-16: "Honour thy father and thy mother...Thou shalt not kill.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Thou shalt not steal.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour."

• Deuteronomy 5:16-20: These commandments are repeated as part of the Deuteronomic code.
• Matthew 19:18-19: Jesus lists these commandments in another instance when speaking with the young ruler.
• Romans 13:9: Paul summarizes these commandments as examples of loving one's neighbor as oneself.

Language Study

In this verse, the commandments are translated from Greek, which is the original language of the Gospel of Mark.

The word "adultery" comes from "moicheuō," to commit adultery.

"Kill" comes from "phoneuō," meaning to murder or slay.

"Steal" is from "kleptō," which means to steal.

"Bear false witness" involves the Greek word "pseudomartureō," which means to lie or give false testimony.

"Defraud" translates from "aposteréō," meaning to defraud or rob.

"Honour" translates from "timao," which means to honor or revere, especially a parent.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The commandments cited by Jesus in this verse have parallels in other ancient legal codes, such as the Babylonian Code of Hammurabi.

Many ancient cultures recognized the importance of these fundamental ethical behaviors for the maintenance of social order. In other religious traditions, such guidelines for moral conduct can be found, such as in the Hindu Dharmaśāstra or the Buddhist Five Precepts.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse Mark 10:19 deals with moral and ethical instructions, discussing these principles can be enriched with insights from modern psychology and social sciences.

For example, studies in moral psychology might explore the internal and societal benefits of adhering to precepts like those Jesus mentions.

Biological and neurological research can also shed light on the natural underpinnings of behaviors related to loyalty, honesty, and familial respect.

Commentaries

Different biblical commentaries offer insights into Mark 10:19.

Some focus on the comprehensive nature of Jesus' reply and consider it an encapsulation of the second tablet of the Ten Commandments, dealing with human-to-human relationships.

Others highlight Jesus' use of these commandments to prepare the rich young ruler for deeper spiritual insight, ultimately pointing to the necessity of a personal relationship with God beyond legalistic righteousness.

Commentators often note that Jesus' inclusion of "defraud not" expands the traditional commandment list, implicating a broader set of ethical behaviors, particularly relevant to the questioner's context as a rich man.