What does Mark 10:2 mean?

Explanation

Mark 10:2 presents an encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees, a religious and political group in Judea during the time of Jesus.

The Pharisees are questioning Jesus about the legality of divorce, as per the Mosaic Law, specifically whether it was permissible for a man to divorce his wife.

The question is described as a means of tempting, or testing, Jesus, which implies that the Pharisees were not genuinely seeking instruction but rather trying to trap Jesus into saying something that they could use against him.

This verse sets the stage for a discussion on the sanctity of marriage and Jesus' interpretation of the law in contrast to the more permissive customs of the time.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, the subject of divorce was hotly debated among various Jewish groups.

Under Mosaic Law, as outlined in Deuteronomy 24:1-4, a man could write a bill of divorcement and put his wife away for "some uncleanness." There were different interpretations of what constituted valid grounds for divorce.

The school of Shammai held a strict view, allowing divorce only on the grounds of sexual immorality, while the school of Hillel permitted divorce for even trivial reasons, such as a wife burning her husband's food.

The Pharisees’ question to Jesus was not just theological but also deeply political and cultural, as it touched upon the social stability and personal morality of the Jewish people at the time.

Theological Insights

The question of the Pharisees hinges on an understanding of God's intent for marriage and how the fallibility of humans is treated under the law. Different theological viewpoints have interpreted this encounter in various ways.

Some see it as a reaffirmation of the sanctity of marriage and God's original intent for a lifelong union between a man and a woman.

Others may consider Jesus' response (which follows in subsequent verses) as an emphasis on the hardness of human hearts and the concessions that the law had to make for human weakness.

Furthermore, Jesus' answer later distances himself from the legalistic approach of the Pharisees and points back to the creation narrative, reinforcing the original plan for marriage before sin entered the world.

Practical Applications

The teaching in Mark 10:2 challenges believers to consider the seriousness of marriage vows and the high regard that marriage should be held within the Christian community.

It encourages individuals to work through difficulties in marriage rather than seeking easy ways out through divorce.

On a broader level, this verse also serves as a reminder that followers of Jesus should seek to understand the deeper principles behind God's commands rather than looking for loopholes or easier paths that comply with the letter of the law but not its spirit.

Cross-References

• Matthew 19:3-9: Pharisees similarly question Jesus about divorce in Matthew, and Jesus references God's original design for marriage.
• Deuteronomy 24:1-4: The Mosaic Law provision allowing for divorce, which is the background for the Pharisees' question.
• Genesis 2:24: The creation account of marriage that Jesus refers back to when discussing God's intent for marriage.
• Malachi 2:16: God speaks through the prophet Malachi, stating, "For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away" (divorce).
• 1 Corinthians 7:10-15: The Apostle Paul provides instructions on marriage and divorce, emphasizing the permanence of marriage but also acknowledging exceptions.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the verb used for "put away" is "ἀπολύω" (apoluo), which can mean "to release" or "to divorce." It's utilized in a legal sense that pertains to ending a marriage.

When the Pharisees ask if it is lawful, the term for "lawful" is "ἔξεστιν" (exesti), meaning "it is permissible" or "it is allowed." The word for "tempting" is "πειράζοντες" (peirazontes), which implies testing with a negative connotation, as in "to entice to do wrong" or "to try to trap."

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this to other ancient cultures, many societies had various laws and customs regarding divorce. For example, in ancient Rome, divorce was relatively straightforward and could be initiated by either party.

In contrast, the Jewish context of this verse, as influenced by the Mosaic Law, had more restrictive views that varied among interpretive schools. The Pharisees' approach seems to seek a middle ground, reflecting a balance between legal adherence and practical societal concerns.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological and sociological research indicate that divorce can have significant impacts on individuals and society at large, affecting emotional well-being, financial stability, and children’s development.

While Mark 10:2 itself does not directly intersect with scientific findings, the broader biblical discussions about marriage and divorce may intersect with research on the benefits of stable, supportive partnerships and the consequences of marital breakdowns.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Mark 10:2.

Some suggest that the Pharisees’ question was motivated by a genuine curiosity about Jesus' stance on an important and controversial issue. Others argue that it was a calculated move designed to discredit Jesus.

Commentators like William Barclay note that, by asking the question publicly, the Pharisees forced Jesus into a predicament; if Jesus answered one way, he would upset the followers of Shammai, and if he answered another way, he would upset the followers of Hillel.

Renowned biblical scholars, such as Craig Keener, also point out that the Pharisees' question to Jesus might have been designed to compare Jesus' teachings with those of John the Baptist, whose condemnation of Herod Antipas' divorce and remarriage led to his execution.