What does Mark 10:3 mean?

Explanation

The verse "And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?" comes from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10, verse 3.

In this passage, Jesus is responding to a question posed by the Pharisees regarding the legality of divorce.

They ask Him if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife, testing Him.

In turn, Jesus asks them to recall what Moses commanded, directing them to reflect on the teachings of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible).

The question invites the Pharisees to state the Mosaic law on divorce, which Jesus will then address to teach on the sanctity of marriage and to correct misunderstandings about divorce.

Jesus's response is strategic; He uses their acknowledgment of Moses's authority to steer the conversation towards a deeper understanding of God's original intention for marriage.

Historical Context

Mark 10:3 is situated in first-century Palestine, at a time when divorce practices were a subject of significant debate among Jewish religious leaders.

The Law of Moses, specifically given in Deuteronomy 24:1-4, allowed for a man to write a certificate of divorce if he found "some uncleanness" in his wife.

It was a society where marriage and divorce were deeply intertwined with social and religious life, and interpretations of the Law varied.

The Pharisees' question to Jesus is political as well as theological, as they were often trying to trap Him into making statements that could be used against Him.

Theological Insights

There are various theological insights that can be gleaned from Mark 10:3.

For conservative theologians, this verse underscores Jesus's respect for scriptural authority and tradition.

In this interpretation, Jesus is not dismissing the law given through Moses but rather inviting a re-examination of its application and intent.

For liberal theologians, the verse might be seen as demonstrating Jesus's approach to questioning established religious norms, prompting a dialogue rather than providing immediate instruction.

Theological perspectives often emphasize that Jesus aims to take the discussion back to the principle of marriage rather than the legalities of divorce.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, Mark 10:3 can teach individuals about the importance of understanding the principles behind religious teachings and laws, rather than just their literal sense.

The approach of Jesus invites believers to engage with scripture critically and thoughtfully.

This verse also underscores the value of dialogue in resolving complex moral and theological issues.

Moreover, it encourages believers to look back to the foundational intentions of religious instructions, in this case, the sacredness of marriage, and to prioritize those original intentions over more legalistic interpretations.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 24:1-4: The Mosaic law concerning divorce.
• Matthew 19:3-9: A parallel account of this interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees concerning divorce.
• Malachi 2:16: "For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away..."

Language Study

In the original Greek language of the New Testament, the phrase "What did Moses command you?" uses the word "ἐνετείλατο" (enetilato) for "command." This word is the aorist middle indicative form of "ἐντέλλομαι" (entellomai), meaning to give orders, command, or instruct.

It implies an authoritative direction given in the past.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The practice of divorce in ancient Jewish culture was not unique; divorce was known in many ancient societies. Ancient Greece and Rome, for instance, also had provisions for divorce that varied depending on one's social standing.

However, the emphasis in Jewish law on a written certificate of divorce was distinctive.

It provided the woman with a degree of legal protection and recognized her rights in a largely patriarchal society.

Comparing this with other ancient cultures often illuminates differences in how marital bonds were viewed and regulated.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly intersect with scientific perspectives as it is concerned with cultural, legal, and theological discussions around marriage.

Modern scientific approaches to relationships and marriage tend to focus on psychological and sociological aspects, whereas here the focus is on the religious teaching concerning the legality and ethical implications of divorce.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Mark 10:3 tend to focus on Jesus's deft handling of a potentially contentious issue.

For instance, the Pulpit Commentary remarks on how Jesus, instead of giving a direct answer to the Pharisees, asks them to state the law themselves, which lays the groundwork for His deeper teaching on marriage.

William Barclay notes that Jesus is challenging the Pharisees to think beyond the legalities to the moral and spiritual principles behind the law.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes that Jesus directed them to what was written in the law, proving that He had no intention to contradict it but to explain it.