What does Mark 10:4 mean?

Explanation

Mark 10:4 refers to a conversation between Jesus and some Pharisees concerning the legality and morality of divorce according to Mosaic Law.

This verse is a part of a larger narrative where Jesus teaches about marriage and divorce.

The Pharisees, in an attempt to test Jesus, ask if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife.

Jesus inquires about what Moses commanded to which the Pharisees refer to the legislation permitting a man to write a "bill of divorcement" to dissolve his marriage (Deuteronomy 24:1-4).

This bill, also known as a "get," was a formal document that freed the woman from the marriage, allowing her to remarry.

The deeper meaning involves Jesus exploring the intentions behind Moses' allowance for divorce.

It's suggesting that Moses' concession for divorce was due to the hardness of people's hearts, not as an ideal to aspire to but as a regulatory measure to address marital issues within the cultural context of that time.

Historical Context

During the time this text was written, Jewish law permitted men to divorce their wives by issuing a written notice of divorce.

The law is referenced in Deuteronomy 24:1-4.

Women had limited rights and were often viewed as property.

The allowance of a bill of divorcement was a somewhat progressive measure to protect women, ensuring they were not left in a state of limbo and could remarry.

The Pharisees are testing Jesus against the background of differing Jewish interpretations of the law concerning divorce.

The school of Shammai interpreted the law very strictly, allowing divorce only on the ground of sexual immorality, while the school of Hillel allowed divorce for even trivial matters.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is significant because it portrays Jesus's approach to Mosaic Law.

His response later in the narrative emphasizes God's original intention for marriage: a lifelong, unbreakable union.

Jesus uses this opportunity to teach that marriage is a divine institution meant to be permanent, transcending Moses' temporary concession due to human imperfection.

Some Christian denominations interpret this passage as Jesus affirming the indissolubility of marriage except in cases of sexual immorality.

Other denominations argue that Jesus's response points to a more compassionate and flexible understanding of divorce, considering the circumstances that make marriages untenable.

Practical Applications

Practically, Mark 10:4 challenges individuals and faith communities to consider carefully the nature of marriage and the circumstances under which divorce may be permissible or necessary.

It calls for sensitivity to the complexities of human relationships and the difficulties couples may face.

Focus should be placed on supporting marriages, providing resources for reconciliation and healing, and offering grace and support when marriages fail.

Cross-References

• Matthew 5:31: "It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:"
• Matthew 19:7-8: "They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so."
• Deuteronomy 24:1-4: Describes the process of a man giving his wife a writ of divorce if he finds some "uncleanness" in her.

Language Study

The key phrase in this verse is "bill of divorcement," which is translated from the Greek "biblion apostasion." "Biblion" refers to a written document or scroll, and "apostasion" denotes a separation or departure.

This term specifically refers to the legal document required to formalize a divorce under Mosaic Law.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparable practices to the "bill of divorcement" in Jewish culture were present in other ancient societies, including Assyrians and Egyptians, where various forms of marital contracts and divorce documentation existed.

However, the protection provided to women through the bill of divorcement was distinct in the Jewish context.

In comparison to other religious interpretations, the Islamic tradition, for instance, also places emphasis on formal declarations for dissolving marriages, known as "talāq."

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not directly relate to this verse since it deals with legal and moral questions rather than empirical claims.

However, modern psychological research emphasizes the significant emotional and social impact of divorce on families, which can inform contemporary discussions on the ethics and consequences of divorce in society.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of this verse:

• John Calvin saw Jesus's response as highlighting the permissive nature of Moses' law because of human sin, contrasting divine intent for marriage.
• William Barclay notes that, from a legal point of view, the bill of divorcement was meant to protect a woman, so she would not be left in an ambiguous state.
• David Guzik comments that the debate Jesus engaged in was less about the legality of the divorce and more about the condition of the human heart in relation to God's ideal for marriage.

Each expert views the text through a different lens, whether it is historical-legal, moral-theological, or pastoral-practical, contributing to a multifaceted understanding of the verse.