Mark 10:12
And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Roman law permitted women to initiate divorce, unlike Jewish law. Wealthy Roman women sometimes divorced husbands to remarry for political or financial advantage. Herodias divorced Philip to marry Herod Antipas (Mark 6:17-18)—precisely the situation John the Baptist condemned. Jesus' inclusion of women divorcing husbands shows awareness of Greco-Roman context. Early church applied Jesus' teaching universally—neither spouse could divorce and remarry. This created tension with surrounding culture and raised pastoral challenges (what about Christian married to unbeliever who divorces? 1 Cor 7:12-16). The principle remained clear: divorce and remarriage without biblical grounds constitutes adultery for both men and women.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' equal application of adultery standard to both men and women reflect gospel values of mutual covenant faithfulness?
- What does Jesus' teaching on marital permanence challenge about contemporary 'no-fault' divorce culture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus continued: 'if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery' (ἐὰν γυνὴ ἀπολύσῃ τὸν ἄνδρα αὐτῆς καὶ γαμηθῇ ἄλλῳ μοιχᾶται). This verse addresses women divorcing husbands—unusual in Jewish law but possible under Roman law. Mark, writing for Roman audience, includes this application. Jesus established complete marital symmetry—both spouses equally bound by covenant, both commit adultery if divorcing and remarrying unlawfully. This countered ancient patriarchal structures treating women as property. Christian marriage theology emphasizes mutual covenant faithfulness (1 Cor 7:3-4; Eph 5:21-33). The same standard applies to both—no double standard. This reflects gospel equality: in Christ 'there is neither male nor female' (Gal 3:28) regarding salvation and spiritual dignity.