Mark 10:2
And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Deuteronomy 24:1-4 permitted divorce if a man found 'some uncleanness' in his wife, but the phrase's meaning was debated. Rabbi Hillel (died AD 10) interpreted broadly—divorce permitted for trivial causes (burning food, finding a prettier woman). Rabbi Shammai (died AD 30) interpreted strictly—only for sexual immorality. This debate dominated Pharisaic discussion in Jesus' time. The question's political danger stemmed from Herod Antipas' unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife (Mark 6:17-18)—John's condemnation led to his execution. Jesus was traveling through Herod's jurisdiction, making strict marriage teaching potentially dangerous. Yet Jesus boldly taught God's creation design (vv. 6-9), prioritizing truth over political safety.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Pharisees' malicious questioning contrast with genuine truth-seeking, and how should we guard against similar manipulation of Scripture for political ends?
- What does Jesus' willingness to teach difficult truth despite political danger model about prioritizing God's Word over personal safety?
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Analysis & Commentary
Pharisees came to Jesus 'and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him' (ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν εἰ ἔξεστιν ἀνδρὶ γυναῖκα ἀπολῦσαι, πειράζοντες αὐτόν). The verb 'tempting' (peirazontes, πειράζοντες) indicates malicious intent—not genuine inquiry but attempted entrapment. This was a controversial issue in first-century Judaism: the school of Hillel permitted divorce for virtually any cause; the school of Shammai restricted it to sexual immorality. Any answer Jesus gave would alienate one faction. Additionally, John the Baptist was executed for condemning Herod's unlawful marriage (Mark 6:17-18)—Jesus was in Herod's territory (Perea), so strict teaching on marriage could provoke similar persecution. The Pharisees' question was calculated to create political or theological difficulty. Jesus' response transcends the debate by returning to creation ordinance (vv. 6-9).