Mark 10:6

Analysis & Commentary

Jesus answered the Pharisees' question about divorce by returning to creation: 'from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female' (ἀπὸ δὲ ἀρχῆς κτίσεως ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ ἐποίησεν αὐτοὺς ὁ θεός). This quotes Genesis 1:27, establishing that binary sexual differentiation (male and female) is God's creational design, not social construct. The phrase 'from the beginning' (ap' archēs, ἀπὸ δὲ ἀρχῆς) makes creation God's normative revelation for marriage, predating the fall and Mosaic legislation. Jesus teaches that God's original design, not later accommodations to sin, reveals His will. This hermeneutical principle—reading Scripture through creation lens—grounds Christian ethics in God's pre-fall design. Gender complementarity is foundational to marriage, rooted in how God created humanity.

Historical Context

Genesis 1:27 states, 'God created man in his own image... male and female created he them.' This binary distinction is foundational to human identity and marriage. First-century Judaism affirmed this, though Greek philosophy sometimes promoted androgyny or gender fluidity (Plato's Symposium). Jesus' appeal to creation established permanent, transcultural norms versus culturally conditioned regulations. The early church followed this hermeneutic—1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 11:3-16; Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Timothy 2:12-14 all ground theology in creation design. Reformed theology emphasizes creation ordinances (male-female complementarity, marriage, work, Sabbath) as universally binding, predating special revelation and transcending cultural change.

Questions for Reflection

• How does Jesus' appeal to 'the beginning' challenge modern attempts to redefine marriage and gender based on contemporary culture rather than creation design?
• What does this teach about using creation as interpretive lens for understanding God's will versus reading Scripture through cultural accommodation?