Mark 10:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 10:12
12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
Chapter Context
Mark 10 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, truth, hope. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-52: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 10:12
12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 7:11