Mark 10:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 10:7
7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
Chapter Context
Mark 10 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, holiness, worship. 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 10:7
7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
Analysis
Jesus continued: 'For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife' (ἕνεκεν τούτου καταλείψει ἄνθρωπος τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ τὴν μητέρα καὶ προσκολληθήσεται πρὸς τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ). This quotes Genesis 2:24, establishing marriage's essential elements:
- leaving parents
- cleaving to spouse
- becoming one flesh (v. 8). 'Leave' (kataleipsei, καταλείψει) means forsake primary family bonds for new marital bond. 'Cleave' (proskollēthēsetai, προσκολληθήσεται) means adhere or be glued to—permanent, exclusive attachment.
Marriage creates new fundamental social unit, transcending even parent-child bonds. This pattern is creation ordinance—universal, permanent, normative for all cultures. The exclusive pronouns ('his wife') establish monogamy as creation norm, though patriarchal cultures practiced polygamy.
Historical Context
Genesis 2:24's marriage formula predates Mosaic law, making it creation ordinance binding on all humanity, not just Israel. Ancient Near Eastern cultures varied in marriage practices—some monogamous, others polygamous. Old Testament records polygamy among patriarchs (Abraham, Jacob, David) without explicit condemnation, yet Genesis 2:24 establishes monogamous norm. Jesus' citation shows that tolerance of polygamy was accommodation, not ideal. The early church universally practiced monogamy (1 Timothy 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6), recognizing Jesus' teaching as definitive. The 'leaving and cleaving' pattern shows marriage creates new primary allegiance, foundational for family structure. Failure to 'leave' parents creates unhealthy enmeshment; failure to 'cleave' to spouse produces unfaithfulness.
Reflection
- How does the 'leaving and cleaving' pattern challenge contemporary failure to establish marital bond as primary adult relationship?
- What does Jesus' citation of Genesis 2:24 teach about monogamy as God's creational design despite Old Testament examples of polygamy?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:31