Mark 10:11

Mark 10:11 is a profound statement by Jesus concerning the permanence and sanctity of the marriage covenant. In this verse, Jesus directly addresses the implications of divorce and remarriage, asserting that such actions, when initiated by the husband, constitute adultery against the wife.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discussion initiated by the Pharisees, who approached Jesus to test Him regarding the lawfulness of divorce (Mark 10:2). Their question was rooted in the Mosaic law found in Deuteronomy 24:1-4, which permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce. Jesus, however, elevates the discussion beyond legalistic loopholes, taking His audience back to God's original intention for marriage as established at creation (Genesis 2:24), where a man and woman become "one flesh." Mark 10:11 then provides Jesus' stark conclusion on the matter, following His declaration that "what therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (Mark 10:9).

Key Themes and Messages

• The Sanctity of Marriage: Jesus views marriage not merely as a social contract but as a divine institution, a lifelong covenant established by God Himself.
• Indissolubility of the Covenant: From God's perspective, the "one flesh" union is meant to be permanent. Divorce, in this context, is seen as a fracturing of what God has supernaturally joined.
• Adultery in Remarriage: Jesus explicitly defines remarrying after an unbiblical divorce as an act of adultery. This highlights the ongoing validity of the original marriage bond in God's eyes.
• Protection of the Vulnerable: By stating the adultery is "against her," Jesus subtly but powerfully shifts the cultural understanding. In a patriarchal society where men held the power to divorce, Jesus emphasizes the harm and injustice inflicted upon the dismissed wife.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "put away" translates the Greek word apolyō (ἀπολύω), which means "to dismiss," "to release," or "to divorce." This term was commonly used for formal separation in that era. The crucial addition Jesus makes is "committeth adultery against her" (εἰς αὐτήν). This specific phrasing is significant because it assigns culpability directly to the husband for wronging his former wife, elevating her status and rights in a culture where divorce was often unilateral and favored the husband. This underscores the profound moral and relational harm caused by such actions.

Broader Biblical Context

While Mark's account is concise, Matthew's parallel passage (Matthew 19:9) includes an "exception clause" regarding sexual immorality (porneia), which has been a subject of much theological discussion. Regardless, Jesus' core teaching in Mark 10:11 emphasizes the ideal and God's original intent for marriage. The Old Testament also reflects God's displeasure with divorce, as seen in Malachi 2:16, where it states that God "hates divorce." The Apostle Paul later provides further guidance on marriage and divorce within the early church in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11.

Practical Application

Mark 10:11 calls believers to a high standard regarding marriage. It encourages:

• Commitment: Husbands and wives are called to uphold the sacred bond of marriage with unwavering commitment, reflecting God's faithfulness.
• Seriousness of Divorce: This verse highlights the gravity with which God views divorce, urging prayerful consideration and reconciliation efforts before contemplating separation.
• Covenant Understanding: It reinforces the idea that marriage is a covenant before God, not just a contractual agreement between two people.
• Grace and Forgiveness: While the ideal is clear, the Bible also demonstrates God's grace and forgiveness for those who have fallen short of this ideal, offering hope and new beginnings through repentance and faith.

Ultimately, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's perfect design for marriage as a lifelong, exclusive union, reflecting the unbreakable covenant between Christ and His Church.