Mark 10:12

KJV

And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if {G1437} a woman {G1135} shall put away {G630} her {G846} husband {G435}, and {G2532} be married {G1060} to another {G243}, she committeth adultery {G3429}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and if a wife divorces her husband and marries another man, she too commits adultery."

Berean Standard Bible

And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”

American Standard Version

and if she herself shall put away her husband, and marry another, she committeth adultery.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:12 delivers Jesus' radical and counter-cultural teaching on the permanence of marriage, specifically addressing the scenario of a woman initiating divorce and remarrying. In a society where such actions were largely the prerogative of men, Jesus declares that if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery, thereby establishing an equal standard of marital fidelity and responsibility for both genders under God's divine law, reinforcing the sanctity of the "one flesh" union.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' extended discourse on marriage and divorce, initiated by a challenging question from the Pharisees in [Mark 10:2](/mark/10-2 "Mark 10:2 - Pharisees Test Jesus on Divorce"). Jesus first engages them by appealing to the Mosaic Law, then pivots to God's original creation design for marriage, quoting from [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Male and Female") and [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The One Flesh Union"). He emphasizes the "one flesh" union and declares that what God has joined, no human should separate ([Mark 10:9](/mark/10-9 "Mark 10:9 - What God Has Joined Together")). Verses [Mark 10:10-12](/mark/10-10-12 "Mark 10:10-12 - Jesus' Private Teaching on Divorce") then record Jesus' more explicit teaching given privately to His disciples, clarifying and expanding upon His public statements. While [Mark 10:11](/mark/10-11 "Mark 10:11 - Man Divorcing His Wife") addresses the man's action, [Mark 10:12](/mark/10-12 "Mark 10:12 - Woman Divorcing Her Husband") remarkably applies the same severe standard to the woman, highlighting the radical nature of Jesus' ethical demands.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, divorce was predominantly a male prerogative. According to the School of Hillel, a man could divorce his wife for almost any reason, while the School of Shammai held a stricter view, limiting divorce to cases of unchastity. However, the right to initiate divorce rarely, if ever, rested with the woman. While Roman law did permit women to initiate divorce, Jesus' audience was primarily Jewish, and His teaching directly challenged the prevailing Jewish legal and social norms. By stating that a woman who divorces her husband and remarries commits adultery, Jesus not only elevated the status of women by holding them to the same moral standard as men but also radically redefined the concept of divorce within the covenantal framework of marriage, moving beyond the legalistic interpretations of His day.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **The Sanctity and Permanence of Marriage**, affirming God's original design for marriage as an unbreakable, lifelong covenant, not a temporary arrangement. Secondly, Jesus' declaration redefines **Adultery Beyond Mere Sexual Act**, extending it to include remarriage after an unbiblical divorce, thereby raising the moral bar for covenant faithfulness. This teaching reveals the seriousness with which God views the marriage bond. Thirdly, and perhaps most strikingly for its historical context, [Mark 10:12](/mark/10-12 "Mark 10:12 - Equality in Marital Responsibility") emphasizes **Equality in God's Law**. Jesus applies the same stringent standard to women as to men, demonstrating that both genders are equally accountable before God for their marital fidelity, a revolutionary concept in a patriarchal society. This aligns with the broader theme of the kingdom of God overturning societal hierarchies and valuing all individuals equally.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **woman (Greek, _gynḗ_):** From G1135, this term refers to a female, specifically a wife in this context. Its inclusion here is crucial because it highlights Jesus' deliberate application of the divorce standard to women, which was revolutionary in a patriarchal society where divorce was almost exclusively initiated by men.
* **put away (Greek, _apolýō_):** From G630, this verb means "to free fully," "release," "dismiss," or "divorce." It signifies the act of separation or dissolution of the marital bond. In this verse, it emphasizes the woman's agency in initiating the separation, which was highly unusual and legally complex in the Jewish context, though possible under Roman law.
* **committeth adultery (Greek, _moicháō_):** From G3429, this verb means "to commit adultery." By using this term, Jesus unequivocally declares that remarriage after an unbiblical divorce constitutes a violation of the marriage covenant, equating it with sexual unfaithfulness. This elevates the spiritual and moral implications of divorce beyond mere legal separation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if a woman shall put away her husband":** This clause introduces a hypothetical but significant scenario. It posits the woman as the initiator of the divorce, a stark contrast to the prevailing Jewish legal and cultural norms where only men typically had this right. Jesus' inclusion of this possibility demonstrates His radical reinterpretation of marital law, extending the same accountability to women as to men.
* **"and be married to another":** This phrase describes the subsequent action after the divorce – the woman entering into a new marital union. The emphasis is not merely on the divorce itself, but on the act of remarriage, which, in Jesus' view, violates the original, God-ordained "one flesh" covenant of the first marriage.
* **"she committeth adultery":** This is the definitive pronouncement and the core of Jesus' teaching in this verse. By declaring that remarriage after an unbiblical divorce constitutes adultery, Jesus elevates the sanctity of the marriage covenant. He implies that the "one flesh" bond, once established, remains valid in God's eyes unless dissolved by specific, biblically justifiable circumstances (which Mark does not explicitly detail here, unlike Matthew). This statement holds the woman to the same standard of fidelity as the man in the preceding verse, emphasizing mutual responsibility and the gravity of breaking the marital bond.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:12 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism** and **Reciprocity**, as this verse directly mirrors and complements [Mark 10:11](/mark/10-11 "Mark 10:11 - Man Divorcing His Wife"). While the previous verse addresses a man divorcing his wife, this verse applies the identical consequence to a woman, creating a balanced and reciprocal statement that underscores the universality of Jesus' teaching for both genders. This also functions as a form of **Inversion** of societal norms, as Jesus deliberately challenges the patriarchal legal system of His day by granting women equal moral agency and accountability in matters of marriage and divorce. The direct and declarative nature of the statement ("she committeth adultery") also serves as a powerful **Emphasis**, highlighting the gravity of the act and the seriousness with which God views the dissolution of a marriage covenant and subsequent remarriage outside of His design.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:12 profoundly shapes our understanding of marriage as a divine institution. Jesus' teaching here reinforces the theological truth that marriage is not merely a social contract but a sacred covenant established by God Himself, reflecting the "one flesh" union described in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The One Flesh Union"). By applying the same standard to women as to men, Jesus elevates the status of women and emphasizes the mutual responsibility and equality within the marital bond, a revolutionary concept for His time. The declaration that remarriage after an unbiblical divorce constitutes adultery underscores the permanence and exclusivity of the covenant, revealing God's high regard for fidelity and the seriousness of breaking such a sacred vow. This teaching calls believers to a higher standard of commitment and faithfulness in marriage, reflecting the unwavering faithfulness of God to His own covenant people.

* [Matthew 5:32](/matthew/5-32 "Matthew 5:32 - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce and Adultery")
* [Romans 7:2-3](/romans/7-2-3 "Romans 7:2-3 - The Law and Marriage")
* [1 Corinthians 7:10-11](/1_corinthians/7-10-11 "1 Corinthians 7:10-11 - Paul's Instruction on Marriage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:12 challenges us to re-evaluate our understanding of marriage in light of God's original design and Jesus' uncompromising teaching. It calls for a profound commitment to the sanctity and permanence of the marital covenant, recognizing it as a lifelong bond intended by God. For those who are married, this verse serves as a powerful call to faithfulness, perseverance, and a diligent pursuit of reconciliation and holiness within the relationship. It encourages us to lean on God's grace to honor our vows, even amidst challenges, and to seek His wisdom in navigating the complexities of modern relationships. For those considering marriage, it underscores the immense seriousness of the commitment, urging prayerful discernment and a foundational understanding of God's divine purpose for this sacred union. This teaching ultimately points us to the character of God, who is faithful to His covenants, and calls us to reflect that faithfulness in our own lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' teaching in Mark 10:12 challenge contemporary views on marriage and divorce?**
* **In what ways does this verse highlight the equality of men and women before God in the context of marital responsibility?**
* **Given the high standard set by Jesus, how can believers cultivate a marriage that honors God's design and reflects His faithfulness?**
* **What practical steps can individuals or couples take to strengthen their commitment to the "one flesh" union described by Jesus?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jesus' teaching in Mark 10:12 particularly significant for women?**

Answer: In first-century Jewish society, divorce was almost exclusively a right exercised by men, with women having very limited, if any, legal recourse to initiate divorce. By explicitly stating "if a woman shall put away her husband," Jesus introduces a revolutionary concept. This statement not only acknowledges the possibility of a woman initiating divorce (perhaps under Roman law, which was present in Judea, or as a hypothetical for emphasis) but, more importantly, applies the same strict standard of marital fidelity and accountability to her as He did to the man in [Mark 10:11](/mark/10-11 "Mark 10:11 - Man Divorcing His Wife"). This elevates the moral standing and responsibility of women, demonstrating that God's law holds both genders equally accountable for the sanctity of the marriage covenant, a radical departure from the prevailing patriarchal norms.

**Does Mark 10:12 contradict Matthew's "exception clause" regarding divorce?**

Answer: Mark's account of Jesus' teaching on divorce ([Mark 10:11-12](/mark/10-11-12 "Mark 10:11-12 - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce")) is often seen as more absolute than Matthew's ([Matthew 5:32](/matthew/5-32 "Matthew 5:32 - Divorce and Adultery") and [Matthew 19:9](/matthew/19-9 "Matthew 19:9 - Divorce and Remarriage")). Matthew includes the phrase "except for sexual immorality" (Greek: _porneia_). This is not a contradiction but rather a complementary perspective. Mark's Gospel often presents Jesus' teachings in a more concise and direct manner, emphasizing the ideal and the radical nature of the kingdom's demands. Matthew, writing to a Jewish audience, likely includes the "exception clause" to clarify that Jesus' teaching does not nullify the Mosaic provision for divorce in cases of illicit sexual unions, which were considered a serious breach of the covenant. Both Gospels affirm the sanctity and permanence of marriage, with Matthew providing a specific context where the "one flesh" union has already been fundamentally broken by unchastity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:12, like all of Jesus' teachings, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ Himself. Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, not only reveals the Father's original design for marriage but also embodies the perfect covenant faithfulness that He demands. His teaching on the permanence of marriage, including the radical equality applied to women, transcends the legalistic interpretations of the Old Covenant and points to the higher ethic of the Kingdom of God. In Christ, the ideal of the "one flesh" union is not merely a legalistic constraint but a reflection of the unbreakable covenant between Christ and His Church ([Ephesians 5:25-32](/ephesians/5-25-32 "Ephesians 5:25-32 - Christ and the Church as Bride and Groom")). He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), revealing its true spiritual intent and calling humanity to a transformed heart. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the grace and power for believers to live out this demanding standard, even in a fallen world. The New Covenant, inaugurated by His blood, enables a new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")) where the Spirit empowers believers to uphold God's sacred design for marriage, reflecting the perfect and eternal fidelity of the Lamb to His Bride ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 7:11

But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to [her] husband: and let not the husband put away [his] wife.

1 Corinthians 7:13

And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.