Mark 10:3

KJV

And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto them {G846}, What {G5101} did Moses {G3475} command {G1781} you {G5213}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He replied, "What did Moshe command you?"

Berean Standard Bible

“What did Moses command you?” He replied.

American Standard Version

And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 10:3, Jesus strategically responds to the Pharisees' provocative question about the legality of divorce by redirecting their focus to the Mosaic Law. This verse initiates a profound discourse where Jesus transcends mere legalistic interpretation, compelling His interrogators to confront the true intent and limitations of the Law, thereby laying the groundwork for His teaching on God's original, perfect design for marriage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the pivotal turning point in an exchange initiated by the Pharisees, who approach Jesus in [Mark 10:2](/mark/10-2 "Mark 10:2 - The Pharisees' Test") with a question designed to trap Him: "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" Their query was a loaded one, aimed at forcing Jesus into a position that would either contradict the Mosaic Law (specifically [Deuteronomy 24:1-4](/deuteronomy/24-1-4 "Deuteronomy 24:1-4 - Law on Divorce")) or alienate Him from one of the prominent rabbinic schools of thought (Hillel, who permitted divorce for almost any reason, or Shammai, who held a stricter view). Instead of directly answering with a "yes" or "no," Jesus, with divine wisdom, immediately turns the question back on them, compelling them to articulate their own understanding of the Law. This counter-question in [Mark 10:3](/mark/10-3 "Mark 10:3 - Jesus' Counter-Question") sets the stage for Jesus to move beyond their legalistic debate and reveal God's original, foundational intent for marriage, as detailed in the subsequent verses ([Mark 10:6-9](/mark/10-6-9 "Mark 10:6-9 - Jesus' Teaching on Marriage")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During Jesus' time, the issue of divorce was a hotly debated topic among Jewish rabbis, primarily revolving around the interpretation of [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - The Bill of Divorce"). The key phrase "some indecency" (עֶרְוַת דָּבָר, *ervat davar*) was interpreted broadly by the school of Hillel to include almost any cause for displeasure, even burning a meal, while the school of Shammai held a much stricter view, limiting divorce to cases of sexual immorality. The Pharisees' question to Jesus was not a genuine search for truth but a calculated attempt to align Him with one school or the other, thereby either discrediting Him with the opposing faction or forcing Him into conflict with the Mosaic Law. Galilee, where this exchange likely took place, was a region where various interpretations coexisted, making the issue particularly sensitive. Jesus' response, by appealing directly to "Moses," forces the Pharisees to engage with the scriptural text they claimed to uphold, rather than their traditional interpretations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Divine Wisdom and Authority**, demonstrating His ability to navigate complex theological and legal traps with unparalleled insight, always redirecting the conversation to foundational truths rather than superficial disputes. His counter-question asserts His authority to interpret and clarify the Law, even over the most learned religious leaders. Secondly, it underscores the **Supremacy of Scripture**, as Jesus immediately appeals to the written Word of God as the ultimate arbiter of truth, rather than human traditions or interpretations. This sets the stage for His subsequent teaching, which goes beyond the Mosaic concession to God's original design for marriage, as found in [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Man and Woman") and [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Institution of Marriage"). Finally, the exchange illuminates the **Nature of the Mosaic Law**, revealing that while it was given by God, certain provisions, like the bill of divorce, were concessions to human sinfulness and "hardness of heart" ([Mark 10:5](/mark/10-5 "Mark 10:5 - Moses' Concession")), rather than expressions of God's perfect, original will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **answered (Greek, _apokrínomai'_):** This word (G611) means "to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond; by Hebraism (compare עָנָה) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)." It suggests more than a simple reply; Jesus' answer is a deliberate, thoughtful, and strategic response, indicating a profound understanding of the situation and an intention to guide the conversation.
* **command (Greek, _entéllomai'_):** This term (G1781) means "to enjoin; to give charge, command, or enjoin." The choice of "command" is crucial. Jesus does not ask what Moses "permitted" or "allowed," but what he "commanded." This precise word choice subtly challenges the Pharisees' interpretation of [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - The Bill of Divorce"), which they often viewed as a command to issue a certificate of divorce, rather than a regulation of a practice already occurring due to human sin.
* **Moses (Greek, _Mōseús'_):** This proper noun (G3475) refers to "the Hebrew lawgiver." By invoking Moses, Jesus directs the Pharisees back to the very source of the Law they claimed to uphold and interpret. This move both acknowledges their reliance on the Law and prepares them for a re-examination of its true intent, as revealed by the one who is greater than Moses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he answered and said unto them":** This phrase highlights Jesus' deliberate and authoritative engagement. He does not shy away from the contentious question but chooses to respond, taking control of the discourse. His "answering and saying" signifies a direct address, turning the tables on His interrogators.
* **"What did Moses command you?":** This is the core of Jesus' counter-question. It is a brilliant rhetorical move. Instead of directly engaging with the Pharisees' trap, Jesus forces them to articulate their own understanding of the Mosaic Law. This question compels them to move beyond their traditions and interpretations and confront the scriptural text itself, setting the stage for Jesus to expose the limitations of their understanding and reveal God's original, higher standard for marriage.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed by Jesus in this verse is a **Rhetorical Question**. By asking "What did Moses command you?", Jesus does not seek new information but rather prompts the Pharisees to reflect on their own knowledge and assumptions. This serves to expose their underlying legalistic mindset and prepares them for a deeper theological discussion. This technique is also an example of the **Socratic Method** (or maieutic method), where the teacher guides the student to discover truth through a series of questions. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: the Pharisees, who prided themselves on their mastery of the Law, are now being questioned about its very contents by Jesus, revealing their superficial understanding compared to His divine insight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is foundational for understanding Jesus' approach to the Law and His teaching on marriage. By asking "What did Moses command you?", Jesus immediately shifts the conversation from human tradition and legalistic loopholes back to the divine standard. He implicitly challenges the Pharisees' interpretation of [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - The Law of Divorce"), which they often understood as a command for divorce, rather than a regulation of an already existing, sinful practice. Jesus' subsequent teaching in [Mark 10:6-9](/mark/10-6-9 "Mark 10:6-9 - Jesus' Teaching on Marriage") reveals that God's original design for marriage, established in creation ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Man and Woman") and [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - Institution of Marriage")), predates and supersedes the Mosaic concession made "because of your hardness of heart" ([Mark 10:5](/mark/10-5 "Mark 10:5 - Moses' Concession")). This highlights a crucial theological distinction between God's ideal will and His permissive will, given human sinfulness.

* [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Bill of Divorce")
* [Matthew 19:7-8](/matthew/19-7-8 "Matthew 19:7-8 - Jesus on Divorce and Moses")
* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' strategic question to the Pharisees in [Mark 10:3](/mark/10-3 "Mark 10:3 - Jesus' Wisdom in Answering") provides a timeless model for how believers should approach complex ethical and theological issues today. Instead of getting entangled in debates driven by human opinions, cultural norms, or legalistic interpretations, Jesus consistently directs us back to the foundational truths of God's Word. This teaches us the importance of rigorous biblical literacy and a commitment to understanding God's original intent for all aspects of life, especially those as foundational as marriage. It challenges us to ask, "What does God's Word truly command and reveal?" rather than "What do traditions permit?" or "What is culturally acceptable?" This approach encourages a deeper, more intentional pursuit of God's perfect will, fostering spiritual discernment and a robust faith that is rooted in divine truth rather than human expediency.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with difficult ethical questions, do I instinctively turn to God's Word first, or do I rely on human opinions or cultural trends?**
* **How might Jesus' method of redirecting the conversation back to foundational truths inform my own discussions about contentious issues?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be operating under a "permissive will" understanding rather than seeking God's "perfect will," as illuminated by Jesus' teaching on marriage?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus ask "What did Moses command you?" instead of directly answering the Pharisees' question about divorce?**

Answer: Jesus' question was a brilliant rhetorical strategy. The Pharisees' question in [Mark 10:2](/mark/10-2 "Mark 10:2 - The Pharisees' Trap") was a trap designed to force Him into a controversial position. By asking "What did Moses command you?", Jesus did several things:
1. **He turned the tables:** He put the onus back on them, forcing them to articulate their understanding of the Law they claimed to uphold.
2. **He appealed to ultimate authority:** He immediately directed the conversation to the Scriptures, which was the recognized authority for both Him and the Pharisees.
3. **He prepared for a deeper truth:** His question subtly distinguished between what Moses "commanded" and what he "permitted" or "regulated." This set the stage for Jesus to explain that the Mosaic provision for divorce in [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - The Mosaic Law on Divorce") was a concession due to human "hardness of heart" ([Mark 10:5](/mark/10-5 "Mark 10:5 - Moses' Concession")), not God's original, perfect will for marriage as established in creation ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - God's Original Design for Marriage")).

**What was the significance of Jesus using the word "command" instead of "permit" when referring to Moses?**

Answer: The choice of "command" (Greek, *entéllomai*) is highly significant. The Pharisees often interpreted [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - The Bill of Divorce") as a positive command to issue a certificate of divorce under certain circumstances, thereby making divorce lawful. However, Jesus' use of "command" forces them to consider if Moses truly *commanded* divorce, or merely *regulated* a practice that was already occurring due to human sin. By posing the question this way, Jesus subtly challenges their understanding and prepares them for His teaching that the Mosaic provision was a concession, not an ideal, and that God's original "command" regarding marriage was for a lifelong, indissoluble union as "one flesh" ([Mark 10:6-9](/mark/10-6-9 "Mark 10:6-9 - Jesus' Teaching on Marriage")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
In [Mark 10:3](/mark/10-3 "Mark 10:3 - Jesus' Divine Wisdom"), Jesus, as the ultimate interpreter of God's Law, demonstrates His divine authority and wisdom by redirecting the Pharisees' legalistic inquiry back to the very heart of the Mosaic Law. This act foreshadows His role as the one who does not abolish the Law but fulfills it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He reveals that the true intent of God's commands, even those given through Moses, points beyond mere external adherence to the internal disposition of the heart and God's perfect, original design. Jesus, the Son of God, is the one who perfectly embodies God's will and establishes a new covenant where the "hardness of heart" that necessitated Mosaic concessions is overcome by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ provides the grace and power for believers to live according to God's original, ideal standards, including the sacred institution of marriage, which He elevates to a profound mystery reflecting His own union with the Church ([Ephesians 5:31-32](/ephesians/5-31-32 "Ephesians 5:31-32 - Christ and the Church as One Flesh")). Thus, Jesus is not just clarifying Moses' command but revealing the ultimate purpose of the Law within His redemptive plan, leading humanity to a deeper relationship with God and one another, founded on love and faithfulness, not legalistic loopholes.

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

Galatians 4:21

¶ Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?

Isaiah 8:20

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.

Luke 10:25

¶ And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

John 5:39

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.