Mark 10:4

KJV

And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put [her] away.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they said {G2036}, Moses {G3475} suffered {G2010} to write {G1125} a bill {G975} of divorcement {G647}, and {G2532} to put her away {G630}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said, "Moshe allowed a man to hand his wife a get and divorce her."

Berean Standard Bible

They answered, “Moses permitted a man to write his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away.”

American Standard Version

And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:4 records the Pharisees' attempt to justify their practice of divorce by appealing to the Mosaic Law. In response to Jesus' question about Moses' command, they assert that Moses "suffered" or permitted the writing of a certificate of divorce and the putting away of a wife. This statement reveals their legalistic interpretation of the Law, focusing on a concession rather than God's original, ideal design for marriage, setting the stage for Jesus' profound re-establishment of the sanctity and permanence of the marital covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a pivotal discourse between Jesus and the Pharisees concerning marriage and divorce, initiated by the Pharisees' direct question in [Mark 10:2](/mark/10-2 "Mark 10:2 - The Pharisees Question Jesus on Divorce"): "Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?" Their query was likely a trap, designed to force Jesus into taking a side in the contentious rabbinic debates of the day, particularly between the lenient school of Hillel and the stricter school of Shammai. Jesus, however, bypasses their legalistic framework by first asking them what Moses commanded, leading directly to their reply in [Mark 10:3-4](/mark/10-3-4 "Mark 10:3-4 - Jesus' Question and the Pharisees' Reply"). Their answer in [Mark 10:4](/mark/10-4 "Mark 10:4 - The Pharisees' Appeal to Moses") then provides the perfect foil for Jesus' subsequent teaching, where He redirects the discussion from Mosaic concession to God's original creation intent for marriage, as detailed in [Mark 10:5-9](/mark/10-5-9 "Mark 10:5-9 - Jesus' Teaching on Marriage and Divorce").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly during the time of Jesus, was deeply influenced by the Mosaic Law, which included provisions for divorce found in [Deuteronomy 24:1-4](/deuteronomy/24-1-4 "Deuteronomy 24:1-4 - The Law Concerning Divorce"). However, the interpretation of these laws varied significantly. The primary debate revolved around the phrase "some indecency" (עֶרְוַת דָּבָר, _ervat davar_). The school of Shammai interpreted this narrowly, limiting grounds for divorce primarily to sexual immorality. In stark contrast, the school of Hillel interpreted it broadly, allowing divorce for almost any reason, including a wife burning a meal or simply displeasing her husband. The Pharisees' question to Jesus was rooted in this ongoing rabbinic dispute, seeking to ascertain which school of thought He aligned with, or perhaps to provoke a statement that could be used against Him. The "bill of divorcement" was a crucial legal document, protecting the woman by formally dissolving the marriage and allowing her to remarry, thus preventing accusations of adultery.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Mark's Gospel and biblical theology. It highlights the tension between **Mosaic Law and God's Original Intent**, revealing how human sinfulness (the "hardness of heart" mentioned in [Mark 10:5](/mark/10-5 "Mark 10:5 - Jesus' Explanation of Moses' Concession")) necessitated concessions in the Law, which were not God's ideal. It also underscores the theme of **Jesus' Authority as Interpreter of the Law**, as He does not merely side with one rabbinic school but transcends their debates by pointing back to the foundational principles of creation in [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Male and Female") and [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - God's Design for Marriage"). Furthermore, it sets the stage for the **Sanctity and Permanence of Marriage**, a core theological theme that Jesus emphatically re-establishes, emphasizing marriage as a divine covenant, not merely a human contract.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **suffered (Greek, _epitrépō'_):** This verb (G2010) means "to turn over (transfer), i.e. allow," "give leave (liberty, license), let, permit." The Pharisees use this word to indicate that Moses "permitted" or "allowed" the practice of divorce, rather than "commanded" it. This distinction is crucial, as Jesus later clarifies that this permission was a concession due to human "hardness of heart" ([Mark 10:5](/mark/10-5 "Mark 10:5 - Jesus' Clarification on Moses' Law")), not an endorsement of divorce as God's original will.
* **write (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This primary verb (G1125) means "to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe." In this context, it refers to the legal act of creating a formal document. The requirement to "write" a bill of divorcement was a safeguard, ensuring that divorce was not a hasty or arbitrary act, and providing a legal record for the woman's protection and ability to remarry.
* **bill of divorcement (Greek, _biblíon'_ G975, _apostásion'_ G647):** _Biblíon_ (G975) is a diminutive of _bíblos_, meaning "a roll," hence "a bill, book, scroll, writing." _Apostásion_ (G647) is neuter of a presumed adjective from a derivative of _aphístēmi_, meaning "something separative, i.e. (specially) divorce." Together, "bill of divorcement" refers to the formal legal document (a "scroll" or "writing") that served as a certificate of divorce, legally severing the marital bond and allowing the woman to remarry. This document was mandated by Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - The Law of Divorce")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said, Moses suffered":** The Pharisees, in their attempt to justify the widespread practice of divorce, appeal directly to the authority of Moses. Their use of "suffered" (ἐπέτρεψεν, _epetrepsen_) is key, indicating that they understood Moses' instruction not as a direct command from God for divorce, but as a permission or concession. This implicitly acknowledges that divorce was not ideal, yet they treated this concession as a primary justification for their actions.
* **"to write a bill of divorcement":** This clause refers to the specific legal requirement under Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - The Bill of Divorcement")) that a man, upon divorcing his wife, must provide her with a written certificate. This "bill" (_biblíon_) of "divorcement" (_apostásion_) was a formal document that legally dissolved the marriage and protected the woman's rights, particularly her right to remarry. It served as a legal safeguard against arbitrary dismissal and ensured a clear legal status for the divorced woman.
* **"and to put [her] away":** This phrase directly describes the act of divorce itself – the man dismissing his wife from the marital home and relationship. The "putting away" (ἀπολῦσαι, _apolysai_) signifies the termination of the marriage. The entire statement from the Pharisees reflects their focus on the legalistic provisions of the Law, using Moses' allowance as the ultimate authority to validate their practice, without delving into the underlying divine intent for marriage.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Appeal to Authority** as the primary literary device, where the Pharisees invoke Moses' name to legitimize their practice of divorce. This serves as a rhetorical strategy to challenge Jesus, placing Him in a position where He must either affirm or contradict a revered figure of Jewish law. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** present; while the Pharisees believe they are citing Moses' command as a strong justification, Jesus will immediately pivot to reveal that Moses' allowance was a concession due to human "hardness of heart" ([Mark 10:5](/mark/10-5 "Mark 10:5 - Jesus' Explanation of Moses' Concession")), thereby undermining their supposed authority and revealing their misinterpretation of divine intent. The phrase "bill of divorcement" also functions as **Metonymy**, where the document itself stands for the entire legal process and act of divorce.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:4 highlights a profound theological tension between divine ideal and human fallenness. The Pharisees' appeal to Moses' "suffering" or permitting divorce underscores a common human tendency to interpret God's allowances as His perfect will, rather than understanding them as concessions made in light of sin. This verse sets the stage for Jesus to reveal that while the Law accommodated human "hardness of heart" in certain areas, it did not negate God's original, perfect design for creation and covenant. Jesus consistently redirects the conversation from legalistic exceptions back to the foundational principles of God's unchangeable character and His original intent for humanity, particularly concerning the sacred institution of marriage as a lifelong, exclusive union.

* [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - The Law of Divorce")
* [Matthew 19:8](/matthew/19-8 "Matthew 19:8 - Jesus' Response to the Pharisees on Divorce")
* [Malachi 2:16](/malachi/2-16 "Malachi 2:16 - God Hates Divorce")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple verse from the Pharisees carries profound implications for our understanding of God's will and our application of Scripture. It challenges us to look beyond the letter of the law to discern the spirit and original intent behind God's commands, especially when grappling with complex ethical and relational issues. The Pharisees were content to operate within a framework of permission, even if that permission arose from human failing, rather than striving for the divine ideal. For us, this means that while God, in His grace, may make allowances for our fallenness, His ultimate desire is always for us to conform to His perfect will, which is rooted in love, holiness, and covenant faithfulness. We are called to pursue reconciliation, forgiveness, and the preservation of sacred bonds, understanding that God's design for marriage is a reflection of His own covenant faithfulness to His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be settling for a "permission" from God, rather than striving for His perfect and ideal will?**
* **How does understanding the "hardness of heart" as the reason for Mosaic divorce laws inform my view of marriage today?**
* **What is the difference between God's accommodation for human sin and His ultimate standard for righteousness? How does this distinction impact my daily choices?**

### FAQ

**Did Moses command divorce, or merely permit it?**

Answer: The text of Mark 10:4, as stated by the Pharisees, uses the word "suffered" (ἐπέτρεψεν, _epetrepsen_), which means "permitted" or "allowed," not "commanded." This is a crucial distinction. Jesus later clarifies in [Mark 10:5](/mark/10-5 "Mark 10:5 - Jesus' Explanation of Moses' Concession") that Moses allowed divorce due to the "hardness of your heart," implying it was a concession to human sinfulness, not God's original or ideal design for marriage. The Mosaic Law in [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - The Law of Divorce") regulated divorce, but it did not institute or command it as a practice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Mark 10:4 records the Pharisees' appeal to Moses' allowance for divorce, Jesus, the ultimate interpreter of the Law, swiftly redirects the conversation from Mosaic concession to God's original creation intent, thereby revealing the true heart of God concerning marriage. Jesus, as the new Moses and the fulfillment of the Law, does not abolish the Law but perfects it, pointing beyond legalistic interpretations to the divine design established "from the beginning of creation" ([Mark 10:6](/mark/10-6 "Mark 10:6 - From the Beginning of Creation")). He elevates marriage to its sacred status as a covenant where "the two shall become one flesh" ([Mark 10:8](/mark/10-8 "Mark 10:8 - They Shall Become One Flesh")), a union so profound that "what therefore God has joined together, let not man separate" ([Mark 10:9](/mark/10-9 "Mark 10:9 - What God Has Joined Together")). Christ's teaching on marriage, therefore, is not merely a legal ruling but a revelation of God's redemptive purpose for human relationships, echoing the unbreakable covenant He makes with His church, His bride ([Ephesians 5:25-32](/ephesians/5-25-32 "Ephesians 5:25-32 - Christ and the Church as Bride and Groom")). He embodies the perfect faithfulness that marriage is meant to reflect, ultimately demonstrating that true covenant love, which enables perseverance in marriage, is only fully possible through His transformative grace and the power of the Holy Spirit ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")).

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

Deuteronomy 24:1

¶ When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give [it] in her hand, and send her out of his house.

Deuteronomy 24:4

Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that [is] abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance.

Matthew 5:31

It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

Matthew 5:32

But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Isaiah 50:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD, Where [is] the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors [is it] to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.

Matthew 1:19

Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

Matthew 19:7

They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?