TRV
Mark 10:4
Bible Versions
And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put [her] away.
They said, "Moshe allowed a man to hand his wife a get and divorce her."
They answered, “Moses permitted a man to write his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away.”
And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.
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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?
Context
Mark 10:4 is part of a crucial discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees concerning the legality and grounds for divorce. The Pharisees, seeking to test Jesus, initially ask if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason (Mark 10:2). Their question reflects the ongoing rabbinic debates of the time, particularly between the schools of Hillel (who allowed divorce for almost any reason, even burning a meal) and Shammai (who held a stricter view, limiting it to sexual immorality). In this verse, the Pharisees present their justification, referring to the Mosaic Law.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The key word in this verse is "suffered" (KJV), which comes from the Greek word epetrepsen (ἐπέτρεψεν). This term means "permitted," "allowed," or "granted permission," rather than "commanded." This distinction is vital, as it shows that Moses' instruction was a concession, not an original divine mandate for divorce. The "bill of divorcement" refers to a formal legal document required by Mosaic Law (see Deuteronomy 24:1), which served to legally sever the marriage and protect the woman's rights, allowing her to remarry.
Practical Application
This verse, within its broader context, reminds believers of the sanctity of marriage as instituted by God. While Moses permitted divorce due to human failings, Jesus consistently points back to God's original design for marriage as a permanent, exclusive union. For contemporary audiences, it underscores the importance of understanding biblical principles not just as legalistic rules, but in light of God's perfect will and grace. It also highlights the need for compassion and careful consideration in situations of marital breakdown, always striving for reconciliation and upholding the divine ideal where possible, while acknowledging the complexities and realities of a fallen world.