Mark 10:5

KJV

And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto them {G846}, For {G4314} the hardness {G4641} of your {G5216} heart {G4641} he wrote {G1125} you {G5213} this {G5026} precept {G1785}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Yeshua said to them, "He wrote this commandment for you because of your hardheartedness.

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus told them, “Moses wrote this commandment for you because of your hardness of heart.

American Standard Version

But Jesus said unto them, For your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 10:5, Jesus directly confronts the Pharisees' legalistic interpretation of divorce by revealing the underlying reason for Moses's concession: the stubborn and unyielding nature of the human heart. Far from endorsing divorce, Jesus clarifies that the Mosaic allowance for a bill of divorcement was a practical accommodation to human sinfulness, not a reflection of God's original, perfect design for marriage as an indissoluble union established at creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to Jesus's teaching on marriage and divorce, following immediately after the Pharisees' attempt to trap Him with a question about the lawfulness of divorce ([Mark 10:2](/mark/10-2 "Mark 10:2 - The Pharisees' Test")). They appeal to the Mosaic law in [Deuteronomy 24:1-4](/deuteronomy/24-1-4 "Deuteronomy 24:1-4 - The Law of Divorce"), which permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce. Jesus's response in [Mark 10:3-9](/mark/10-3-9 "Mark 10:3-9 - Jesus's Teaching on Divorce") systematically dismantles their premise, moving the discussion from legalistic loopholes back to the foundational principles of creation. Verse 5 serves as the pivot, explaining *why* Moses gave this precept, setting the stage for Jesus to reassert God's original intent for marriage.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, divorce was a common practice, though its grounds were debated, particularly between the schools of Hillel (liberal, allowing divorce for almost any reason) and Shammai (conservative, allowing divorce only for sexual immorality). The Pharisees' question to Jesus was likely an attempt to align Him with one school or the other, or to provoke Him into contradicting Moses, thereby undermining His authority. Moses's allowance for a bill of divorcement ([Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Bill of Divorcement")) was intended to protect women from arbitrary dismissal and to regulate a practice that already existed, preventing greater injustices rather than endorsing divorce as God's ideal. Jesus's teaching transcends these contemporary debates by appealing to a higher authority: God's original design.

* **Key Themes:** The passage in [Mark 10](/mark/10 "Mark 10 - Jesus's Teachings and Miracles") powerfully articulates several core themes. First, it highlights the **Divine Intent vs. Human Concession**, emphasizing that God's perfect will, as seen 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 - One Flesh Union"), stands in stark contrast to human compromises. Second, the concept of the **Hardness of Heart** ([sklērokardía](/mark/10-5 "Mark 10:5 - Hardness of Heart")) is central, revealing humanity's persistent rebellion and resistance to God's perfect standards, a theme echoed in [Matthew 19:8](/matthew/19-8 "Matthew 19:8 - Hardness of Heart"). Third, Jesus underscores the **Sanctity and Indissolubility of Marriage**, elevating it as a sacred covenant established by God, intended for lifelong union, and reflecting the divine order. This teaching sets a high standard for discipleship and kingdom living, challenging believers to align their lives with God's ultimate design, not merely legal minimums.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hardness (Greek, _sklērokardía'_):** G4641, feminine of a compound of σκληρός (sklēros, "hard") and καρδία (kardia, "heart"). This term signifies "hard-heartedness," specifically denoting a destitution of spiritual perception or a stubborn, unyielding disposition. In this context, it refers to a spiritual insensitivity and resistance to God's will, making people unwilling to uphold the covenantal demands of marriage. It implies a lack of compassion, faithfulness, and receptivity to divine truth.
* **Wrote (Greek, _gráphō'_):** G1125, a primary verb meaning "to grave," especially to write; figuratively, to describe. Here, it refers to Moses's act of inscribing or documenting the precept concerning a bill of divorcement. Jesus acknowledges Moses's authorship but immediately qualifies its intent, distinguishing it from God's original, pre-fall design for marriage.
* **Precept (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** G1785, from ἐντέλλομαι (entellomai, "to command"). This noun refers to an injunction or an authoritative prescription. In this verse, it specifically denotes the Mosaic command or allowance regarding divorce. Jesus's use of "precept" acknowledges the legal standing of Moses's instruction but positions it as a practical regulation given for a specific human condition, rather than an eternal, immutable divine ideal for marriage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus answered and said unto them,"**: This clause sets the scene for Jesus's authoritative response to the Pharisees' question about the lawfulness of divorce. It signals a direct, decisive, and divinely-inspired clarification, moving beyond mere legal debate to reveal deeper theological truth. Jesus is not just offering an opinion; He is speaking with the authority of God.
* **"For the hardness of your heart"**: This is the pivotal phrase, providing the divine rationale for Moses's allowance. "Hardness of heart" (Greek: _sklērokardía_) denotes a spiritual insensitivity, stubbornness, and unwillingness to submit to God's perfect will. It implies a lack of spiritual perception, compassion, and faithfulness that made it impossible for people to live up to the ideal of lifelong, indissoluble marriage. Moses's precept was a concession to this fallen human condition, a regulation for a sinful reality, not an endorsement of divorce as God's design.
* **"he wrote you this precept."**: This final clause identifies Moses as the author of the "precept" (Greek: _entolḗ_), referring to the law allowing a bill of divorcement. Jesus confirms that Moses indeed gave this instruction, but critically links it directly to the "hardness of your heart." This connection recontextualizes the Mosaic law, showing it as a temporary, remedial measure given because of human sin, rather than an expression of God's original, perfect will for marriage.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus's statement in [Mark 10:5](/mark/10-5 "Mark 10:5 - Jesus on Divorce") employs several powerful literary devices. The primary device is **Causality**, explicitly stating that Moses "wrote you this precept" *for* ("πρὸς," G4314) the "hardness of your heart." This establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship, revealing the underlying reason for the Mosaic allowance. This stands in stark **Contrast** to the Pharisees' legalistic focus on the *permissibility* of divorce, shifting the discussion from legal technicalities to the moral and spiritual condition of humanity. There is also an element of **Rhetorical Reframing**, as Jesus takes the Pharisees' question about the law and reinterprets it through a divine lens, moving from the letter of the law to the spirit and original intent. This reframing challenges their assumptions and exposes their spiritual blindness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jesus's teaching in Mark 10:5 profoundly reorients the understanding of divine law and human sinfulness. It reveals that while God's ultimate will is perfect and unchanging, His law sometimes includes provisions that accommodate human fallenness, not as an endorsement of sin, but as a means of mitigating its worst effects or guiding a rebellious people. The "hardness of heart" is a recurring biblical theme representing humanity's resistance to God's truth and love, necessitating a divine intervention to restore spiritual sensitivity. This verse underscores the sanctity of marriage as a divine institution, intended by God from creation to be an indissoluble union, a reflection of His own faithfulness.

* [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Bill of Divorce")
* [Matthew 19:8](/matthew/19-8 "Matthew 19:8 - Hardness of Heart")
* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus's words in Mark 10:5 serve as a timeless challenge to all who seek to live according to God's will. They compel us to look beyond the surface of legalistic interpretations and delve into the heart of God's perfect design. Instead of searching for loopholes or minimum requirements, we are called to strive for God's highest ideal in all relationships, especially marriage. The warning against "hardness of heart" is particularly poignant; it urges us to cultivate a spirit of humility, teachability, and compassion, readily submitting to God's word rather than allowing our own desires or stubbornness to dictate our actions. This verse reminds us that true spiritual maturity involves a willingness to repent, to embrace God's grace not as an excuse for sin, but as empowering us to live in renewed commitment to His righteous standards. It is a call to align our hearts with His, seeking transformation rather than mere compliance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting "hardness of heart," resisting God's perfect will in favor of my own desires or cultural norms?**
* **How does understanding God's original design for marriage, as presented by Jesus, challenge or affirm my own views on relationships and commitment?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more receptive and compassionate heart, open to God's truth and leading?**

### FAQ
**What does "hardness of your heart" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Hardness of your heart" (Greek: _sklērokardía_) refers to a spiritual insensitivity, stubbornness, and unwillingness to submit to God's perfect will. It signifies a lack of spiritual perception, compassion, and faithfulness. In the context of marriage, it means people were unwilling to uphold the lifelong covenant, leading to practices like arbitrary divorce. Moses's allowance was a concession to this rebellious human condition, not an endorsement of divorce as God's ideal. This concept is also found in [Matthew 19:8](/matthew/19-8 "Matthew 19:8 - Hardness of Heart"), where Jesus reiterates this point.

**Did Moses's law contradict God's original intent for marriage?**

Answer: No, Moses's law did not contradict God's original intent, but it regulated a practice that arose due to human sin. Jesus clarifies that Moses's precept regarding a bill of divorcement ([Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Bill of Divorcement")) was a concession made "for the hardness of your heart," not a reflection of God's perfect design. God's original intent, as established in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union"), was for marriage to be a permanent, indissoluble union between one man and one woman. Moses's law served to mitigate the negative consequences of divorce in a fallen society, providing a measure of protection, particularly for women, rather than promoting divorce itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:5, while seemingly a statement about Mosaic law and human sin, deeply points to Christ. Jesus, as the perfect interpreter of the Law, reveals its true spirit and God's original intent, contrasting it with human compromise. He is not merely explaining an Old Testament precept but demonstrating His divine authority to unveil God's heart. The "hardness of heart" that necessitated Moses's concession is precisely the human condition that Jesus came to redeem. Through His atoning work on the cross, Christ provides the means for a new heart, as prophesied in [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit"), where God promises to remove the "heart of stone" and give a "heart of flesh." Jesus Himself perfectly embodied the faithful, covenant-keeping spouse, demonstrating unwavering commitment to His Father's will and His bride, the Church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")). His teaching here, therefore, is not just about marriage, but about the transformative power of the Kingdom of God, where hearts are softened by grace, enabling believers to live in alignment with God's perfect, original design, a life made possible only through union with Him ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in 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

Matthew 19:8

He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

Acts 7:51

¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

Nehemiah 9:26

Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

Nehemiah 9:16

But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,

Nehemiah 9:17

And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou [art] a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

Deuteronomy 31:27

For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?

Deuteronomy 9:6

Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou [art] a stiffnecked people.