Mark 10:6

KJV

But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} from {G575} the beginning {G746} of the creation {G2937} God {G2316} made {G4160} them {G846} male {G730} and {G2532} female {G2338}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, at the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.

Berean Standard Bible

However, from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’

American Standard Version

But from the beginning of the creation, Male and female made he them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 10:6, Jesus responds to a question about divorce by appealing directly to the foundational act of creation, asserting that from the very beginning, God intentionally made humanity as distinct male and female. This statement serves as the bedrock for understanding God's original design for humanity and the institution of marriage, establishing a divine standard that transcends human concessions or cultural norms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal discourse in [Mark 10:2-12](/mark/10-2-12 "Mark 10:2-12 - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce"), where Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus with a question about the legality of divorce under Mosaic Law. Instead of engaging in a legalistic debate concerning the allowance found in [Deuteronomy 24:1-4](/deuteronomy/24-1-4 "Deuteronomy 24:1-4 - The Law Concerning Divorce"), Jesus masterfully shifts the discussion from human legislation to divine institution. He bypasses the Mosaic concession, which was given "because of the hardness of your heart" ([Mark 10:5](/mark/10-5 "Mark 10:5 - Hardness of Heart")), and directs their attention—and ours—to God's primordial design for humanity and marriage as established at the dawn of creation. This appeal to the "beginning" ([Mark 10:6](/mark/10-6 "Mark 10:6 - God's Original Design")) sets the stage for His subsequent teaching on the indissolubility of marriage, echoing and reinforcing the principles laid out in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Institution of Marriage").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In 1st-century Judaism, divorce was a contentious issue, primarily debated between the schools of Hillel and Shammai. The Hillel school permitted divorce for a wide range of reasons, interpreting "some indecency" in [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Grounds for Divorce") very broadly, even for trivial matters. The Shammai school held a stricter view, limiting grounds for divorce to serious sexual immorality. Against this backdrop of varying interpretations and common practice, Jesus' teaching was revolutionary. By grounding His argument in the creation narrative, He bypassed contemporary rabbinic debates and challenged the prevailing cultural norms that often favored the husband's right to divorce. His emphasis on God's original intent for male and female, and their subsequent union, represented a radical call for a return to the Creator's pure and perfect design for human relationships, elevating the status of marriage and offering protection, particularly for women who were vulnerable to arbitrary divorce.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 10:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Design for Humanity**, emphasizing that the distinction between "male and female" is not an arbitrary or culturally constructed concept, but a deliberate and foundational act of God at the very outset of creation. This points to the inherent, complementary nature of the two sexes as designed by the Creator, as first revealed in [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Male and Female"). Secondly, the verse lays the **Foundation of Marriage** as a divinely instituted covenant. By referencing the creation account, Jesus establishes that the union of male and female is the intended basis for a lifelong, monogamous bond, which He further elaborates on in [Mark 10:7-9](/mark/10-7-9 "Mark 10:7-9 - One Flesh Union"). Lastly, Jesus' appeal to "the beginning of the creation" powerfully asserts the **Biblical Authority** of the Genesis narrative as the ultimate blueprint for understanding human nature, relationships, and God's unchanging will. It demonstrates that foundational truths about humanity and morality are rooted in God's authoritative creative acts, rather than evolving human traditions or laws.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **beginning (Greek, _archḗ_):** This term (G746) signifies a commencement, the first in order of time, place, or rank. In the context of Mark 10:6, it refers to the absolute origin of creation, emphasizing that God's design for humanity as male and female was not an afterthought or a later development, but an integral part of His initial, primordial plan. It points to the foundational and unchangeable nature of this truth.
* **creation (Greek, _ktísis_):** Derived from the verb "to create," this word (G2937) denotes the act of original formation or the thing created. Here, it highlights the specific work of God in bringing the world and humanity into existence. Jesus' reference to "the creation" underscores that the distinction of male and female is not a human invention or a product of evolution, but a direct, purposeful act of the Creator God.
* **made (Greek, _poiéō_):** This versatile verb (G4160) means "to make or do" in a very wide application, implying intentionality, agency, and production. When applied to God, it signifies His sovereign and deliberate action. The phrase "God made them male and female" therefore emphasizes the active, purposeful, and authoritative role of God in establishing the binary nature of human gender. It was not an accidental outcome but a specific, willed design.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But from the beginning of the creation":** This phrase serves as a strong contrast ("But") to the Pharisees' legalistic questions and the Mosaic concession. It immediately shifts the focus to the ultimate origin point—the very dawn of existence. Jesus bypasses human tradition and law to appeal to the foundational, unchanging reality established by God at the genesis of the world. This sets the divine standard against which all human practices, including divorce, must be measured.
* **"God made them":** This clause highlights the divine agency and intentionality behind humanity's existence. It is not humanity's choice or societal construct that determines their fundamental nature, but God's sovereign act. The "them" refers to humanity in general, emphasizing that the creation of human beings was inextricably linked to their sexual differentiation from the outset.
* **"male and female":** This is the core declaration regarding human identity. It asserts a fundamental, binary distinction in human nature as established by God. This distinction is not merely biological but encompasses the whole person, designed for complementarity and the foundation of the procreative and relational purposes within marriage. It directly echoes [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Humanity") and serves as the divine blueprint for human sexuality and relationality.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:6 employs several powerful literary devices. Firstly, **Allusion** is central, as Jesus directly alludes to the creation account in [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - God Creates Male and Female") and implicitly to [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - Man and Woman Become One Flesh"). This allusion serves to establish the **Authority** of the Old Testament Scriptures as the ultimate source of truth regarding God's design. Secondly, the phrase "But from the beginning" functions as a rhetorical **Contrast** to the preceding discussion about Mosaic Law, drawing a sharp distinction between God's original, perfect will and later concessions due to human fallenness. This creates a sense of **Emphasis** on the primordial and foundational nature of God's design for humanity and marriage. Finally, the succinct declaration "God made them male and female" is a statement of **Divine Fiat**, highlighting the direct and intentional act of the Creator in establishing human gender, which serves as an **Archetype** for all subsequent human existence and relationships.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:6 is a profound theological statement that anchors human identity and the institution of marriage in the very act of divine creation. It asserts God's sovereignty over human design, proclaiming that the distinction between male and female is not an evolutionary accident or a social construct, but a deliberate and foundational aspect of His perfect will from the "beginning." This verse establishes that human sexuality is intrinsically tied to God's creative intent, designed for complementarity and the sacred union of marriage. It challenges any human attempt to redefine or deviate from this original blueprint, underscoring the timeless and unchanging nature of God's truth regarding gender and marital fidelity. Theologically, it reinforces the concept of *Imago Dei* (the image of God) as inherently male and female, reflecting the relational and diverse unity within the Godhead.

* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - God Created Humanity in His Image")
* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The One Flesh Union")
* [Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4-6 "Matthew 19:4-6 - Jesus' Teaching on Marriage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:6 serves as a timeless anchor in a world increasingly questioning the nature of gender, identity, and marriage. For believers, this verse is not merely an ancient historical statement but a living truth that calls us to align our understanding and lives with God's unchanging design. It reminds us that our identity as male or female is a gift from our Creator, imbued with inherent purpose and value. In a culture that often seeks to redefine these fundamental categories based on subjective feelings or evolving social norms, Jesus' words call us back to the objective reality of God's creative act. This means embracing our biological sex as divinely ordained, understanding marriage as the exclusive covenantal union between one man and one woman, and upholding these truths with both conviction and compassion. It challenges us to live out God's design for human relationships, reflecting His wisdom and goodness to a watching world, even when it runs counter to prevailing societal trends.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' appeal to "the beginning of the creation" challenge my own assumptions or cultural influences regarding gender and marriage?**
* **In what ways can I, as a believer, more faithfully embody and articulate God's original design for male and female in my daily life and interactions?**
* **How does understanding God's intentional creation of "male and female" strengthen my view of the sanctity and purpose of marriage?**
* **What practical steps can I take to uphold biblical truths about gender and marriage in a way that is both firm in conviction and loving in expression?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus appeal to the creation account instead of the Mosaic Law when discussing divorce?**

Answer: Jesus appeals to the creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Garden of Eden and Creation of Woman") because He wants to establish God's original, perfect intent for humanity and marriage, rather than debating the Mosaic Law's concessions. The Mosaic Law, specifically [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Law of Divorce"), permitted divorce due to the "hardness of heart" of the people ([Mark 10:5](/mark/10-5 "Mark 10:5 - Hardness of Heart")). By going back to the "beginning," Jesus highlights that God's ideal for marriage as a lifelong, indissoluble union between one man and one woman predates and supersedes any later allowances made necessary by human sinfulness. He asserts that God's original design is the ultimate standard, not human compromise.

**What does "God made them male and female" imply about gender identity today?**

Answer: The statement "God made them male and female" ([Mark 10:6](/mark/10-6 "Mark 10:6 - God's Original Design")) implies that human gender is a divinely ordained, binary reality established at creation. It points to a fundamental distinction between two sexes, male and female, as part of God's intentional design for humanity. This biblical perspective emphasizes that one's biological sex is not an accident but a purposeful act of the Creator, foundational to human identity and the complementary roles within marriage and family. It suggests that gender is an inherent aspect of who we are, given by God, rather than a fluid concept or a social construct.

**How does this verse relate to the broader biblical teaching on marriage?**

Answer: Mark 10:6 serves as the foundational premise for Jesus' entire teaching on marriage in the surrounding passage ([Mark 10:2-12](/mark/10-2-12 "Mark 10:2-12 - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce")). By stating that God made humanity "male and female from the beginning of the creation," Jesus establishes the necessary components for marriage as a union exclusively between a man and a woman. He then builds upon this by quoting [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The One Flesh Union") in [Mark 10:7-8](/mark/10-7-8 "Mark 10:7-8 - They Shall Become One Flesh"), emphasizing the "one flesh" union that results from this male-female pairing. This verse, therefore, defines the very nature and participants of marriage according to God's original, unchanging design, setting the standard for its sanctity and indissolubility.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:6, though a direct quote from the Old Testament, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, Jesus, as the one making this declaration, is the very Word through whom all things were made ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")). His authoritative appeal to creation is not merely a rabbinic argument but a divine assertion by the one who was present and active in the "beginning." He is the Creator re-establishing the standard He Himself set. Secondly, Christ's teaching here restores God's original, perfect design for humanity and marriage, which was marred by the Fall and human sinfulness. Through His redemptive work, Jesus enables humanity to live in conformity with God's original intent, offering grace for individuals and couples to pursue the "one flesh" ideal that reflects His own covenant faithfulness. Finally, the union of male and female in marriage, as established in creation and affirmed by Christ, serves as a profound earthly picture of the ultimate spiritual union between Christ and His Church ([Ephesians 5:22-33](/ephesians/5-22-33 "Ephesians 5:22-33 - Christ and the Church as Bride and Groom")). Just as God created humanity as complementary halves designed for union, Christ perfectly fulfills His role as the Bridegroom, loving and sanctifying His Bride, the Church, into an eternal, indissoluble bond. Thus, in Jesus, the foundational truth of creation is not only affirmed but also redeemed and elevated to reveal the mystery of His relationship with His people.

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

Genesis 1:27

So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Genesis 5:2

Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.

Genesis 1:1

¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2 Peter 3:4

And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation.

Malachi 2:14

Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.

Malachi 2:16

For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for [one] covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

Genesis 2:20

And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.