What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
What {G3739} therefore {G3767} God {G2316} hath joined together {G4801}, let {G5563} not {G3361} man {G444} put asunder {G5563}.
So then, no one should break apart what God has joined together."
Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”
What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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Romans 7:1
¶ Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? -
Romans 7:3
So then if, while [her] husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. -
1 Chronicles 7:10
The sons also of Jediael; Bilhan: and the sons of Bilhan; Jeush, and Benjamin, and Ehud, and Chenaanah, and Zethan, and Tharshish, and Ahishahar. -
1 Chronicles 7:13
The sons of Naphtali; Jahziel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shallum, the sons of Bilhah.
Mark 10:9 (KJV)
"‹What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.›"
Commentary
This verse is part of Jesus' teaching on marriage and divorce, prompted by the Pharisees asking if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife. Jesus takes them back to the creation account in Genesis, emphasizing God's original design for marriage.
Historical/Cultural Context: In Jesus' time, there were varying interpretations of the Mosaic law regarding divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). Some schools of thought allowed divorce for almost any reason, while others were more restrictive. Jesus' teaching here is a strong affirmation of the permanence and sacredness of the marriage bond, contrasting with the prevalent practices that made divorce relatively easy for men.
Key Themes: The central theme is the divine origin and indissolubility of marriage. Jesus asserts that marriage is not merely a human contract but a union initiated and blessed by God. The phrase "God hath joined together" highlights God's active role in uniting a husband and wife. The command "let not man put asunder" underscores the sacredness of this union and the prohibition against human interference that would break it.
Linguistic Insights: The Greek word translated "joined together" (synezeuxen) literally means "yoked together," like oxen pulling a plow. This strong imagery emphasizes the partnership, unity, and shared burden within marriage. "Put asunder" (chorizetō) means "to separate" or "to divide." The command is a strong imperative.
Cross-references: This teaching is also recorded in Matthew 19:6. Jesus is referencing the foundational text on marriage in Genesis 2:24, where it says a man leaves his parents and is "joined unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
Practical Application: This verse serves as a foundational principle for understanding the Christian view of marriage as a lifelong covenant before God. It calls couples to recognize the divine aspect of their union and to work towards preserving its unity and strength, honoring the commitment they made not only to each other but also before God.