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Mark 10:4

Mark 10:4 in Multiple Translations

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.

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

And they said to him, Moses let us give her a statement in writing, and be free from her.

“Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and send the woman away,” they replied.

And they sayd, Moses suffered to write a bill of diuorcement, and to put her away.

and they said, 'Moses suffered to write a bill of divorce, and to put away.'

They said, “Moses allowed a certificate of divorce to be written, and to divorce her.”

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

Who said: Moses permitted to write a bill of divorce, and to put her away.

One of them replied, “Moses permitted that a man may write on paper his reason for divorcing his wife, give this paper to her, and then send her away.”

The Pharisee mob said, “Moses wrote a law like this, ‘A man can split up from his wife. That man has to write a divorce letter to say she is not his wife any more. He has to give that letter to his wife, and then he can force her to go away.’”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Mark 10:4

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Mark 10:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK οι δε ειπον μωσης επετρεψεν βιβλιον αποστασιου γραψαι και απολυσαι
οι ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPM
δε de G1161 then Conj
ειπον legō G3004 to say Verb-2AAI-3P
μωσης Mōusēs, Mōsēs G3475 Moses Noun-NSM
επετρεψεν epitrepō G2010 to permit Verb-AAI-3S
βιβλιον biblion G975 scroll Noun-ASN
αποστασιου apostasion G647 divorce Noun-GSN
γραψαι graphō G1125 to write Verb-AAN
και kai G2532 and Conj
απολυσαι apoluō G630 to release: release Verb-AAN
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Greek Word Reference — Mark 10:4

οι ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
ειπον legō G3004 "to say" Verb-2AAI-3P
This word means to say or speak, and it is used by Jesus and others in the New Testament to share teachings and tell stories. It appears in Matthew 9:34 and John 1:29.
Definition: λέγω, [in LXX very freq., chiefly for אמר; λέγει for נְאֻם, Gen.22:16, al. ;] __1. in Hom., to pick out, gather, reckon, recount. __2. In Hdt. and Att., to say, speak, affirm, declare: absol., Act.13:15, 24:10; before orat. dir., Mat.9:34, Mrk.3:11, Jhn.1:29, al.; before ὅτι recit., Mrk.3:21, Luk.1:24, Jhn.6:14, al.; accusative and inf., Luk.11:18, Jhn.12:29, al.; after another verb of speaking, προσφωνεῖν κ. λέγειν, Mat.11:17, al.; ἀπεκρίθη (ἐλάλησεν) λέγων (καὶ λέγει; Dalman, Words, 24 ff.), Mat.25:9, Mrk.3:33, 7:28, Luk.24:6, 7, al.; of unspoken thought, λ. ἐν ἑαυτῷ, Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, al.; of writing, 2Co.8:8, Php.4:11, al.; λέγει ἡ γραφή, Rom.4:3, Jas.2:23, al.; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.8:8, 9:33, Jhn.5:34, al.; σὺ λέγεις (a non-committal phrase; Swete, Mk., 359, 369f.), Mat.27:11, Mrk.15:2, Luk.23:3, Jhn.18:37; with dative of person(s), before orat. dir., Mat.8:20, Mrk.2:17, al. mult.; id. before ὅτι, Mat.3:9, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, etc., Mrk.4:41, Jhn.11:56, Heb.9:5, al.; to mean (cl.), Mrk.14:71, Jhn.6:71, 1Co.10:29, al.; to call, name, Mrk.10:18; pass., Mat.9:9, Mrk.15:7, al (cf. ἀντι-, δια- (-μαι), προ-, συλ-λέγω). SYN.: λαλέω, which refers to the utterance, as λέγω to the meaning of what is said, its correspondence with thought (Tr., Syn., Ixxvi; Thayer, see word λαλέω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1988 NT verses. KJV: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 6:2; Acts 19:3.
μωσης Mōusēs, Mōsēs G3475 "Moses" Noun-NSM
Moses was the Hebrew lawgiver, who received the Ten Commandments from God. He is mentioned in Matthew 8:4 and 17:3-4. Moses is a key figure in the Bible.
Definition: Μωυσῆς (Μωϋσῆς, T; Μωσῆς, Rec.), -έως, dative - (as LXX: Exo.5:20, al.), and -εῖ, accusative -ῆν (ac LXX) and -έα (Luk.16:29 only) (Heb. מֹשֶׁה), Moses: Mat.8:4 17:3-4, al.; νόμος Μωυσέως, Luk.2:22 24:44, Jhn.7:23, Act.13:39 15:5 28:23, 1Co.9:9, Heb.10:28; by meton., of the books of Moses, Luk.16:29 24:27, Act.15:21, 2Co.3:15 (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 79 NT verses. KJV: Moses See also: 1 Corinthians 9:9; John 5:45; Hebrews 3:2.
επετρεψεν epitrepō G2010 "to permit" Verb-AAI-3S
In the Bible, this word means to permit or allow something to happen, like when Jesus allowed demons to enter pigs in Mark 5:13. It can also mean to entrust or commit something to someone. The apostle Paul used this word in 1 Corinthians 16:7.
Definition: ἐπι-τρέπω [in LXX (usually with seel. ἐπιστρ-): Gen.39:6 (עָזַב), etc. ;] __1. to turn to, commit, entrust. __2. to yield, permit: 1Co.16:7, Heb.6:3; with dative of person(s), Mrk.5:13, Jhn.19:38; id. with inf. (cf. M, Pr., 205), Mat.8:21 19:8, Luk.8:32 9:52, 61 Act.21:39-40 27:3, 1Ti.2:12; with inf., Mrk.10:4. Pass., with dative and inf., Act.26:1 28:16, 1Co.14:34.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 18 NT verses. KJV: give leave (liberty, license), let, permit, suffer See also: 1 Corinthians 14:34; John 19:38; Hebrews 6:3.
βιβλιον biblion G975 "scroll" Noun-ASN
A scroll or written document, like a letter or book, as in Matthew 19:7 and Luke 4:17, where Jesus reads from a scroll.
Definition: βιβλίον, -ου, τό (diminutive of βίβλος, which see), [in LXX also in the alternat. form βυβ-, chiefly for סֶפֶר and the most frequently of the cognate forms ;] __1. a paper, letter, written document: β. ἀποστασίου, bill of divorce, Mat.19:7, Mrk.10:4. __2. a book, a roll: Luk.4:17, 20 Jhn.20:30 21:25, Gal.3:10, 2Ti.4:13, Heb.9:19 10:7, Rev.1:11 5:1-9 6:14 10:8 20:12 22:7-19; β. τ. ζωῆς, Rev.13:8 17:8 20:12 21:27.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 31 NT verses. KJV: bill, book, scroll, writing See also: 2 Timothy 4:13; Revelation 5:5; Hebrews 9:19.
αποστασιου apostasion G647 "divorce" Noun-GSN
Divorce is described as a separation or something that causes a split, as seen in Matthew 19:7 and Mark 10:4. This term is used to describe the act of ending a marriage or a formal separation.
Definition: ἀποστάσιον, -ου, τό (ἀφίστημι), [in LXX; Deu.24:1, 3, Jer.3:8, Isa.50:1 (כְּרִיתוּת) * ;] __1. in cl., only in phrase ἀποστασίου δίκη, an action against a freedman for forsaking his προστάτης (Dem.). __2. In LXX, βιβλίον ἀποστασίου, a bill of divorce: Mat.19:7, Mrk.10:4; in same sense ἀ. alone (MM, see word), Mat.5:31 (for other late exx., see MM, l.with; Kennedy, Sources, 121).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: (writing of) divorcement See also: Mark 10:4; Matthew 5:31; Matthew 19:7.
γραψαι graphō G1125 "to write" Verb-AAN
This verb means to write or record something, like in John 8:6 where Jesus writes on the ground. It can also mean to describe or express something in writing, as seen in Luke 1:63 and Galatians 6:11.
Definition: γράφω, [in LXX chiefly for כּתב ]; __1. to scrape, graze (Hom.), and later (Hdt.) to sketch, draw. __2. to write; __(a) of forming or tracing letters on writing material: Jhn.8:[6], Gal.6:11, 2Th.3:17; __(b) to express in writing, commit to writing, record: Luk.1:63, Jhn.19:21, 22 Rev.1:11, 19 al.; of scripture as a standing authority (Deiss., BS, 112ff.), γέγραπται, it stands written (Luther), Mat.4:4, Mrk.7:6, Luk.4:8, Rom.1:17, 1Co.1:31, al.; id. before ἐν, Mrk.1:2, Act.1:20, al.; with accusative, to write of: Jhn.1:46, Rom.10:5; before περί, Mat.26:24, Mrk.14:21, Jhn.5:46; al.; with dative (WM, §31, 4), Luk.18:31; id. before ἵνα (M, Pr., 207f.), Mrk.12:19, Luk.20:28; κατὰ τ. γεγραμμένον, 2Co.4:13; γεγραμμένον ἐστί, Jhn.2:17; ἐγράφη, Rom.4:24; ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ γεγραμμένα, Jhn.12:16; __(with) of writing directions or information, with dative of person(s): Rom.15:15, 2Co.7:12, al.; __(d) of that which contains the record or message: βιβλίον, Mrk.10:4, Jhn.21:25, Rev.5:1; τίτλον, Jhn.19:19; ἐπιστολήν, Act.23:25; ἐντολήν, Mrk.10:5 (cf. ἀπο-, ἐγ-, ἐπι-, κατα-, προ-). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 183 NT verses. KJV: describe, write(-ing, -ten) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:19; Luke 1:63; 1 Peter 1:16.
και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
απολυσαι apoluō G630 "to release: release" Verb-AAN
This word means to release or set free, like when Jesus healed a woman in Luke 13:12. It can also mean to forgive or let go, as in Luke 6:37. In some cases, it refers to divorce or separation, as in Matthew 5:31-32.
Definition: ἀπο-λύω [in LXX for שׁוּב, etc., frequently in 1-4 Mac ;] __1. to set free, release: Luk.13:12, Jhn.19:10, al.; a debtor, Mat.18:27; metaphorically, of forgive­ness, Luk.6:37. __2. to let go, dismiss (Field, Notes, 9 f.): Mat.15:23, Luk.2:29 9:12, Act.19:41, al.; of divorce, τ. γυναῖκα: Mat.1:19 5:31-32 19:3, 8 19:10 Mrk.10:2, 4 10:11, Luk.16:18; with ref. to Gk. and Rom. (net Jewish) custom, τ. ἄνδρα: Mrk.10:12. Mid., to depart: Act.28:25 (MM, see word) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 63 NT verses. KJV: (let) depart, dismiss, divorce, forgive, let go, loose, put (send) away, release, set at liberty See also: Acts 3:13; Luke 23:22; Hebrews 13:23.

Study Notes — Mark 10:4

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 24:1–4 If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds some indecency in her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, hand it to her, and send her away from his house. If, after leaving his house, she goes and becomes another man’s wife, and the second man hates her, writes her a certificate of divorce, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house, or if he dies, then the husband who divorced her first may not remarry her after she has been defiled, for that is an abomination to the LORD. You must not bring sin upon the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.
2 Matthew 5:31–32 It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
3 Isaiah 50:1 This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.
4 Matthew 19:7 “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses order a man to give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away? ”
5 Matthew 1:19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly.
6 Jeremiah 3:1 “If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers— and you would return to Me?” declares the LORD.

Mark 10:4 Summary

In this verse, the Pharisees are talking about a law that Moses gave, which allowed a man to divorce his wife by giving her a special paper. This law was not what God originally intended, but it was given because of the hardness of people's hearts, as Jesus explains in Mark 10:5. Jesus wants us to understand that God's plan for marriage is for one man and one woman to be together, as seen in Genesis 1:27 and Genesis 2:24. By looking at what Jesus says in Mark 10:5-9, we can learn more about God's heart and intentions for marriage and relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the phrase 'certificate of divorce' mean in this verse?

The phrase 'certificate of divorce' refers to a formal document that a husband would give to his wife to officially end their marriage, as permitted by Moses in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. This was a way of recognizing the end of a marriage in the eyes of the law and society.

Why did the Pharisees mention Moses' teaching on divorce?

The Pharisees mentioned Moses' teaching on divorce to try to trap Jesus into taking a side on a controversial issue, but Jesus used the opportunity to teach about God's original design for marriage, as seen in Genesis 1:27 and Genesis 2:24.

Is the certificate of divorce still relevant today?

While the specific practice of giving a certificate of divorce is not directly applicable today, the underlying issue of divorce and God's design for marriage is still relevant, and Jesus' teaching in Mark 10:5-9 and other passages like Matthew 19:3-9 and Ephesians 5:31 provides guidance for Christians on these issues.

What can we learn from the Pharisees' response to Jesus' question?

The Pharisees' response shows that they were focused on the letter of the law and human traditions, rather than seeking to understand God's heart and intentions, as Jesus taught in Mark 7:6-8 and Matthew 15:3-6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be focusing on the 'letter of the law' rather than God's heart and intentions in my own life?
  2. How can I apply Jesus' teaching on marriage and divorce to my own relationships and interactions with others?
  3. What does this verse reveal about the Pharisees' understanding of God's law, and how can I avoid similar misunderstandings in my own study of Scripture?
  4. In what ways can I seek to understand God's original design for marriage, as seen in Genesis 1:27 and Genesis 2:24, and how can I apply that to my own life and relationships?

Gill's Exposition on Mark 10:4

And they said,.... By way of reply, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away, Moses did not command them to divorce their wives, only suffered them to do so: and gave orders

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Mark 10:4

And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again. For the exposition, see the notes at Matthew 19:1-12.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Mark 10:4

See Poole on ""

Trapp's Commentary on Mark 10:4

4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away. Ver. 4. Moses suffered to write] Not commanded. There is a difference between a permission and a precept, properly so called. Non statim probat Deus quod permittit, God approves not presently whatsoever he permits.

Ellicott's Commentary on Mark 10:4

(2-12) And the Pharisees came to him.—See Notes on Matthew 19:3-12. We are not surprised to find St. Mark omitting the “hard saying” about the eunuchs of Mat 19:12. It was hardly likely, even if he knew it, to commend itself to him as adapted for the Gentile readers for whom he wrote his Gospel. Probably, however, for the reason thus given, it was not part of the current teaching of the Church, and was recorded by St. Matthew as something exceptional.

Sermons on Mark 10:4

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Jeremiah 3-5 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for people to turn away from worldly distractions and dedicate themselves fully to God and spiritual matters. He quotes from the bo
David Servant Jesus Teaches About Divorce and Remarriage Matthew 19:1-9 by David Servant David Servant delves into the topic of divorce and remarriage, exploring the differing views among religious teachers during Jesus' time and Jesus' teachings on the matter. He emph
David Servant Day 75, Mark 10 by David Servant David Servant addresses the contentious topic of divorce and remarriage, urging listeners to carefully consider all that Scripture teaches on the subject and to avoid interpretatio
J. Glyn Owen Sermon on the Mount: Jesus Speaks About Divorce by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon, the preacher discusses the painful subject of divorce and the dissolution of marriage. He emphasizes the importance of honoring marriage as a divine institution and
Don Courville Marriage and Divorce - Part 2 by Don Courville In this sermon, the speaker discusses the deception and decline of our society since 1963, when God was rejected and the Word of God was neglected. The speaker highlights four majo
Don McClure Marriage by Don McClure In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the transformation that occurs in a person's life through the Beatitudes. He then moves on to describe the qualities of someone wh
Dick Woodward The Law of God and Your Word by Dick Woodward In this lesson from the Mini Bible College, the teacher focuses on the importance of our words and how we should communicate our commitment to God and others. The teacher reference

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