Mark 10:11 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:11 mean?

Mark 10:11 records Jesus saying that if a man divorces his wife and marries another woman, he commits adultery against his first wife. This statement sets a clear standard about the seriousness of breaking the marriage bond and entering a new marriage while the first spouse is still living.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after the Pharisees questioned Him about divorce. The verse highlights how Jesus raises the bar from the common practices of the time, emphasizing the lasting commitment intended in marriage. Jesus frames divorce and remarriage not just as a legal matter, but as a moral and relational issue that affects the original spouse.

The Greek behind Mark 10:11

• "put away" (ἀπολύσῃ, apolysē): This Greek word means to release or send away, often used for divorce. It shows that Jesus is specifically talking about the act of formally ending a marriage.
• "adultery" (μοιχᾶται, moichatai): This word means to be unfaithful to a spouse. By using this term, Jesus equates remarriage after divorce (when the first spouse is still alive) with being unfaithful to the original marriage.
• "against her" (ἐπ’ αὐτήν, ep’ autēn): This phrase makes it clear that the wrongdoing is not just a general sin, but specifically a wrong done to the first wife. It personalizes the impact of the action.

Why Mark 10:11 matters

• Mark 10:11 clarifies that Jesus views marriage as a binding commitment, not something to be ended lightly or for convenience.
• The verse challenges common assumptions of Jesus’ day, where men often had more freedom to divorce than women, by stressing the harm done to the wife.
• This teaching fits into a larger conversation in Mark 10, where Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard in relationships, reflecting God’s original intention for marriage.