And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

MARK 10:12KJV
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Mark 10:12 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:12 mean?

Mark 10:12 says that if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery. This statement puts the same moral responsibility on women as on men regarding divorce and remarriage.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after a discussion with the Pharisees about divorce. The context is a conversation about marriage and the seriousness of breaking that bond. By mentioning women initiating divorce, Jesus addresses both men and women, which was notable in a culture where men usually held the power to divorce.

The Greek behind Mark 10:12

  • γυνή (gynē, "woman"): The Greek word used here highlights that Jesus is directly addressing the possibility of a woman initiating divorce, which was less common in Jewish society but more recognized in Roman law.
  • ἀπολύσῃ (apolysē, "put away" or "divorce"): This verb means to release or send away, and here it refers to a woman taking the step to end her marriage.
  • μοιχᾶται (moichatai, "commits adultery"): This word means to be unfaithful to a marriage partner. Its use here shows that, in Jesus’ teaching, the same standard applies to both men and women.

Why Mark 10:12 matters

  • Mark 10:12 clarifies that Jesus holds both men and women equally accountable for the moral implications of divorce and remarriage, which was a significant shift from the norms of His time.
  • This verse connects to the broader teaching in Mark 10 about the seriousness and intended permanence of marriage, reinforcing that the commitment is mutual.
  • By including women in this teaching, Mark 10:12 shows that Jesus’ message about marriage was meant for everyone, not just for men, and reflects the broader reach of His ethical teachings.

Where else these words appear

“adultery” Greek G3429 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
  • Matthew 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
  • Mark 10:11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.

“married” Greek G1060 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
  • Mark 12:25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

“away” Greek G630 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Mark 8:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
  • Luke 23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.

“another” Greek G243 · used in 141 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Mark 14:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
  • Acts 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.