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

MARK 10:6KJV
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Mark 10:6 (KJV)

What does Mark 10:6 mean?

Mark 10:6 states that from the very start of creation, God made human beings as male and female. This verse points to the original design and intention for humanity as described in the creation account.

In Mark 10, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, who are questioning Him about divorce. By referencing the creation story, Jesus emphasizes that the distinction between male and female was established by God from the beginning, grounding His teaching about marriage in the earliest biblical foundation.

The Greek behind Mark 10:6

  • ἀρχῆς (archēs) — "beginning": This word highlights that Jesus is referring to the very start of everything, not just a later point in history. It roots His argument in the original intent of creation.
  • κτίσεως (ktiseōs) — "creation": This term refers to the act of creating the world and everything in it. It underscores that the male and female distinction is not a later development but part of the foundational act of creation.
  • ἄρσεν (arsen) and θῆλυ (thēly) — "male" and "female": These words are specific and direct, showing that Jesus is quoting or alluding to Genesis and is making a clear point about the two sexes as part of God's design.

Why Mark 10:6 matters

  • Mark 10:6 clarifies that Jesus sees the male and female distinction as something established by God from the very beginning, not a cultural or later human invention.
  • By grounding His teaching in creation, Jesus gives weight to His answer about marriage, showing it is not just a matter of law or tradition but of original purpose.
  • This verse helps explain why Jesus answers the Pharisees' question about divorce by pointing back to Genesis, highlighting the permanence and seriousness of the marriage bond as God intended it.

Where else these words appear

“female” Greek G2338 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
  • Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
  • Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

“male” Greek G730 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
  • Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
  • Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

“creation” Greek G2937 · used in 19 verses

  • Mark 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
  • Romans 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
  • Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

“beginning” Greek G746 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
  • Acts 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
  • Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;