King James Version

What Does Mark 10:12 Mean?

Mark 10:12 in the King James Version says “And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 10:12 · KJV

Context

10

And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.

11

And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.

12

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

13

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

14

But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus continued: 'if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery' (ἐὰν γυνὴ ἀπολύσῃ τὸν ἄνδρα αὐτῆς καὶ γαμηθῇ ἄλλῳ μοιχᾶται). This verse addresses women divorcing husbands—unusual in Jewish law but possible under Roman law. Mark, writing for Roman audience, includes this application. Jesus established complete marital symmetry—both spouses equally bound by covenant, both commit adultery if divorcing and remarrying unlawfully. This countered ancient patriarchal structures treating women as property. Christian marriage theology emphasizes mutual covenant faithfulness (1 Cor 7:3-4; Eph 5:21-33). The same standard applies to both—no double standard. This reflects gospel equality: in Christ 'there is neither male nor female' (Gal 3:28) regarding salvation and spiritual dignity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman law permitted women to initiate divorce, unlike Jewish law. Wealthy Roman women sometimes divorced husbands to remarry for political or financial advantage. Herodias divorced Philip to marry Herod Antipas (Mark 6:17-18)—precisely the situation John the Baptist condemned. Jesus' inclusion of women divorcing husbands shows awareness of Greco-Roman context. Early church applied Jesus' teaching universally—neither spouse could divorce and remarry. This created tension with surrounding culture and raised pastoral challenges (what about Christian married to unbeliever who divorces? 1 Cor 7:12-16). The principle remained clear: divorce and remarriage without biblical grounds constitutes adultery for both men and women.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' equal application of adultery standard to both men and women reflect gospel values of mutual covenant faithfulness?
  2. What does Jesus' teaching on marital permanence challenge about contemporary 'no-fault' divorce culture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
καὶ1 of 11

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐὰν2 of 11

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

γυνὴ3 of 11

“a woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἀπολύσῃ4 of 11

“shall put away”

G630

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce

τὸν5 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄνδρα6 of 11

“husband”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

αὐτῆς7 of 11
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ8 of 11

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γαμηθῆ9 of 11

“be married”

G1060

to wed (of either sex)

ἄλλῳ,10 of 11

“to another”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

μοιχᾶται11 of 11

“she committeth adultery”

G3429

(middle voice) to commit adultery

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 10:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 10:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 7:111 Corinthians 7:13

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