King James Version

What Does Mark 10:3 Mean?

Mark 10:3 in the King James Version says “And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?” — study this verse from Mark chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?”

Mark 10:3 · KJV

Context

1

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.

2

And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.

3

And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?

4

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

5

And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus responded to the Pharisees' question with His own: 'What did Moses command you?' (Τί ὑμῖν ἐνετείλατο Μωϋσῆς;). This counter-question is pedagogically brilliant—Jesus forces His opponents to articulate the scriptural basis for their position before revealing the deeper issue. He uses 'command' (eneteilato, ἐνετείλατο), though Deuteronomy 24:1-4 is actually a permission, not command—Moses regulated but didn't mandate divorce. By asking what Moses 'commanded,' Jesus subtly highlights that divorce wasn't God's ideal but a concession. This method—answering questions with questions—appears throughout Jesus' teaching (Mark 2:25; 11:30; 12:24). It engages opponents' minds, reveals their assumptions, and prepares for deeper truth. Jesus never merely answered surface questions but addressed underlying heart issues.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Appealing to Moses' authority was standard in first-century Jewish debate. 'What did Moses command/say?' was common rabbinic formula for establishing biblical grounds. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 was the primary text governing divorce, requiring a written certificate if a man divorced his wife for 'some uncleanness.' Jesus' counter-question forced Pharisees to state this text, which He would then reframe in light of Genesis 1-2 (vv. 6-8), showing that Moses' concession was accommodation to sin, not God's creational intent. This interpretive method—reading later Scripture in light of earlier revelation about creation design—became foundational for Christian ethics. Jesus established creation ordinances as normative, with Mosaic concessions as temporary accommodations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' method of answering questions with questions model wise engagement that reveals assumptions rather than merely debating positions?
  2. What does Jesus' distinction between Mosaic permission and divine ideal teach about interpreting Scripture's regulations versus God's creational design?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
ὁ1 of 9
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 9

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀποκριθεὶς3 of 9

“he answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

εἶπεν4 of 9

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς5 of 9

“unto them”

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

Τί6 of 9

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ὑμῖν7 of 9

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἐνετείλατο8 of 9

“command”

G1781

to enjoin

Μωσῆς9 of 9

“did Moses”

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

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 10:3 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 10:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 4:21Isaiah 8:20John 5:39Luke 10:25

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