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Book of Mark - Chapter 10 - Verse 12

10:12
And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

Meaning

According to this verse from the Bible, if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing adultery. This verse is found in the book of Mark in the New Testament and reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ on the sanctity of marriage. In biblical times, divorce was not as common or socially acceptable as it is today, and marriage was considered a lifelong commitment. Therefore, Jesus' words in this verse serve as a reminder of the importance of honoring the marriage vows and remaining faithful to one's spouse. Adultery is seen as a violation of those vows and a betrayal of the trust between husband and wife. This verse emphasizes the seriousness of divorce and remarriage in the eyes of God and highlights the importance of maintaining the marital covenant.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the issue of divorce and remarriage, as well as the seriousness of the marriage covenant. In the context of this passage, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees' attempt to trap Him in a debate over the issue of divorce. By stating that a woman who puts away her husband and marries another commits adultery, Jesus is emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and the permanence of the marital bond. This verse highlights the importance of respecting and honoring the commitment made in marriage, and warns against treating marriage lightly or as something that can be easily discarded.

Word studies of the key terms in this verse can offer further insights into its meaning. The term "put away" can refer to divorce or separation in a legal sense. In this context, it carries the connotation of ending a marriage relationship. The term "adultery" refers to the act of being unfaithful to one's spouse by engaging in a sexual relationship with someone else. By using these specific terms, Jesus is drawing attention to the violation of the marriage covenant and the consequences of such actions.

American Standard Version

and if she herself shall put away her husband, and marry another, she committeth adultery.
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