What is the meaning of Mark 10:9? Therefore • The word points back to Jesus’ explanation of marriage in Mark 10:6-8, where He cites Genesis 2:24. • By saying, “Therefore,” Jesus anchors His statement in God’s original design, not in changing cultural norms. • Genesis 2:24 affirms, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” • When the Pharisees referenced Moses’ concession for divorce (Mark 10:4), Jesus responded by moving the discussion from human regulation to divine intention. • Matthew 19:6, the parallel passage, repeats the same transition, underscoring that the authority behind the statement is God Himself. what God has joined together • Marriage is portrayed as an act of God, not merely a human contract. – Proverbs 18:22: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.” – Ephesians 5:31-32 shows that the “one flesh” union reflects Christ and the church, revealing God’s purpose and permanence. • Key truths in view – God is the primary actor in forming the marital bond. – Husband and wife become one flesh; it is more than physical partnership—it is covenantal unity. – Malachi 2:14 reminds Israel that the LORD Himself is “a witness between you and the wife of your youth,” highlighting His involvement in every marriage covenant. • Because God joins the couple, marriage carries holy weight; it is sacred territory. let man not separate • The verb “separate” addresses any human attempt—legal, emotional, or physical—to dismantle the bond. – 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 echoes Jesus: “A wife must not separate from her husband… and a husband must not divorce his wife.” – Romans 7:2-3 teaches the binding nature of marriage “as long as he lives,” reinforcing permanence. • Practical implications – Divorce is not presented as an easy option; God’s intent is lifelong faithfulness. – Where fractures exist, the call is to reconciliation rather than dissolution. • Malachi 2:16: “For the LORD, the God of Israel, says that He hates divorce,” underlining God’s heart. • Jesus places the burden on “man”—any person, court, or culture—to honor what God has already sealed. summary Mark 10:9 declares that marriage is God-created, God-sustained, and therefore not to be torn apart by human action. Jesus roots the command in creation, affirms God’s ongoing role in every union, and warns against any human move to undo what He has done. The verse calls believers to honor marriage as a lifelong covenant, reflect God’s faithfulness, and pursue reconciliation whenever the bond is threatened. |
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