Mark 10:3

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

Mark 10:3 (KJV)

Context

Jesus speaks here in response to the Pharisees, who had come testing Him with a question about divorce. Instead of answering directly, He turns the inquiry back to the law of Moses, asking what Moses commanded. His counter-question redirects the debate to the authority of Scripture itself.

In Jesus’ day, divorce was a live controversy among Jewish teachers, with differing views on what the law permitted. By asking about Moses’ command, Jesus forces His questioners to ground their position in the actual words of Scripture rather than in their own traditions or interpretations.

Meaning

Jesus’ reply is a counter-question, a characteristic teaching method that redirects the inquiry back to Scripture. He does not immediately give a direct answer but points them to the authority of Moses, asking what the law actually says. The question implies that the Pharisees should know the Mosaic command and that their understanding may be incomplete.

By asking about what Moses commanded, Jesus directs the Pharisees to consider the original intent of the Law and the deeper principles behind it. He wants to highlight the significance of God’s design for marriage and expose their misinterpretation and misuse of the Law.

Biblical connections

In the following verses (Mark 10:4-9), Jesus proceeds to explain God’s intention for marriage from the beginning of creation. He emphasizes that marriage is a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman, and that divorce was not part of God’s original plan. Jesus states, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh” (Mark 10:7-8).

This question also connects to Matthew 19:4, where Jesus asks a similar question, showing consistency in His teaching. The verse highlights Jesus’ wisdom in handling challenging questions, as He does not get trapped by the Pharisees’ test but instead turns the focus to God’s Word.

Application

For the believer, this verse encourages a return to Scripture when faced with difficult moral questions, trusting that God’s commands are the foundation for life and practice. Jesus elevates the sanctity of marriage and discourages divorce, emphasizing the importance of honoring the commitment made in marriage and maintaining the unity and oneness of the marital bond.

Reflection

Mark 10:3 prompts reflection on the intent and purpose of God’s commandments. It calls readers to examine whether their own understanding of moral issues is shaped by Scripture or by surrounding culture, and to honor the lifelong commitment between spouses.