New Testament

Mark 10:2

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the Pharisees, a group of religious leaders, approached Jesus with a question about divorce.

Author
John Mark
Written
Around AD 55-65
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Roman and Gentile Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

Some Pharisees approached him with a question designed to trap him. "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" they asked.

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the Pharisees, a group of religious leaders, approached Jesus with a question about divorce. Their intention was not to seek genuine guidance but to trap him into saying something that could be used against him. They asked if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife, which was a contentious issue at the time. The question reflects the differing interpretations of the law regarding marriage and divorce. By framing it this way, they hoped to catch Jesus in a dilemma, as any answer could alienate him from either the people or the authorities. This encounter sets the stage for a deeper discussion about the sanctity of marriage and the intentions behind God's laws. Jesus' response would later emphasize the importance of commitment in marriage and the seriousness of divorce, highlighting that it was not part of God's original design for relationships. Explore related temptation.

How to apply Mark 10:2 to your life

This verse reminds us to approach difficult questions with sincerity rather than a desire to trap others. In our discussions about sensitive topics like marriage and divorce, we should seek understanding and compassion, reflecting the heart of Jesus in our interactions with others.

Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Mark 10:2 mean?

Mark 10:2 describes an encounter where the Pharisees question Jesus about the legality of divorce. Their aim was to trap him into making a controversial statement that could be used against him, highlighting the tension between differing interpretations of the law.

What is the significance of the Pharisees' question in Mark 10:2?

The Pharisees' question about divorce in Mark 10:2 reflects the cultural and religious debates of the time regarding marriage. It serves as a setup for Jesus to clarify his teachings on the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of divorce.

What does the phrase 'tempting him' mean in Mark 10:2?

The phrase 'tempting him' in Mark 10:2 indicates that the Pharisees were trying to trick Jesus into saying something that could be used against him. Their question was not sincere; they sought to challenge his authority and teachings.

How does Mark 10:2 relate to discussions about marriage today?

Mark 10:2 highlights the importance of sincere dialogue about marriage and divorce. It encourages us to approach sensitive topics with compassion and understanding, rather than seeking to entrap or judge others.

The Book of Mark
Book Summary

The Book of Mark

Mark 1: John the Baptist and the Beginning of Jesus's Ministry

John the Baptist appears in the wilderness and preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People from Judaea and Jerusalem come to him, confess their sins, and are baptized in the river Jordan. John wears camel's hair and a leather belt and eats locusts and wild honey. He announces that someone stronger than he is coming after him and says he is not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals. He baptizes with water, but the one coming will baptize with the Holy Ghost.

Premium

Unlock the full Mark summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Mark — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 16 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Mark summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.