New Testament
Mark 10:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus told them, "Moses wrote that rule for you because your hearts are hard.
Compare translations
And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.
What Mark 10:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is addressing a question about divorce posed by the Pharisees. He explains that Moses allowed divorce due to the hardness of people's hearts, meaning their unwillingness to forgive and maintain commitment. This reflects a deeper issue of sin and rebellion against God's design for marriage. Jesus emphasizes that the original intention for marriage was for it to be a lifelong union, and that the allowance for divorce was a concession made because of human failure. The hardness of heart signifies a lack of compassion and understanding, which leads to broken relationships. Jesus is calling for a return to the ideal of love and fidelity in marriage, urging people to reflect on their own hearts and motivations rather than seeking loopholes in the law.
How to apply Mark 10:5 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts and attitudes towards relationships. Instead of looking for reasons to end commitments, we should strive for understanding and forgiveness. Cultivating a soft heart can lead to healthier, more loving relationships, reflecting God's design for marriage.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Mark 10:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Mark 10:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 10:5 mean?
Mark 10:5 explains that Jesus is addressing the issue of divorce by stating that Moses permitted it because of the hardness of people's hearts. This means that due to human unwillingness to forgive and commit, a concession was made, but Jesus emphasizes that God's original design for marriage is a lifelong union.
What is the meaning of hardness of heart in Mark 10:5?
The phrase 'hardness of heart' in Mark 10:5 refers to a lack of compassion and unwillingness to forgive, which leads to broken relationships. It highlights the deeper issue of sin that affects people's ability to maintain commitment in marriage.
How does Mark 10:5 relate to marriage?
Mark 10:5 relates to marriage by showing that while divorce was permitted due to human failure, Jesus calls for a return to the ideal of love and fidelity. It challenges individuals to reflect on their commitment and attitudes towards their relationships.
What lesson can we learn from Mark 10:5?
From Mark 10:5, we learn the importance of examining our hearts in relationships. Instead of seeking reasons to end commitments, we should focus on understanding, forgiveness, and striving for healthier, loving connections.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.