New Testament
Mark 10:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So what God has joined together, no one should separate."
Compare translations
What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
What Mark 10:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the sanctity of marriage, stating that it is a divine union established by God. When two people marry, they are not just making a legal or social contract; they are entering into a spiritual bond that should not be easily broken. The phrase 'no one should separate' highlights the seriousness of this commitment, suggesting that human intervention or societal pressures should not dissolve what God has ordained. This teaching counters the cultural practices of the time, where divorce was common and often trivialized. Jesus calls for a deeper understanding of marriage, urging couples to honor their vows and work through challenges rather than seeking separation. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of fidelity, love, and mutual respect in a marriage, reinforcing that it is a lifelong commitment meant to reflect God's love and faithfulness.
How to apply Mark 10:9 to your life
In our relationships, we should strive to honor the commitment of marriage by fostering love, respect, and open communication. When challenges arise, instead of considering separation, couples should seek to resolve conflicts and strengthen their bond, reflecting God's intention 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 10:9
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 10:9
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 10:9 mean?
Mark 10:9 means that marriage is a sacred union created by God, and it should not be broken by human actions. It emphasizes the importance of commitment and the seriousness of the marital bond.
What is the meaning of 'no one should separate' in Mark 10:9?
The phrase 'no one should separate' in Mark 10:9 highlights that human intervention or societal pressures should not dissolve the marriage that God has established. It underscores the idea that marriage is meant to be a lifelong commitment.
How does Mark 10:9 relate to divorce?
Mark 10:9 relates to divorce by stating that it should not occur because marriage is a divine union. Jesus' teaching challenges the cultural norms of his time that allowed for easy divorce.
What themes are present in Mark 10:9?
The themes present in Mark 10:9 include divine union, commitment, faithfulness, and the sanctity of marriage. It emphasizes the importance of honoring marital vows and the seriousness of the marriage relationship.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.