Mark 10:2 Some Pharisees came to test Him. "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" they inquired.

◄ Mark 10:2 ►

New International Version
Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”

New Living Translation
Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?”

English Standard Version
And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”

Berean Standard Bible
Some Pharisees came to test Him. “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” they inquired.

Berean Literal Bible
And the Pharisees, having approached, were demanding of Him if it is lawful for a husband to divorce a wife, testing Him.

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

New King James Version
The Pharisees came and asked Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” testing Him.

New American Standard Bible
And some Pharisees came up to Jesus, testing Him, and began questioning Him whether it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife.

NASB 1995
Some Pharisees came up to Jesus, testing Him, and began to question Him whether it was lawful for a man to divorce a wife.

NASB 1977
And some Pharisees came up to Him, testing Him, and began to question Him whether it was lawful for a man to divorce a wife.

Legacy Standard Bible
And some Pharisees came up to Jesus, testing Him, and began to question Him whether it was lawful for a man to divorce a wife.

Amplified Bible
Pharisees came to Jesus to test Him [intending to trick Him into saying something wrong], and asked Him, “Is it lawful [according to Scripture] for a man to divorce his wife and send her away?”

Christian Standard Bible
Some Pharisees came to test him, asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Some Pharisees approached Him to test Him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”

American Standard Version
And there came unto him Pharisees, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? trying him.

Contemporary English Version
Some Pharisees wanted to test Jesus. So they came up to him and asked if it was right for a man to divorce his wife.

English Revised Version
And there came unto him Pharisees, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Some Pharisees came to test him. They asked, "Can a husband divorce his wife?"

Good News Translation
Some Pharisees came to him and tried to trap him. "Tell us," they asked, "does our Law allow a man to divorce his wife?"

International Standard Version
Some Pharisees came to test him. They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"

Majority Standard Bible
Some Pharisees came to test Him. “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” they inquired.

NET Bible
Then some Pharisees came, and to test him they asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"

New Heart English Bible
Pharisees came to him testing him, and asked him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"

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

Weymouth New Testament
Presently a party of Pharisees come to Him with the question--seeking to entrap Him, "May a man divorce his wife?"

World English Bible
Pharisees came to him testing him, and asked him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the Pharisees, having come near, questioned Him if it is lawful for a husband to put away a wife, tempting Him,

Berean Literal Bible
And the Pharisees, having approached, were demanding of Him if it is lawful for a husband to divorce a wife, testing Him.

Young's Literal Translation
And the Pharisees, having come near, questioned him, if it is lawful for a husband to put away a wife, tempting him,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the Pharisees having come near, asked him, if it is lawful for a man to loose his wife; tempting him.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Pharisees coming to him asked him: Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And approaching, the Pharisees questioned him, testing him: “Is it lawful for a man to dismiss his wife?”

New American Bible
The Pharisees approached and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him.

New Revised Standard Version
Some Pharisees came, and to test him they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the Pharisees came up to him, tempting him and asking, Is it lawful for a man to desert his wife?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Pharisees approached, tempting him, and asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And the Pharisees came to him, and that they might tempt him, asked him the question: Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?

Godbey New Testament
And the Pharisees having come forward asked Him, If it is lawful for a man to send away his wife? tempting Him.

Haweis New Testament
And the Pharisees coming to him, put a question to him, Is it lawful for a husband to put away his wife? tempting him.

Mace New Testament
then the Pharisees came and propos'd to him this insnaring question, is it lawful for a man to repudiate his wife?

Weymouth New Testament
Presently a party of Pharisees come to Him with the question--seeking to entrap Him, "May a man divorce his wife?"

Worrell New Testament
And the Pharisees, corning to Him, were asking Him, "Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife!" tempting Him.

Worsley New Testament
And the pharisees came to Him and asked Him, "if it were lawful for a man to put away his wife," tempting Him.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Teachings about Divorce
1Then Jesus left that place and went into the region of Judea, beyond the Jordan. Again the crowds came to Him and He taught them, as was His custom. 2 Some Pharisees came to test Him. “ Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” they inquired. 3“What did Moses command you?” He replied.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Matthew 19:3-9
Then some Pharisees came and tested Him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?” / Jesus answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ / and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? ...

Deuteronomy 24:1-4
If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds some indecency in her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, hand it to her, and send her away from his house. / If, after leaving his house, she goes and becomes another man’s wife, / and the second man hates her, writes her a certificate of divorce, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house, or if he dies, ...

Malachi 2:14-16
Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. / Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. / “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11
To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. / But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Matthew 5:31-32
It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ / But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Luke 16:18
Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Romans 7:2-3
For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. / So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

Ephesians 5:31-33
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” / This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church. / Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

1 Corinthians 6:16
Or don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”

Genesis 1:27
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

1 Corinthians 7:39
A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.

Exodus 20:14
You shall not commit adultery.

Proverbs 5:18-19
May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth: / A loving doe, a graceful fawn—may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever.

Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

Treasury of Scripture

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

the Pharisees.

Mark 8:15
And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.

Matthew 9:34
But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

Matthew 15:12
Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

Is it.

Malachi 2:16
For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

Matthew 5:31,32
It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: …

Matthew 19:3
The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

tempting.

Mark 8:11
And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.

Matthew 16:1
The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

Matthew 22:35
Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,

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Mark 10

1. Jesus disputes with the Pharisees concerning divorce;
13. blesses the children that are brought unto him;
17. resolves a rich man how he may inherit everlasting life;
23. tells his disciples of the danger of riches;
28. promises rewards to those who forsake all for the gospel;
32. foretells his death and resurrection;
35. bids the two ambitious suitors to think rather of suffering with him;
46. and restores to Bartimaeus his sight.

Berean Study Bible

Some Pharisees
The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judaism during the time of Jesus. Known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and oral traditions, they often clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the law. The Greek word for Pharisees, "Pharisaios," suggests a separation or distinction, indicating their role as religious leaders who set themselves apart in their observance of the law. Historically, the Pharisees were influential in the synagogues and among the common people, often challenging Jesus to test His understanding and authority.

came to test Him
The phrase "came to test Him" indicates the Pharisees' intention was not to seek genuine understanding but to trap Jesus in a theological or legal dilemma. The Greek word "peirazō" means to test or tempt, often with malicious intent. This reflects a pattern in the Gospels where religious leaders attempt to undermine Jesus' authority. Their testing was a common tactic to discredit Him in the eyes of the people or to find grounds for accusation.

Is it lawful
The question "Is it lawful" refers to the Pharisees' inquiry about the legality of divorce according to Jewish law. The Greek word "exesti" means it is permitted or lawful, pointing to the Pharisees' focus on legalistic interpretations of the Mosaic Law. This question was a matter of significant debate among Jewish scholars, with differing opinions on the grounds for divorce, reflecting the broader cultural and religious context of first-century Judaism.

for a man to divorce his wife
The phrase "for a man to divorce his wife" addresses the specific issue of divorce, which was a contentious topic in Jewish society. The Greek word "apoluō" means to release or send away, indicating the act of a husband dismissing his wife. In the historical context, divorce was a male prerogative, and the Pharisees' question highlights the patriarchal nature of the society. The Mosaic Law, particularly Deuteronomy 24:1-4, provided regulations for divorce, but interpretations varied, with some schools of thought allowing divorce for trivial reasons and others only for serious transgressions.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(2-12) And the Pharisees came to him.--See Notes on Matthew 19:3-12. We are not surprised to find St. Mark omitting the "hard saying" about the eunuchs of Matthew 19:12. It was hardly likely, even if he knew it, to commend itself to him as adapted for the Gentile readers for whom he wrote his Gospel. Probably, however, for the reason thus given, it was not part of the current teaching of the Church, and was recorded by St. Matthew as something exceptional.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 2. - And there came unto him Pharisees - the article should be omitted - and asked him - they came forward before the people, and publicly questioned him - Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? St. Matthew (Matthew 21:3) adds to the question the words, "for every cause." There were causes for which it was lawful. They put this question to our Lord, tempting him; of course with an evil intent. This question about divorce was one which was much agitated in the time of our Lord. In the century before Christ, a learned rabbi, named Hillel, a native of Babylon, who afterwards came to Jerusalem, studied the Law with great success, and became the head of the chief school in that city. One of his disciples, named Shammai, separated from his master, and set up another school; so that in the time of our Lord the scribes and doctors of the Law were ranged in two parties, namely, the followers of Hillel, the most influential; and the followers of Shammai. These two schools differed widely on the subject of divorce. The followers of Shammai only permitted divorce in the case of moral defilement, while the followers of Hillel placed the matter entirely in the power of the husband. The object, therefore, of this artful question was to entrap our Lord, and to bring him into collision with one or other of these two opposing parties. For if he had said that it was not lawful for a man to put away his wife, he would have exposed himself to the hostility of many of the wealthy classes, who put away their wives for any cause. But if he had allowed the lawfulness of divorce at all, they would have found fault with his doctrine as imperfect and carnal, although he professed to be a spiritual Teacher of a perfect system, sent down from heaven.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

[Some] Pharisees
Φαρισαῖοι (Pharisaioi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5330: Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.

came
προσελθόντες (proselthontes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4334: From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.

to test
πειράζοντες (peirazontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3985: To try, tempt, test. From peira; to test, i.e. Endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline.

Him.
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

“Is it lawful
ἔξεστιν (exestin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1832: It is permitted, lawful, possible.

for a man
ἀνδρὶ (andri)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

to divorce
ἀπολῦσαι (apolysai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 630: From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce.

his wife?”
γυναῖκα (gynaika)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1135: A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.

they inquired.
ἐπηρώτων (epērōtōn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1905: To interrogate, question, demand of. From epi and erotao; to ask for, i.e. Inquire, seek.

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NT Gospels: Mark 10:2 Pharisees came to him testing him (Mar Mk Mr)