FocusFaithfulness and reception
Connection to the wholeJesus answers questions about marriage and receives children, challenging assumptions about relationships and access to the kingdom.
interpretation Mark 10:3
KJVAnd he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
Read it in context
Marriage and children
Start reading at Mark 10:1 (Mark 10:1 to Mark 10:16).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus answers questions about marriage and receives children, challenging assumptions about relationships and access to the kingdom.
- 10:1 And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.
- 10:2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
- 10:3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
- 10:4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.
- 10:5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.
- 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
- 10:7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
- 10:8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
- 10:9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
- 10:10 And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.
- 10:11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.
- 10:12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
- 10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
- 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
- 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
- 10:16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 10:1–10:52): Jesus answers Pharisees, instructs disciples, receives children, and answers a wealthy man. James and John request places of honor; Bartimaeus calls to Jesus near Jericho. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Marriage and children. Read Mark 10:1 through Mark 10:16 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus answers questions about marriage and receives children, challenging assumptions about relationships and access to the kingdom. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Marriage and children (Mark 10:1 to Mark 10:16). Start reading at Mark 10:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 10:1, Mark 10:16, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 10
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
Wealth and following
Mark 10:17–31FocusPossessions, sacrifice, and reward
Connection to the wholeThe rich man's departure prompts teaching about the difficulty wealth can create and about God's ability and the disciples' sacrifice.
interpretation The road to the cross
Mark 10:32–45FocusService and the ransom
Connection to the wholeJesus' detailed passion prediction contrasts with a request for honour; He makes service and His own self-giving the measure of greatness.
interpretation Bartimaeus receives sight
Mark 10:46–52FocusPersistent faith
Connection to the wholeThe healing near Jericho concludes the journey section with a man who receives sight and follows Jesus in the way.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation The expanding ministry
Mark 3:7–8:26FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.