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Mark 10:4

And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.

Mark 10:4 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, "And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away," the people are referencing the permission for divorce granted by Moses in the Old Testament. In Jewish tradition, a bill of divorcement, known as a "get," was a legal document that allowed a husband to divorce his wife. However, it is important to note that while divorce was allowed in certain circumstances under Jewish law, it was not meant to be taken lightly. The verse serves as a reminder of the complexities of marriage and divorce, and the importance of understanding the gravity of such decisions. Additionally, the verse can also be interpreted as a commentary on the changing attitudes towards divorce and marriage through different historical and cultural contexts. Ultimately, the verse highlights the need for thoughtfulness and consideration in relationships and decisions relating to marriage and divorce.

Theological Overview

When analyzing the theological interpretation of the verse 'And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.', it is essential to consider the historical and cultural context in which it was written. During the time of Moses, divorce was a common practice among the Israelites, and Moses provided guidelines for the process in order to regulate it within the community. The mentioning of Moses in this verse acknowledges his role as a lawgiver and highlights the significance of following the laws established by God through him. The term "bill of divorcement" referred to a legal document that formalized the dissolution of a marriage, indicating that divorce was a formalized process rather than an informal separation. Furthermore, the inclusion of this verse in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding marriage and divorce within the context of the ancient Israelite society.

Mark 10:4 in other translations

American Standard Version

And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.

World English Bible

They said, “Moses allowed a certificate of divorce to be written, and to divorce her.”

Douay-Rheims

Who said: Moses permitted to write a bill of divorce and to put her away.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And they sayd, Moses suffered to write a bill of diuorcement, and to put her away.