Mark 10:12

Whoever divorces … and marries another … commits adultery: The parallel in Luke 16:18 agrees with Mark and mentions no exceptions to this prohibition of divorce. But Matthew's passage allows an exception when one spouse commits adultery (Matthew 19:9; see also 5:32). The apostle Paul also allows an exception if an unbelieving spouse leaves the marriage (1 Corinthians 7:15).

Mark’s account focuses on the main teachings about marriage and divorce:

• God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16),

• marriage is meant to last for life, and

• divorce goes against God’s purpose for marriage.

This section is the second cycle (see study note on 8:27–9:1) containing:

• a prediction about the suffering of Jesus (9:30–32),

• an error by the disciples (9:33–34), and

• teaching about discipleship (9:35–10:31).