Ephesians 5:31
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse isn't just about marriage; it highlights that the union between husband and wife is meant to be so profound, it fundamentally reshapes their identity, even superseding the natural bond with parents. This deep "one flesh" reality isn't just a biological joining, but a divinely ordained "gluing" that establishes a new, primary relationship.
Paul quotes Genesis to define the core of marriage as an unbreakable union, drawing a parallel to how deeply Christ is bound to his church. This declaration of a man leaving his parents to cleave to his wife establishes marriage as a primary, God-ordained relationship that even supersedes family ties. The profound connection described here serves as a foundational image for the even greater mystery of Christ and his bride, the church.
Marriage is often seen as a biological and social union. But what if Scripture reveals it as something far more profound, a divine blueprint for lasting commitment?
Ephesians 5:31 anchors us in the original design of marriage, citing Genesis 2:24. This isn't just about leaving parents to start a new household. It's about a radical re-prioritization.
A New Primary Loyalty
This intentional 'leaving' and 'joining' creates a new, singular entity – 'one flesh' – a sacred covenant established by God.
The phrase 'one flesh' evokes intimacy, but its implications go far beyond the physical. What does it truly mean for two distinct individuals to become a single entity?
Becoming 'one flesh' isn't merely about cohabitation or shared experiences. It speaks to a profound, integrated life that mirrors spiritual realities.
The Essence of 'One Flesh'
Understand the original words
kataleipsei · Greek Verb
A term referring to the fundamental, often public, act of initiating a new family unit by departing from the primary authority and sustenance of one’s parents. It signifies a transition of priority and loyalty.
proskollēthēsetai · Greek Verb
To cling to, adhere to, or be joined to someone or something with intensity and commitment. In marriage, it describes the lifelong, inseparable bond between spouses.
sarka mian · Greek Noun phrase
A term describing the physical, spiritual, and emotional union of a husband and wife, signifying that they are no longer two separate entities but a single unit in God’s sight.
This is the foundational passage that Ephesians 5:31 directly quotes, establishing the creation ordinance for marriage as a profound, unified bond.
Matthew 19:5Jesus Himself quotes Genesis 2:24 when addressing the Pharisees about divorce, reinforcing the divine intent for marriage to be an unbreakable union of 'one flesh'.
1 Corinthians 6:16-17This passage explores the concept of becoming 'one flesh' in the context of sexual immorality, highlighting the intense intimacy and unity that the phrase implies, even in a negative application.
Colossians 3:18-19These verses provide practical instructions for husbands and wives within marriage, directly following Paul's theological exposition on the Christ-Church relationship, underscoring the real-life implications of the 'one flesh' union.
gillEphesians 5:31: "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother,.... These words contain the law of marriage, and are cited from Genesis 2:24 ; and declare what ought to be, and are a prophecy of what should be; and are observed against polygamy, and to stir up mutual affection; See Gill on Matthew 19:5 .
barnesEphesians 5:31: "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."
For this cause - Ἀντὶ τόυτου Anti toutou. This verse is a quotation from Genesis 2:24 , and contains the account of the institution of marriage. The meaning of the phrase rendered "for this cause" is, "answerably to this;" or corresponding to this - that is, to what Paul had just said of the union of believers and the Redeemer. On the meaning of this…
This verse isn't just about marriage; it highlights that the union between husband and wife is meant to be so profound, it fundamentally reshapes their identity, even superseding the natural bond with parents. This deep "one flesh" reality isn't just a biological joining, but a divinely ordained "gluing" that establishes a new, primary relationship.
Paul quotes Genesis to define the core of marriage as an unbreakable union, drawing a parallel to how deeply Christ is bound to his church. This declaration of a man leaving his parents to cleave to his wife establishes marriage as a primary, God-ordained relationship that even supersedes family ties. The profound connection described here serves as a foundational image for the even greater mystery of Christ and his bride, the church.
Paul quotes Genesis to define the core of marriage as an unbreakable union, drawing a parallel to how deeply Christ is bound to his church. This declaration of a man leaving his parents to cleave to his wife establishes marriage as a primary, God-ordained relationship that even supersedes family ties. The profound connection described here serves as a foundational image for the even greater mystery of Christ and his bride, the church.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Ephesians 5:31 is available in the Sola app.
"“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”" — This verse isn't just about marriage; it highlights that the union between husband and wife is meant to be so profound, it fundamentally reshapes their identity, even superseding the natural bond wit…
