Breakdown of Ephesians 5:31-32

"“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church." — This verse isn't just about a man leaving his parents for his wife; it's emphasizing the radical nature of the "one flesh" union. It means the marital bond is meant to be so profound that it literall…

Ephesians 5:31-32 Meaning Explained

All verses

Ephesians 5:31-32

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

English Standard Version (ESV)

This verse isn't just about a man leaving his parents for his wife; it's emphasizing the radical nature of the "one flesh" union. It means the marital bond is meant to be so profound that it literally makes two distinct individuals into a single new entity, superseding even the primal ties of family.

What Ephesians 5:31-32 means

Paul is drawing an analogy between the profound union of Christ and the Church and the marital bond, emphasizing the deep commitment and love required in both. He first explains how husbands should love their wives as they love their own bodies, just as Christ loves the Church. This leads him to quote Genesis, highlighting the foundational principle of marriage as a sacred, exclusive union that supersedes even the ties of family.

A New, Primary Loyalty

The Bible doesn't just mention marriage; it defines its core commitment. What does it mean to 'leave' your family of origin?

When a man and woman marry, they are called to establish a new, primary family unit.

Leaving Home

This isn't about abandoning parents or severing ties disrespectfully. Instead, it signifies a fundamental shift in loyalty and priority. The marital bond becomes the central relationship, superseding even the deep connections formed in one's original family.

Joining Together

The phrase 'shall be joined unto his wife' speaks of an intense, inseparable union. It's a commitment to cleave, to glue oneself to one another, so that separation should only come through death. This new union forms the foundation for the future.

The Mystery of 'One Flesh'

What does it truly mean for two distinct individuals to 'become one flesh' in marriage?

The concept of 'one flesh' points to a profound, God-ordained unity in marriage that goes beyond mere companionship.

Unity Beyond Biology

This union transcends the physical; it speaks to a shared life, purpose, and destiny. It's a spiritual and emotional intertwining that creates a new entity – a single household, a unified team.

Reflecting Christ and the Church

Paul links this union directly to the even greater mystery of Christ and His church. Just as Christ is intimately united with His people, a husband and wife are called to mirror that profound connection, becoming one in a way that symbolizes divine love and commitment.

Understand the original words

Original language

leaveκαταλείψει

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.

hold fastπροσκολληθήσεται

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.

one fleshσάρκα μίαν

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.

mysteryμυστήριον

mystērion · Greek Noun

Historical context

Written: Early 60s AD
Author: Traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul, though some scholars debate his direct authorship, suggesting it might be a later Pauline epistle.
Location: Written from Rome, likely during Paul's house arrest.
Genre: Epistle (Letter), characterized by its theological depth and practical exhortations, often employing analogical reasoning.

Key themes

01Marriage's sacred bond
02Unity supersedes family
03Intimate, lasting union

Cross-references

Genesis 2:24

This is the foundational passage Ephesians 5:31 quotes, directly establishing the principle of leaving parents and becoming 'one flesh' as the basis for marriage.

Matthew 19:5

Jesus Himself reiterates Genesis 2:24 when discussing divorce, emphasizing its original, unbreakable design by God and reinforcing the 'one flesh' union.

1 Corinthians 6:16-17

This passage uses a similar concept of 'one flesh' union in the context of sexual immorality, highlighting how deeply intertwined two people become in such unions, for good or ill.

Colossians 3:18-19

Echoing the structure of Ephesians 5, this passage instructs wives to submit to their husbands and husbands to love their wives, presenting a parallel application of relational duties within marriage.

Scholarly commentary

Ephesians 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 .
gill

Ephesians 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…
barnes

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