Ephesians 5:31-33
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This verse highlights that "one flesh" isn't just about physical closeness, but an intense, cement-like union where the couple becomes a singular entity, superseding even the ties of birth and family. It's a profound declaration of marital unity as a divinely established bond, meant to reflect an even deeper spiritual union.
“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. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul quotes Genesis 2:24 to explain the profound union in marriage, directly referencing the foundational principle of leaving family ties to form a new, singular unit. This marital oneness is presented as a divine model that Paul then explicitly connects to the even greater, mysterious union between Christ and His Church. The verse serves as a powerful illustration of the deep commitment and intertwined identity intended in both human marriage and the spiritual bond believers share with Christ.
What does it mean for a man to 'leave' his parents? It's not about cutting ties, but about forging a new, primary allegiance.
When Scripture says a man shall "leave his father and mother," it's not advocating for disrespect or abandonment. Instead, it's establishing the foundational principle of marriage: the creation of a new, distinct family unit.
The Shift in Loyalty
The phrase 'one flesh' is more than a metaphor; it speaks to a deep, God-ordained intimacy and unity.
The declaration that a husband and wife 'shall become one flesh' signifies an incredible depth of union that goes beyond mere cohabitation or legal status.
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More Than Just Together
Paul connects the 'leaving' and 'holding fast' of marriage directly to a spiritual reality far greater than human relationships.
The verse isn't just about earthly marriage; it's a profound illustration of the spiritual union between Christ and His Church.
A Divine Parallel
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.
mystērion · Greek Noun
A truth that was previously hidden or not fully revealed in the Old Testament but is now made known by God through the New Testament revelation, specifically concerning His redemptive purposes.
Christos · Greek Proper Noun
The anointed Savior and King, the Head of the church, who gave Himself up for her as the ultimate model of sacrificial, covenantal love.
ekklēsia · Greek Noun
The body of believers called out by God, characterized as the bride of Christ, united to Him through faith and belonging entirely to Him.
agapatō · Greek Verb
The Greek word 'agape' denotes a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love that seeks the highest good of the other, regardless of personal cost or the merit of the recipient.
phobētai · Greek Verb
In this context, it signifies a deep-seated reverence, honor, and esteem for the husband, acknowledging his God-ordained role and seeking to uphold his position within the marriage covenant.
This is the foundational Old Testament passage that Ephesians 5:31 directly quotes, establishing marriage as a divine institution where a man leaves his parents to become 'one flesh' with his wife.
Matthew 19:4-6Jesus himself reaffirms this Genesis passage when discussing divorce, emphasizing the unbreakable 'one flesh' union and God's design for marriage, echoing the permanence Paul highlights.
1 Corinthians 6:16-17This passage speaks about sexual immorality and the believer's union with Christ, using a similar 'one flesh' concept to show how deeply we are joined to Him, paralleling the profound intimacy of marriage.
Colossians 3:18-19This passage instructs wives to submit to their husbands and husbands to love their wives, directly applying the principles of Christ's relationship with the church to the marital relationship as described in Ephesians 5.
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 highlights that "one flesh" isn't just about physical closeness, but an intense, cement-like union where the couple becomes a singular entity, superseding even the ties of birth and family. It's a profound declaration of marital unity as a divinely established bond, meant to reflect an even deeper spiritual union.
Paul quotes Genesis 2:24 to explain the profound union in marriage, directly referencing the foundational principle of leaving family ties to form a new, singular unit. This marital oneness is presented as a divine model that Paul then explicitly connects to the even greater, mysterious union between Christ and His Church. The verse serves as a powerful illustration of the deep commitment and intertwined identity intended in both human marriage and the spiritual bond believers share with Christ.
Paul quotes Genesis 2:24 to explain the profound union in marriage, directly referencing the foundational principle of leaving family ties to form a new, singular unit. This marital oneness is presented as a divine model that Paul then explicitly connects to the even greater, mysterious union between Christ and His Church. The verse serves as a powerful illustration of the deep commitment and intertwined identity intended in both human marriage and the spiritual bond believers share with Christ.
"“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. However, let each one of you love his wif…" — This verse highlights that "one flesh" isn't just about physical closeness, but an intense, cement-like union where the couple becomes a singular entity, superseding even the ties of birth and family…
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Last reviewed October 2026
