Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that a husband and wife are to "become one flesh," signifying a union so profound that their identities and interests are meant to merge. This isn't just about physical closeness but a deep, intrinsic merging of lives that even elevates this bond above the natural ties of parents and children.
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage immediately follows the creation of Eve from Adam's side, highlighting their deep connection. It's presented as the foundational principle of marriage, emphasizing the profound bond between husband and wife that supersedes even familial ties. Jesus Himself quotes this verse to establish marriage as a lifelong union of two becoming one.
Leaving parents isn't about rejecting them, but about forging a primary allegiance. Discover the profound shift in commitment marriage requires.
Genesis 2:24 states, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife.' This instruction isn't a call to abandon your family of origin, but rather to establish a new, primary covenant relationship.
A New Primary Allegiance
This profound commitment means that while honoring your parents remains vital, your first responsibility, your deepest allegiance, and your primary home are now with your spouse.
What does it truly mean for two distinct individuals to become 'one flesh'? It's more than just a physical union.
The phrase 'they shall become one flesh' describes the profound, holistic unity that marriage is intended to create. This unity isn't limited to the physical realm; it encompasses the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of life.
A Unified Existence
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This divine declaration establishes marriage as an intimate, inseparable bond, reflecting a unity that is both foundational and life-giving.
Understand the original words
azab · Hebrew Verb
A foundational social act signifying the breaking of primary filial ties to form a new, primary covenantal union. It indicates a shift in allegiance and responsibility.
dabaq · Hebrew Verb
To cling, cleave, or adhere to someone or something with strength and devotion; often used to describe the covenantal bond between God and His people or husband and wife.
Jesus directly quotes Genesis 2:24, affirming its divine authority and permanence by stating that what God has joined together, no one should separate. This highlights the foundational nature of this verse for understanding marriage.
Ephesians 5:31-32Paul extends the concept of 'one flesh' to the spiritual union between Christ and the Church, showing how the marital union is a profound picture of Christ's sacrificial love and the church's devotion to Him.
1 Corinthians 7:2-4The Apostle Paul addresses the practicalities of marriage, referencing the 'one flesh' union and emphasizing mutual conjugal rights and the importance of each spouse prioritizing the other's needs within the marriage.
Malachi 2:15This passage warns against treating marriage lightly, emphasizing that God desires godly offspring and that the covenant of marriage is sacred and should not be broken, echoing the 'one flesh' principle from Genesis.
wesleyGenesis 2:24: "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
2:24 The sabbath and marriage were two ordinances instituted in innocency, the former for the preservation of the church, the latter for the preservation of mankind. It appears by Mt 19:4,5, that it was God himself who said here, a man must leave all his relations to cleave to his wife; but whether he spake it by Moses or by Adam who spake, Ge 2:23 is uncertain: It…
gillGenesis 2:24: "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
Therefore shall a man leave his father, and his mother,.... These are thought by some to be the words of Moses, inferring from the above fact, what ought to be among men; and by others, the words of Adam under divine inspiration, as the father of mankind instructing his sons what to do, and foretelling what would be done in all succeeding ages: though they rather s…
The verse emphasizes that a husband and wife are to "become one flesh," signifying a union so profound that their identities and interests are meant to merge. This isn't just about physical closeness but a deep, intrinsic merging of lives that even elevates this bond above the natural ties of parents and children.
This passage immediately follows the creation of Eve from Adam's side, highlighting their deep connection. It's presented as the foundational principle of marriage, emphasizing the profound bond between husband and wife that supersedes even familial ties. Jesus Himself quotes this verse to establish marriage as a lifelong union of two becoming one.
This passage immediately follows the creation of Eve from Adam's side, highlighting their deep connection. It's presented as the foundational principle of marriage, emphasizing the profound bond between husband and wife that supersedes even familial ties. Jesus Himself quotes this verse to establish marriage as a lifelong union of two becoming one.
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." — The verse emphasizes that a husband and wife are to "become one flesh," signifying a union so profound that their identities and interests are meant to merge. This isn't just about physical closeness…
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Last reviewed October 2026