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 {G473} this cause {G5127} shall {G2641} a man {G444} leave {G2641} his {G846} father {G3962} and {G2532} mother {G3384}, and {G2532} shall be joined {G4347} unto {G4314} his {G846} wife {G1135}, and {G2532} they two {G1417} shall be {G2071} one {G1519}{G3391} flesh {G4561}.

“Therefore a man will leave his father and mother and remain with his wife, and the two will become one.”

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.

Ephesians 5:31 (KJV) is a foundational verse on the nature of marriage, quoted by the Apostle Paul as he discusses the relationship between husband and wife in light of the mystery of Christ and the church.

Context

This verse appears at the end of a passage (Ephesians 5:22-33) where Paul provides instructions for husbands and wives, comparing their relationship to that of Christ and the church. He calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and wives to submit to their husbands as unto the Lord. Verse 31 serves as a scriptural basis, drawn directly from the creation account, for the unique and profound unity marriage represents within this analogy. It immediately precedes Paul's statement in verse 32 that this is a "great mystery" concerning Christ and the church.

Key Themes

  • Leaving and Cleaving: The command for a man to "leave his father and mother" signifies a necessary separation from the primary family unit to establish a new one. "Joined unto his wife" (sometimes translated "cleave") emphasizes the strong, permanent bond formed between husband and wife.
  • One Flesh: This powerful phrase, originating in Genesis, describes the profound unity – physical, emotional, and spiritual – that occurs in marriage. It signifies a new identity and indivisible bond between the couple.
  • Foundation of Marriage: The verse highlights the divine origin and structure of marriage as established at creation.
  • Mystery of Christ and the Church: Paul uses this verse from Genesis to illustrate the deep, unified relationship between Christ and His church, which is the ultimate mystery he is explaining.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shall be joined unto" in Greek is proskollaó (προσκολλάω), which means "to glue to," "to cleave to," or "to join oneself to." It conveys a strong sense of adhesion and permanence, much like something glued together is difficult to separate. The term "one flesh," mia sarx (μία σάρξ), directly reflects the Hebrew phrase from Genesis 2:24, emphasizing the holistic unity of the couple.

Reflection and Application

Ephesians 5:31 provides a timeless blueprint for marriage. It calls for prioritizing the marital relationship above all other human relationships, including those with parents. The concept of becoming "one flesh" challenges couples to cultivate deep unity in all aspects of their lives – sharing resources, making joint decisions, and nurturing intimacy. This verse reminds us that marriage is not merely a social contract but a sacred covenant designed by God, reflecting the mysterious and unbreakable bond between Christ and His church. It underscores the commitment required for a healthy, enduring union.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Genesis 2:24

    Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

  • Matthew 19:5

    And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

  • Mark 10:7

    For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;

  • Mark 10:8

    And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:16

    What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

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