Ephesians 5:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:31, a direct quotation from the Genesis creation narrative, serves as the scriptural bedrock for the Apostle Paul's profound exposition on the nature of Christian marriage. Within the larger context of marital roles and responsibilities, this verse encapsulates the divine design for a man and woman to establish a new, independent family unit, forging an indissoluble bond characterized by holistic unity, mirroring the mysterious and unbreakable union between Christ and His Church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the climax of Paul's instructions regarding marital relationships in [Ephesians 5:22-33](/ephesians/5-22-33 "Ephesians 5:22-33 - Instructions for Husbands and Wives"). Paul has just exhorted wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, and husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Verse 31, a direct quote from [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Institution of Marriage"), provides the theological and creational foundation for the unique unity he describes. It immediately precedes Paul's declaration in [Ephesians 5:32](/ephesians/5-32 "Ephesians 5:32 - The Great Mystery") that "This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church," revealing that human marriage is a profound earthly illustration of a heavenly reality. Thus, the verse functions as the Old Testament proof-text for the New Testament mystery Paul is unfolding.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of Paul's time, marriage was primarily a social and economic arrangement, often patriarchal, with women having limited rights compared to men. While Jewish tradition, rooted in the Old Testament, held a higher view of marriage as a divine institution for procreation and companionship, Paul's teaching elevates it further. By quoting [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Foundation of Marriage"), Paul grounds Christian marriage not in cultural norms or legal contracts, but in God's original design at creation. The concept of "leaving" implied a shift in primary allegiance from the extended family (paterfamilias) to the new marital unit, a radical idea in cultures where familial obligations were paramount. The emphasis on "one flesh" would have challenged the transactional view of marriage, asserting a profound, holistic unity that transcended mere social convention.

* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 5:31 contributes significantly to several key themes within the letter and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **divine institution of marriage**, emphasizing that its structure and purpose originate with God, not human convention, as seen in [Genesis 1:27-28](/genesis/1-27-28 "Genesis 1:27-28 - Creation of Man and Woman"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **covenantal nature of marriage**, implying a permanent, exclusive bond that transcends mere physical union to encompass emotional, spiritual, and legal unity. This is reinforced by the concept of "leaving" one's original family and "cleaving" to a spouse. Thirdly, the phrase "one flesh" powerfully conveys the theme of **holistic unity and new identity** formed in marriage, where two distinct individuals become an indivisible whole. Finally, and most significantly within Ephesians, this verse serves as the essential Old Testament prefigurement for the **mystery of Christ and the Church**, revealing how the intimate, unified relationship between husband and wife is a living parable of Christ's sacrificial love for His bride, the Church, a theme central to [Ephesians 5](/ephesians/5 "Ephesians 5 - Living as Children of Light").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** This term refers to a human being, encompassing both male and female, though in this context, it specifically refers to the male who initiates the "leaving." Its usage here emphasizes the universal applicability of the principle of marriage for humanity as designed by God.
* **leave (Greek, _kataleípō'_):** Derived from "kata" (down) and "leipo" (to leave), this word means "to leave down," "to leave behind," or "to abandon." In the context of marriage, it signifies a decisive and intentional separation from the primary family unit (father and mother) in terms of ultimate authority and allegiance, establishing a new, independent household. It implies a shift in foundational loyalty, not necessarily a severing of all family ties.
* **joined (Greek, _proskolláō'_):** A compound of "pros" (to, toward) and "kolláō" (to glue, to cleave), this verb literally means "to glue to" or "to adhere." It powerfully conveys the idea of a strong, permanent, and intimate bond. The imagery is one of two separate entities becoming so firmly attached that they are difficult to separate, signifying the indissoluble nature of the marital covenant.
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** While "sarx" can refer to the physical body, in the phrase "one flesh," it signifies a comprehensive and holistic unity that transcends mere physical intimacy. It denotes a shared identity, a profound spiritual, emotional, and legal oneness, encompassing every aspect of the couple's being. It implies a new, indivisible entity formed by the union.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother,"**: This clause establishes the necessary precondition for marriage: a man's decisive separation from his family of origin. This "leaving" is not abandonment but a reordering of primary loyalties, signifying the establishment of a new, independent household where the marital bond takes precedence over all other human relationships. It underscores the unique and foundational nature of the new family unit.
* **"and shall be joined unto his wife,"**: This phrase describes the active and intentional commitment to the spouse. The Greek word "proskolláō" (to cleave, to glue to) emphasizes the profound and permanent adhesion that occurs in marriage. It signifies an unbreakable bond, a deep and enduring attachment, and a covenantal commitment that forms the very core of the marital relationship.
* **"and they two shall be one flesh."**: This culminating phrase defines the ultimate outcome and essence of marriage. Originating in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The First Marriage"), "one flesh" signifies a holistic unity—physical, emotional, spiritual, and legal—where two distinct individuals become an indivisible entity. It speaks to a shared life, shared identity, and profound intimacy, reflecting the new creation that occurs in the marital union.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 5:31 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological significance. The most prominent is **Allusion**, as Paul directly quotes [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Original Design for Marriage"). This allusion grounds Paul's teaching on marriage in the foundational creation narrative, establishing its divine origin and timeless validity. The phrase "one flesh" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, describing the profound and comprehensive unity of husband and wife that transcends mere physical union to encompass their entire being—spiritual, emotional, and legal. This metaphor speaks to a new, indivisible identity formed in marriage. Furthermore, the entire passage, including verse 31, serves as an **Analogy**, where the human institution of marriage is presented as a profound earthly reflection or type of the divine relationship between Christ and His Church. Paul explicitly states this connection in the subsequent verse [Ephesians 5:32](/ephesians/5-32 "Ephesians 5:32 - The Great Mystery"), revealing the deeper, spiritual reality that marriage points to.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:31 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the Christian doctrine of marriage. It asserts marriage as a divine institution, established by God at creation, not a mere human convention. The "leaving and cleaving" principle signifies the formation of a new, primary covenantal unit, where the marital bond takes precedence over all other human relationships. The profound concept of "one flesh" highlights the holistic, indivisible unity intended for husband and wife—a spiritual, emotional, physical, and legal oneness that forms a new identity. Theologically, this verse is crucial because Paul immediately connects it to the "great mystery" of Christ and the Church. Thus, human marriage, with its call to sacrificial love, mutual submission, and profound unity, becomes a living parable, a visible sign pointing to the invisible reality of Christ's covenantal relationship with His bride. It underscores that marriage is ultimately about God's glory and His redemptive plan, serving as a powerful illustration of the Gospel.

* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Foundation of Marriage")
* [Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4-6 "Matthew 19:4-6 - Jesus on Marriage and Divorce")
* [1 Corinthians 6:16](/1_corinthians/6-16 "1 Corinthians 6:16 - One Flesh in a Different Context")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 5:31 offers a timeless and transformative blueprint for marriage, challenging couples to embrace God's design for their union. The command to "leave father and mother" calls for a conscious and deliberate shift in allegiance, prioritizing the marital relationship above all other human bonds, including those with parents. This does not imply disrespect or abandonment of family, but rather the establishment of a new, independent family unit with its own distinct identity and priorities. The subsequent call to be "joined unto his wife" emphasizes the active, ongoing commitment required to cultivate a deep, permanent, and exclusive bond. This "cleaving" involves emotional intimacy, spiritual partnership, and practical interdependence. Finally, the profound concept of becoming "one flesh" challenges couples to pursue holistic unity in every aspect of their lives—sharing resources, making joint decisions, nurturing physical intimacy, and fostering a deep spiritual connection. This verse reminds us that marriage is not merely a social contract or a romantic ideal, but a sacred covenant designed by God to reflect the mysterious and unbreakable bond between Christ and His Church. It underscores the profound commitment, intentionality, and divine purpose inherent in a healthy, enduring union, calling couples to live out this sacred mystery in their daily lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you, or do you need to, "leave" your family of origin to fully establish the unique identity of your marital unit?**
* **How does the concept of "cleaving" (being joined) manifest in your daily actions and decisions within your marriage?**
* **What does "one flesh" practically look like in your relationship, beyond physical intimacy, encompassing emotional, spiritual, and financial unity?**
* **How does understanding marriage as a reflection of Christ and the Church elevate your view of your own marriage and its purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul quote Genesis 2:24 in Ephesians 5:31?**

Answer: Paul quotes [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The First Marriage") in [Ephesians 5:31](/ephesians/5-31 "Ephesians 5:31 - The Foundation of Marriage") to provide the divine, creational foundation for his teaching on marriage. He is not merely giving practical advice but revealing the theological depth of the institution. By grounding marriage in God's original design, Paul elevates its significance, demonstrating that it is a sacred covenant with a transcendent purpose. Immediately following this quote, in [Ephesians 5:32](/ephesians/5-32 "Ephesians 5:32 - The Great Mystery"), Paul reveals the ultimate reason: "This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." Thus, the Genesis quote serves as the Old Testament prefigurement, establishing that human marriage, in its "one flesh" unity, is a profound earthly analogy for the spiritual union between Christ and His Church.

**What does it mean for "they two shall be one flesh" in marriage?**

Answer: The phrase "one flesh" (Greek: _mía sárx_) signifies a profound and comprehensive unity that extends far beyond mere physical intimacy. It encompasses a holistic oneness—spiritual, emotional, mental, and legal. When a man and woman become "one flesh," they form a new, indivisible entity, a new family unit. This means a shared identity, shared resources, shared purpose, and a deep, exclusive intimacy that impacts every aspect of their lives. It implies a breaking of former primary allegiances (leaving father and mother) to form a new, paramount bond. This unity is so profound that, biblically, it is seen as a new creation, reflecting the indivisible bond between [Christ and His Church](/ephesians/5-32 "The Mystery of Christ and the Church").

**Does "a man leave his father and mother" mean he should cut off ties with his parents?**

Answer: No, "leaving" does not mean cutting off or abandoning one's parents. Rather, it signifies a reordering of primary loyalties and allegiances. Before marriage, a person's primary human relationship is typically with their parents. Upon marriage, the spouse becomes the new primary human relationship, and the marital unit becomes the new, independent family. This involves establishing a separate household, making joint decisions as a couple, and prioritizing the needs and well-being of the spouse above all other family members. While honoring parents remains a lifelong biblical command ([Ephesians 6:2-3](/ephesians/6-2-3 "Ephesians 6:2-3 - Honor Your Parents")), the "leaving" ensures that the new marital covenant is unhindered and can flourish as God intended.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:31, by quoting [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "The Institution of Marriage"), lays the foundational truth that human marriage is not merely a social construct but a divine institution designed to point to a greater reality: the relationship between Christ and His Church. The "leaving and cleaving" of a man to his wife, resulting in "one flesh," finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound meaning in Christ. Just as a man leaves his former life to be joined to his wife, Christ "left" the glory of heaven to be united with humanity, taking on flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). His "cleaving" to the Church is demonstrated in His ultimate act of sacrificial love, giving Himself up for her ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Christ's Love for the Church")), to make her holy and present her to Himself as a radiant bride ([Ephesians 5:26-27](/ephesians/5-26-27 "Ephesians 5:26-27 - Christ Sanctifies the Church")). The "one flesh" union in marriage beautifully prefigures the spiritual, mystical union between Christ and believers, where the Church is His body ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Christ as Head of the Church")), and believers are united with Him in an unbreakable, life-giving bond. This divine marriage culminates in the "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where the Church, the Bride, is eternally united with her Bridegroom, Christ, fulfilling the deepest meaning of "one flesh" in a cosmic, redemptive sense.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.