Genesis 2:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {H3651} shall a man {H376} leave {H5800} his father {H1} and his mother {H517}, and shall cleave {H1692} unto his wife {H802}: and they shall be one {H259} flesh {H1320}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why a man is to leave his father and mother and stick with his wife, and they are to be one flesh.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 2:24 stands as the foundational divine declaration for the institution of marriage, presenting God's original blueprint for the sacred union between a man and a woman. It outlines a profound three-fold process: a man is to leave his family of origin, cleave exclusively and permanently to his wife, and through this covenantal commitment, they become one flesh, signifying a holistic unity encompassing physical intimacy, emotional identification, and a shared life purpose. This verse establishes marriage as a unique, divinely ordained relationship, designed for human flourishing and reflecting deeper spiritual realities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows the profound narrative of God's creation of humanity in [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Creation of Man and Woman"). After forming Adam and placing him in the Garden, the [Lord God declares, "It is not good that the man should be alone"](/genesis/2-18 "God's declaration that it is not good for man to be alone"). This sets the stage for the creation of Eve, a "helper fit for him" (*ezer kenegdo*), from Adam's side, symbolizing their intrinsic connection and complementary nature ([Genesis 2:21-22](/genesis/2-21-22 "The creation of Eve from Adam's rib")). Adam's joyful exclamation upon seeing Eve—"This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh!" ([Genesis 2:23](/genesis/2-23 "Adam's joyful recognition of Eve"))—is the immediate precursor. Genesis 2:24 serves as the divine commentary and interpretive conclusion to this creation event, establishing the institution of marriage as the intended outcome and proper ordering of the male-female relationship. It moves from the descriptive account of creation to a prescriptive declaration for all humanity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East (ANE), marriage was primarily a social and economic arrangement, often involving contractual agreements between families, focused on lineage, property, and procreation. Women frequently had limited rights, and polygamy was common. Genesis 2:24 presents a radical departure from these norms. By stating that a *man* shall "leave" his patriarchal household and "cleave" to his wife, it elevates the status of the wife and the marital bond to an unprecedented level of exclusivity and permanence. This was revolutionary, as it shifted the primary allegiance from the extended family to the new marital unit, emphasizing a unique, dyadic relationship. The concept of "one flesh" also transcended mere procreation, implying a deep personal union that was not necessarily a universal understanding in surrounding cultures. This verse, therefore, establishes a counter-cultural, divinely ordained standard for marriage that stands in stark contrast to prevailing societal practices.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 2:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the **Divine Institution of Marriage**, establishing it as God's original and ideal design for humanity, not merely a human construct. It underscores the **Complementarity of Man and Woman**, created for mutual partnership and to alleviate solitude, reflecting God's relational nature. The verse also introduces the theme of **Covenantal Union**, where "leaving and cleaving" signifies a profound, exclusive, and enduring commitment that parallels God's own covenant faithfulness to His people, as seen throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "God's faithfulness to His covenant")). Finally, the concept of **Holistic Unity** ("one flesh") is a central theme, portraying marriage as a profound intertwining of lives—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—which later becomes a profound theological metaphor for the relationship between Christ and His Church, as explained in [Ephesians 5:31-32](/ephesians/5-31-32 "Paul's explanation of the mystery of Christ and the Church"). This verse thus lays the theological groundwork for all subsequent biblical teaching on marriage and human relationships.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **leave (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** This primitive root means "to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc." In the context of Genesis 2:24, it signifies a decisive act of separation from the family of origin. It is not an abandonment, but a reordering of primary allegiance, establishing a new, independent household and a distinct marital unit. This "leaving" implies maturity, autonomy, and a readiness to establish a new relational priority.
* **cleave (Hebrew, _dâbaq'_):** A primitive root meaning "to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit." This word conveys an intense, adhesive, and unwavering bond. It implies a deep, exclusive, and enduring loyalty, devotion, and attachment. It's the same word used elsewhere to describe Israel's command to [cling to the Lord God](/deuteronomy/4-4 "Deuteronomy 4:4 instructs Israel to cling to the Lord"), underscoring the profound, exclusive, and covenantal nature of the marital bond.
* **one flesh (Hebrew, _ʼechâd bâsâr'_):** This powerful phrase combines "one" (H259, meaning "united, i.e., one") and "flesh" (H1320, meaning "body, person"). It denotes a holistic, profound unity that encompasses physical intimacy, emotional identification, and a shared life purpose. It signifies that the two individuals become a singular entity, a new creation in God's eyes, sharing a common identity and destiny. It is far more than just a physical union; it represents a comprehensive merging of lives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother":** This clause initiates the divine command, linking the institution of marriage directly to the preceding creation narrative. The "therefore" (Hebrew, *ʻal-kēn*) highlights that marriage is a logical and necessary consequence of God's design for humanity, particularly the creation of Eve as Adam's perfect counterpart. The act of "leaving" signifies a shift in primary allegiance and the establishment of a new, independent household. It is a call to emotional, social, and often physical separation from the parental home, creating the necessary space for the new marital covenant to flourish as the foundational unit.
* **"and shall cleave unto his wife":** Following the act of separation, this clause commands an intense, adhesive, and exclusive bond with the spouse. The Hebrew word *dabaq* emphasizes a deep, unwavering loyalty, commitment, and devotion that goes beyond mere affection or cohabitation. This "cleaving" implies fidelity, partnership, mutual support, and a profound, exclusive attachment that forms the emotional and spiritual bedrock of the union, establishing the wife as the man's foremost human relationship.
* **"and they shall be one flesh":** This culminating declaration describes the profound outcome of the "leaving and cleaving." "One flesh" (*basar echad*) signifies a holistic unity that transcends mere physical intimacy, though it certainly includes it. It encompasses a complete intertwining of lives—physically, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. The two individuals become a singular entity in God's eyes, sharing a common identity, purpose, and destiny. This phrase speaks to the indissoluble nature of the marital bond and its comprehensive impact on every dimension of the couple's existence, reflecting a new, unified being.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 2:24 is rich with literary significance. It functions primarily as an **Etiology**, providing a divine explanation for the origin and nature of marriage, directly linking it to the creation of man and woman. The verse also employs **Merism** in the phrase "father and mother," which represents the totality of one's family of origin, emphasizing a comprehensive reorientation of allegiances. The powerful phrase "one flesh" serves as a profound **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, extending beyond mere physical union to encompass a complete, holistic unity of being—emotional, spiritual, and relational. This metaphorical language elevates the concept of marriage from a social arrangement to a sacred mystery. Furthermore, the progression from "leave" to "cleave" to "one flesh" demonstrates a clear **Climax** or logical progression, building from separation to adhesion to ultimate unity, highlighting the intentional and transformative nature of the marital covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 2:24 provides the foundational theological framework for understanding marriage as a divine institution, not a human invention. It establishes God's original and ideal blueprint for the union of man and woman, setting the standard for all subsequent human relationships and family structures. The verse underscores the covenantal nature of marriage, where "leaving and cleaving" signifies a permanent, exclusive, and devoted bond that mirrors God's own faithfulness to His covenants. The profound concept of "one flesh" encapsulates a holistic unity—physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational—pointing to a deep intertwining of lives and identities. This comprehensive unity is presented as a mystery that reflects the very nature of God's relational being and serves as a living parable for the ultimate redemptive relationship between Christ and His Church.

* [Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4-6 "Jesus' Teaching on Marriage and Divorce"): Jesus explicitly quotes Genesis 1:27 and 2:24 to affirm the divine origin and indissolubility of marriage, emphasizing that "what therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."
* [Mark 10:6-9](/mark/10-6-9 "Jesus' Teaching on Marriage in Mark"): Parallel to Matthew, Jesus reiterates the Genesis account to teach on the permanence of marriage, stating, "So they are no longer two but one flesh."
* [Ephesians 5:31-32](/ephesians/5-31-32 "Paul's Application of Genesis 2:24 to Christ and the Church"): The Apostle Paul directly quotes Genesis 2:24 and declares it a "profound mystery" that refers to Christ and the Church, revealing the ultimate spiritual significance of the marital union.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 2:24 offers a timeless and profoundly counter-cultural vision for marriage, calling us away from fleeting commitments and towards a profound, God-ordained unity. In a world that often views marriage as a temporary contract or a self-serving arrangement, this verse challenges us to embrace it as a sacred covenant established by God Himself. It calls for a deliberate reordering of loyalties, where the primary allegiance shifts from the family of origin to the new marital unit, requiring maturity and intentionality. The command to "cleave" demands tenacious loyalty, exclusive devotion, and a commitment to endure through all circumstances, mirroring the faithfulness of God. The pursuit of "one flesh" unity invites couples into a holistic intimacy that encompasses every dimension of their being—physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual—fostering deep understanding, mutual support, and shared purpose. This verse reminds us that marriage, when lived according to God's design, is not merely a means to personal happiness but a powerful testimony to God's relational nature and His desire for human flourishing, serving as the foundational unit for a healthy society.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does the concept of "leaving" your family of origin manifest in a healthy marriage today, and what challenges might arise if this principle is not fully embraced?**
* **How can couples intentionally cultivate the "cleaving" aspect of their relationship, moving beyond mere cohabitation to a deep, unwavering, and exclusive bond?**
* **Beyond physical intimacy, what does "one flesh" unity mean for the emotional, spiritual, and relational dimensions of a marriage, and how can couples grow in this holistic unity?**
* **Considering Genesis 2:24 as God's ideal, how does this verse challenge prevailing cultural views of marriage, and what implications does it have for your own understanding or practice of marriage?**

### FAQ
**Does "leaving father and mother" imply neglect of parental duties or family ties?**

Answer: No, "leaving" does not mean abandoning or neglecting one's parents. Rather, it signifies a shift in primary allegiance and the establishment of a new, independent family unit. While adult children retain a lifelong responsibility to honor their parents ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "The Fifth Commandment in Exodus 20:12")), the marital bond becomes the new foundational relationship, requiring a distinct household, shared life, and the prioritization of the spouse. It is about establishing a new, primary covenant, not severing all ties.

**Is the "one flesh" union solely about sexual intimacy?**

Answer: While sexual intimacy is an integral and unique component of the "one flesh" union, it is not its sole meaning. The Hebrew phrase *basar echad* (one flesh) encompasses a holistic unity—physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational. It speaks to a profound intertwining of lives, shared identity, mutual support, and a common purpose, reflecting a complete merging of two individuals into a new, singular entity in God's eyes. It signifies a profound, comprehensive bond that impacts every aspect of the couple's existence.

**How does Genesis 2:24 relate to the concept of divorce?**

Answer: Genesis 2:24 establishes the ideal and original design for marriage as a permanent, indissoluble union, where two become "one flesh." Jesus Himself quotes this verse in [Matthew 19:5-6](/matthew/19-5-6 "Jesus quotes Genesis 2:24 to teach on marriage") to emphasize that what God has joined together, no human should separate. This verse sets the divine standard for the covenantal permanence of marriage, highlighting God's intention for a lifelong, unbreakable bond. While the Bible acknowledges the reality of divorce in a fallen world due to human sin, Genesis 2:24 consistently serves as the foundational principle against which all deviations are measured, underscoring God's original and enduring design for marital unity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 2:24 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound mystery of Christ's union with His Church. As the Apostle Paul reveals in [Ephesians 5:31-32](/ephesians/5-31-32 "Paul explains the mystery of Christ and the Church in Ephesians 5:31-32"), the "one flesh" union of husband and wife is not merely a human arrangement but a sacred shadow, a living parable, pointing to the redemptive relationship between Christ, the Bridegroom, and the Church, His Bride. Just as a man is to "leave" his family and "cleave" to his wife, Christ "left" His heavenly glory and divine prerogatives ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Christ emptying Himself")) to "cleave" to humanity through the Incarnation, ultimately giving Himself sacrificially for His Church ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Christ's love for the Church in Ephesians 5:25")). Through His atoning work, He brings His people into an unbreakable, "one flesh" spiritual union with Himself, thereby perfecting the divine design for intimate relationship, fulfilling the deepest longings for unity and companionship that were first expressed in the Garden of Eden.

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

Matthew 19:3

¶ The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

Matthew 19:9

And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

Ephesians 5:28

So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

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.

Mark 10:6

But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.

Mark 10:12

And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

Romans 7:2

For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband.