Mark 10:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For this cause {G1752}{G5127} shall {G2641} a man {G444} leave {G2641} his {G846} father {G3962} and {G2532} mother {G3384}, and {G2532} cleave {G4347} to {G4314} his {G846} wife {G1135};

Complete Jewish Bible

For this reason, a man should leave his father and mother and be united with his wife,

Berean Standard Bible

‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 10:7, Jesus, in response to questions about divorce, reiterates God's foundational design for marriage by quoting from the creation account in Genesis. This verse underscores the divine institution of marriage, emphasizing the necessary departure from one's family of origin ("leave") and the profound, exclusive commitment to one's spouse ("cleave") that establishes a new, independent, and unified family unit. It sets the stage for His teaching on the indissolubility and sacredness of the marital bond as a reflection of God's original intent.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 10:7 is embedded within Jesus' pivotal teaching on marriage and divorce, initiated by a challenge from the Pharisees in [Mark 10:2](/mark/10-2 "Mark 10:2 - Pharisees Test Jesus on Divorce"). They question the lawfulness of divorce, referencing Moses' allowance for a certificate of divorce ([Mark 10:4](/mark/10-4 "Mark 10:4 - Moses' Concession for Divorce")). Jesus, however, bypasses the legalistic debate and redirects them to God's original creation intent for marriage, found in [Genesis 1-2](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1-2 - The Creation Account"). He directly quotes [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - God's Original Design for Marriage"), which forms the basis for His argument against casual divorce. Mark 10:7, along with [Mark 10:8](/mark/10-8 "Mark 10:8 - Two Become One Flesh"), establishes the theological cornerstone that marriage is a lifelong, "one flesh" union, divinely ordained and not to be easily broken by human decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, divorce was a common practice, particularly under the interpretation of [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Law on Divorce") by the rabbinic schools of Hillel and Shammai. Hillel's school permitted divorce for almost any reason, while Shammai's was more restrictive, allowing it primarily for sexual immorality. Jesus' teaching in [Mark 10](/mark/10 "Mark 10 - Jesus' Teaching on Marriage, Riches, and Service") directly challenges these prevailing cultural norms and interpretations. By appealing to the pre-Mosaic creation account, Jesus elevates marriage from a mere social contract or legal arrangement to a sacred, covenantal institution established by God Himself. His emphasis on "leaving" parental authority and "cleaving" exclusively to one's spouse would have been a radical call for a patriarchal society where family lineage and parental ties often held supreme authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Divine Institution of Marriage**, asserting that marriage is not a human invention but a sacred covenant established by God at creation, reflecting His intentional design for humanity. The phrase "leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife" introduces the theme of **Formation of a New Family Unit**, emphasizing the necessary shift in primary allegiance and the establishment of an independent household. This leads directly to the theme of **Permanence and Unity in Marriage**, where two individuals become "one flesh," signifying an inseparable, lifelong bond intended to mirror the unity within the Godhead and the covenantal faithfulness of God Himself. Jesus' teaching here also highlights the **Restoration of God's Original Design**, as He bypasses human concessions to return to the perfect blueprint for human relationships.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** From G444, meaning "a human being." This term is inclusive, referring to humanity in general, emphasizing that the principle applies broadly to any person entering into marriage, not just a specific type of male. It underscores the universal applicability of God's design for marriage.
* **leave (Greek, _kataleípō'_):** From G2641, meaning "to leave down, i.e. behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining." This word signifies a decisive and intentional act of separation from the parental home and its primary authority. It implies a shift in allegiance and a psychological, emotional, and often physical independence necessary for the formation of a new, distinct family unit.
* **cleave (Greek, _proskolláō'_):** From G4347, meaning "to glue to, i.e. (figuratively) to adhere." This term powerfully conveys the profound, inseparable bond intended in marriage. It suggests a deep, tenacious attachment, a sticking together that is physical, emotional, spiritual, and volitional. It implies exclusive loyalty, commitment, and unity, much like two pieces of wood glued together become one stronger piece.
* **wife (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** From G1135, meaning "a woman; specially, a wife." In this context, it specifically refers to the female partner in the marital covenant, highlighting the heterosexual and complementary nature of the union as established by God in creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother":** This clause establishes the necessary precondition for a healthy and divinely ordained marriage. "For this cause" points back to God's creation of male and female and their union. The act of "leaving" signifies a crucial transition from the family of origin to the new marital unit. It involves a reorientation of primary loyalty, emotional dependency, and often financial ties away from parents and towards the spouse. This does not imply disrespect or abandonment of familial relationships, but rather a reordering of priorities, establishing the marital bond as the preeminent human relationship.
* **"and cleave to his wife":** This clause describes the profound, active, and ongoing commitment required within marriage. To "cleave" (from the Greek _proskolláō_) means to be glued or tightly joined to. It encompasses physical intimacy, emotional bonding, intellectual partnership, and spiritual unity. This "cleaving" implies an exclusive, lifelong devotion, where the husband and wife become one flesh, sharing life's joys and sorrows, responsibilities, and destinies. It is a covenantal bond that is meant to be unbreakable and foundational to the new family unit.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus' quotation of [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - God's Original Design for Marriage") in Mark 10:7 employs **Allusion**, drawing the listener's mind back to the foundational narrative of creation and God's original intent for humanity. This powerful rhetorical move shifts the debate from Mosaic legal interpretations to the very beginning of human existence, grounding marriage in divine design rather than human concession. The phrase "leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife" also functions as a **Metaphor** for the profound relational shift and deep, adhesive bond of marriage. The act of "cleaving" vividly paints a picture of two distinct entities becoming permanently joined, like something being "glued" together, emphasizing the unity and indissolubility of the marital union. Furthermore, the structure presents a clear **Parallelism**, contrasting the necessary separation from one's past primary relationships with the establishment of a new, exclusive primary relationship, highlighting the transformative nature of marriage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:7 is a profound theological statement on the nature of marriage, rooted in God's creation design. It elevates marriage from a mere social or legal contract to a sacred, covenantal institution. By emphasizing "leaving" and "cleaving," Jesus highlights the radical reorientation of identity and allegiance that occurs in marriage, establishing a new, distinct family unit that takes precedence over all other human relationships. This union is intended to be permanent and exclusive, reflecting the very nature of God's covenantal faithfulness to His people. The "one flesh" union (implied by the subsequent verse, [Mark 10:8](/mark/10-8 "Mark 10:8 - Two Become One Flesh")) signifies not just physical intimacy, but a holistic unity of spirit, soul, and body, mirroring the profound unity within the Godhead and the inseparable bond between Christ and His Church.

* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "The Foundation of Marriage")
* [Matthew 19:5](/matthew/19-5 "Jesus' Teaching on Marriage")
* [Ephesians 5:31](/ephesians/5-31 "Marriage as a Mystery of Christ and the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:7 provides timeless principles for building strong, healthy, and God-honoring marriages in any era. The command to "leave" challenges individuals to establish appropriate boundaries with their families of origin, ensuring that the marital relationship is the primary human bond. This means prioritizing the spouse's needs, opinions, and well-being above those of parents or siblings, and making decisions as a unified couple. The command to "cleave" calls for an unwavering, lifelong commitment and exclusive loyalty. This involves cultivating deep intimacy—physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually—and actively working to maintain unity and partnership through all seasons of life. For those considering marriage, this verse serves as a profound reminder of the sacredness and intentionality of God's design, urging prayerful consideration and preparation. For those already married, it is a call to continually recommit to the covenant, to nurture the "one flesh" union, and to reflect God's faithfulness in their relationship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have I truly "left" my family of origin to prioritize my spouse and our new family unit?**
* **How am I actively "cleaving" to my spouse, fostering deep intimacy, loyalty, and unity in our daily lives?**
* **What practical steps can we take as a couple to strengthen our "one flesh" bond in light of God's original design for marriage?**
* **How does our marriage, or my understanding of marriage, reflect the sacredness and permanence intended by God in Mark 10:7?**

### FAQ

**What does "leave his father and mother" truly mean in a modern context?**

Answer: In a modern context, "leaving" (from the Greek _kataleípō_, meaning to abandon or leave behind) does not imply abandonment or disrespect for one's parents. Instead, it signifies a crucial shift in primary allegiance and emotional dependency. It means establishing a new, independent household and family unit where the spouse becomes the primary human relationship and confidant. This involves setting healthy boundaries with families of origin, making decisions as a unified couple, and prioritizing the needs and well-being of the marital relationship above all other human ties. It's about forming a distinct identity as a married couple, even while maintaining loving and respectful relationships with parents.

**Is the "cleave to his wife" only about physical intimacy?**

Answer: While "cleave" (from the Greek _proskolláō_, meaning to glue to or adhere) certainly includes physical intimacy as a vital component of the "one flesh" union, it encompasses much more than that. It signifies a profound, holistic, and exclusive commitment that is emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. To cleave means to be deeply devoted, loyal, and inseparably joined to one's spouse in every aspect of life. It implies a partnership where both individuals are committed to mutual support, shared goals, and enduring love, reflecting the covenantal nature of marriage. This deep adherence is what makes the marital bond unique and distinct from all other relationships.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:7 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Jesus Himself, by quoting [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - God's Original Design for Marriage"), re-establishes and elevates marriage to its original, divine intent, demonstrating His authority as the one who upholds and perfects God's creation. His teaching on the indissolubility of marriage points to the unbreakable covenant between Himself and His Church, His bride ([Ephesians 5:25-32](/ephesians/5-25-32 "Ephesians 5:25-32 - Christ and the Church as the Mystery of Marriage")). Just as a man is to "leave" all others and "cleave" to his wife, Christ "left" His heavenly glory to "cleave" to humanity, entering into a covenant relationship with us through His incarnation and sacrifice ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). The "one flesh" union of marriage foreshadows the ultimate spiritual union believers experience with Christ, becoming "one spirit" with Him ([1 Corinthians 6:17](/1_corinthians/6-17 "1 Corinthians 6:17 - Union with the Lord")). Therefore, the covenantal commitment and profound unity described in [Mark 10:7](/mark/10-7 "Mark 10:7 - Jesus on Leaving and Cleaving") serve as a powerful earthly illustration of the eternal, unbreakable, and exclusive bond between Christ, the Bridegroom, and His Church, His beloved Bride, culminating in the joyous marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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?

Matthew 19:6

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

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.