Mark 10:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they twain {G1417} shall be {G2071} one {G1519}{G3391} flesh {G4561}: so then {G5620} they are {G1526} no more {G3765} twain {G1417}, but {G235} one {G3391} flesh {G4561}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the two are to become one flesh. Thus they are no longer two, but one.

Berean Standard Bible

and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh.

American Standard Version

and the two shall become one flesh: so that they are no more two, but one flesh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 10:8 encapsulates Jesus' profound teaching on the nature of marriage, quoting from the Genesis creation account to assert that when a man and woman are joined in matrimony, they become an indivisible, unified entity. This statement underscores the sacred, permanent, and transformative union intended by God for husband and wife, emphasizing that their distinct identities merge into a new, singular "one flesh" reality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question about the legality of divorce in [Mark 10:2-12](/mark/10-2-12 "Mark 10:2-12 - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce and Marriage"). The Pharisees, likely testing Jesus, inquired if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife. Instead of engaging with the nuances of Mosaic law concerning divorce, Jesus redirects their attention to God's original design for marriage as established at creation. He quotes from [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Male and Female") and [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - Institution of Marriage"), presenting marriage not as a human institution subject to societal whims, but as a divine covenant. Mark 10:8, directly quoting [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Foundation of Marriage"), serves as the theological bedrock for Jesus' subsequent teaching on the indissolubility of marriage, culminating in his prohibition against divorce and remarriage in [Mark 10:9-12](/mark/10-9-12 "Mark 10:9-12 - The Indissolubility of Marriage").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, divorce was a common practice, particularly among men, based on interpretations of [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Law of Divorce"). There were two dominant rabbinic schools of thought: the school of Hillel, which allowed divorce for almost any reason, and the school of Shammai, which permitted it only for serious moral offenses. By asking Jesus about divorce, the Pharisees were likely trying to trap him into taking a side, thus alienating either the more liberal or conservative factions. Jesus' response, however, transcends these debates by appealing to a pre-Mosaic, creation-based understanding of marriage. His emphasis on the "one flesh" union and the prohibition of divorce was revolutionary in a patriarchal society where women had few rights and divorce was primarily a male prerogative. This teaching challenged prevailing cultural norms and highlighted the radical equality and sacredness of the marital bond from God's perspective.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 10:8 contributes significantly to several major theological themes within the broader narrative of Mark and the New Testament. The primary theme is **Marital Unity**, emphasizing the profound, holistic bond between husband and wife, encompassing physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational dimensions. This verse also strongly establishes the **Divine Institution of Marriage**, asserting that marriage is not merely a social contract but a sacred covenant ordained by God from the beginning of creation. Furthermore, the phrase "no more twain, but one flesh" underscores the **Permanence and Indissolubility** of the marital union, implying that what God has joined together, humanity should not separate, as explicitly stated by Jesus in [Mark 10:9](/mark/10-9 "Mark 10:9 - What God Has Joined Together"). These themes collectively present a high view of marriage, rooted in God's original design and intended to reflect His covenantal faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **twain (Greek, _dýo'_):** This word, meaning "two," highlights the initial state of two distinct individuals. In the context of marriage, it signifies the separate identities, backgrounds, and lives that a man and a woman bring into the union. The subsequent transformation into "one flesh" emphasizes that this distinctness is superseded by a new, unified identity within the marital covenant.
* **one (Greek, _mía'_):** As the feminine form of "one" (referring to "flesh," which is feminine in Greek), this word is crucial. It denotes singularity and unity, contrasting sharply with "twain." In the "one flesh" concept, it signifies a complete merging, not just of bodies, but of lives, purposes, and destinies, creating a new, singular entity in the eyes of God.
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** While "flesh" can refer to the physical body, in the context of "one flesh" (echoing the Hebrew _basar echad_), it carries a much broader meaning. It encompasses the entirety of a person's being—their physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual essence. It signifies a comprehensive and profound union of persons, where two individuals become deeply intertwined and interdependent, sharing a common life and identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they twain shall be one flesh:"** This clause, a direct quotation from [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Creation of Marriage"), announces the transformative nature of the marital covenant. It declares that two separate individuals ("twain") will undergo a fundamental change, becoming a single, unified entity ("one flesh"). This union is not merely a legal or social arrangement but a profound existential reality, divinely ordained and enacted. The future tense "shall be" emphasizes that this is a divinely intended outcome, a state of being that marriage brings about.
* **"so then they are no more twain, but one flesh."** This second clause serves as an emphatic re-statement and logical conclusion drawn from the first. The phrase "so then" (Greek _hṓste_) indicates a consequence or result. Because of the divine act of joining, the previous state of being "twain" is abolished; it "no more" exists. They are fundamentally and irrevocably transformed into "one flesh." This reiteration underscores the permanence and totality of the marital union, asserting that the distinctness of the two individuals is subsumed into a new, singular identity.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 10:8 prominently features **Quotation**, as Jesus directly cites [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Foundation of Marriage") to establish the divine origin and nature of marriage. This use of scripture lends immense authority to his teaching. The verse also employs **Repetition** with the phrase "one flesh" appearing twice and "twain" appearing twice. This repetition serves to emphasize the central concept of unity and the radical transformation that occurs in marriage, driving home the point that two become one. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is evident in the phrase "one flesh." While it includes physical intimacy, it primarily symbolizes a holistic, covenantal union of lives, wills, and destinies, representing the deepest possible human bond.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 10:8 stands as a cornerstone for Christian theology of marriage, emphasizing its sacred, covenantal, and transformative nature. It reveals God's original intent for marriage as a lifelong, exclusive union that reflects His own unity and faithfulness. The "one flesh" concept transcends mere physical intimacy, encompassing a profound spiritual, emotional, and relational merging of two distinct individuals into a new, unified entity. This divine design for marriage is not merely a social construct but a foundational aspect of human existence, established at creation to reflect the very nature of God's relationality and to provide a framework for human flourishing. It highlights the profound mystery and sacredness of the marital bond, setting it apart as a unique and holy institution.

* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "The Foundation of Marriage")
* [Ephesians 5:31-32](/ephesians/5-31-32 "The Mystery of Christ and the Church")
* [1 Corinthians 6:16](/1_corinthians/6-16 "Union with a Prostitute")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 10:8 calls believers to a profound understanding and commitment to the sacred institution of marriage. It challenges us to move beyond superficial or culturally conditioned views of marriage and embrace God's original, radical design for a "one flesh" union. For married couples, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the depth of intimacy, unity, and permanence God intends. It encourages spouses to continually strive for this holistic oneness—physically, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally—by prioritizing communication, mutual submission, forgiveness, and shared purpose. For those considering marriage, it sets a high standard, urging prayerful discernment and a commitment to a lifelong covenant. Ultimately, this verse invites all believers to appreciate the beauty and sanctity of marriage as a divine gift, a profound mystery that pictures the relationship between Christ and His Church, and a powerful witness to God's design for human relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "one flesh" challenge contemporary understandings of marriage and individualism?**
* **In what practical ways can married couples cultivate a deeper "one flesh" unity in their daily lives?**
* **How does understanding marriage as a divine institution impact our approach to marital challenges and conflicts?**
* **Beyond marriage, what does the "one flesh" principle teach us about the depth of commitment God desires in our relationships with Him and with others in the body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**What exactly does "one flesh" mean, beyond just physical intimacy?**

Answer: While "one flesh" certainly includes the physical union in marriage, its meaning extends far beyond that. Drawing from its Hebrew root (_basar echad_ in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "The Institution of Marriage")), it signifies a comprehensive and holistic merging of two lives. This includes emotional intimacy (sharing feelings, thoughts, and vulnerabilities), spiritual unity (praying together, growing in faith together, sharing a common spiritual purpose), and relational interdependence (making decisions together, sharing resources, supporting each other's dreams and burdens). It implies a profound commitment where two distinct individuals become a new, singular entity in purpose, identity, and destiny, reflecting God's design for complete unity within the covenant of marriage.

**Does Jesus' teaching on "one flesh" mean that divorce is never permissible under any circumstances?**

Answer: Jesus' teaching in [Mark 10:8-9](/mark/10-8-9 "The Indissolubility of Marriage") strongly emphasizes the permanence and indissolubility of marriage, appealing to God's original creation design. His primary intention is to uphold the sacredness of the marital bond against the casual divorce practices of his day. While Mark's account presents Jesus' teaching without explicit exceptions, other Gospel accounts (like [Matthew 19:9](/matthew/19-9 "Matthew 19:9 - Exception Clause for Divorce")) include an exception clause for "sexual immorality" (Greek _porneia_). The interpretation of this exception has been debated among scholars and theologians for centuries. However, the overarching message from Jesus is clear: marriage is intended by God to be a lifelong, "one flesh" union, and divorce should be considered only in the most grievous circumstances, as a tragic breaking of a divine covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 10:8, with its profound declaration of two becoming "one flesh" in marriage, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest theological meaning in the relationship between Christ and His Church. As [Ephesians 5:31-32](/ephesians/5-31-32 "Ephesians 5:31-32 - The Mystery of Christ and the Church") explicitly states, the "one flesh" union of husband and wife is a "profound mystery" that refers to Christ and the Church. Just as a husband and wife are called to a complete and indivisible union, so too is the Church united with Christ in an unbreakable spiritual bond. Christ, the heavenly Bridegroom, gave Himself up for His bride, the Church, to make her holy and blameless ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). This divine union is the ultimate reality that human marriage points to and reflects. The covenantal faithfulness, sacrificial love, and profound unity intended for marriage are perfect echoes of Christ's unwavering commitment to His people, a union that is eternal and indissoluble, secured by His blood and sealed by the Spirit ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). Thus, every "one flesh" marriage, when lived according to God's design, becomes a living parable of the glorious, intimate, and eternal union between Christ and His Church.

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

Ephesians 5:28

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

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.

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.