Matthew 19:5

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} said {G2036}, For this {G5127} cause {G1752} shall a man {G444} leave {G2641} father {G3962} and {G2532} mother {G3384}, and {G2532} shall cleave {G4347} to his {G846} wife {G1135}: and {G2532} they twain {G1417} shall be {G2071}{G1519} one {G3391} flesh {G4561}?

Complete Jewish Bible

and that he said, `For this reason a man should leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two are to become one flesh'?

Berean Standard Bible

and said, ‘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

and said, 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
In Matthew 19:5, Jesus directly quotes Genesis 2:24 to underscore the divine, foundational nature of marriage as a lifelong, indissoluble union. Responding to the Pharisees' questions about divorce, Jesus re-establishes God's original intent for humanity, emphasizing that marriage is a sacred covenant where a man and woman "leave" their parental homes, "cleave" to each other in profound commitment, and become "one flesh" in a holistic, inseparable unity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus's discourse on marriage and divorce in [Matthew 19:1-12](/matthew/19-1-12 "Matthew 19:1-12 - Jesus on Marriage and Divorce"). The exchange begins with the Pharisees attempting to trap Jesus by asking if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for "any cause" ([Matthew 19:3](/matthew/19-3 "Matthew 19:3 - The Pharisees' Question")). Instead of engaging with their legalistic interpretations of Mosaic law, Jesus immediately shifts the discussion back to the creation account, appealing to God's original design for humanity and marriage ([Matthew 19:4](/matthew/19-4 "Matthew 19:4 - Jesus's Response to the Pharisees")). By quoting [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Institution of Marriage"), Jesus asserts the divine origin and permanence of the marital bond, directly challenging the prevailing divorce practices of His day. The disciples' subsequent reaction ([Matthew 19:10](/matthew/19-10 "Matthew 19:10 - The Disciples' Reaction")) reveals the radical nature of Jesus's teaching compared to contemporary norms.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During Jesus's time, Jewish society had differing interpretations of the Mosaic law regarding divorce, primarily based on [Deuteronomy 24:1-4](/deuteronomy/24-1-4 "Deuteronomy 24:1-4 - Law Concerning Divorce"). Two prominent rabbinic schools, Hillel and Shammai, held opposing views. The Hillel school, more lenient, permitted divorce for a wide range of reasons, even trivial ones (e.g., a burnt meal), while the Shammai school held a stricter interpretation, allowing divorce only for "indecency" (sexual immorality). This verse shows Jesus bypassing these rabbinic debates entirely, going back to the pre-fall, pre-Mosaic blueprint for marriage. In a patriarchal society where divorce was primarily a male prerogative and women had few rights, Jesus's teaching elevated the status of marriage and the wife, emphasizing mutual commitment and the sanctity of the union as established by God, not by human custom or legal loophole.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 19:5 highlights several crucial themes. Foremost is the **divine institution of marriage**, asserting that marriage is not merely a human social contract but a sacred bond established by God Himself at creation. This leads to the theme of **permanence and indissolubility**, as Jesus emphasizes that what God has joined together, no human should separate ([Matthew 19:6](/matthew/19-6 "Matthew 19:6 - What God Has Joined Together")). The concept of **unity** is central, encapsulated in the "one flesh" idea, signifying a profound physical, emotional, and spiritual bond. This verse also underscores the **sanctity of the marital covenant**, treating it as a solemn promise before God. Finally, it speaks to the **original intent of creation**, reminding humanity that God's design for relationships is rooted in His perfect will from the very beginning, a standard to which His followers are called to return, rather than relying on human concessions or interpretations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** This term refers to a human being, male or female, but in this context, it specifically denotes the male in the marital union. It emphasizes the universal applicability of the principle to humanity, not just a specific cultural group, and the responsibility of the husband in initiating the new family unit.
* **leave (Greek, _kataleípō'_):** Meaning "to leave down, i.e. behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining." In the context of marriage, this signifies a decisive shift in primary allegiance and dependence from one's parents and family of origin to one's spouse. It implies the establishment of a new, independent household and a reordering of priorities, where the marital bond takes precedence over filial ties.
* **cleave (Greek, _proskolláō'_):** Derived from "to glue to, i.e. (figuratively) to adhere." This powerful verb denotes a deep, permanent, and inseparable attachment. It speaks to loyalty, commitment, and intimacy—not just physical union, but a profound emotional, spiritual, and relational bond where the two individuals become strongly bound together.
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** While literally referring to the physical body or meat, in this phrase, "one flesh" (G3391 _mía_ G4561 _sárx_) it carries a much deeper, holistic meaning. It encompasses the entire person—physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual—suggesting a complete merging of lives, identities, and destinies. It signifies the profound intimacy and unity that results from the marital covenant, making the two individuals an integrated, new entity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said, For this cause":** Jesus, speaking with divine authority, introduces the foundational reason for marriage by quoting directly from the creation narrative in Genesis. "For this cause" points back to God's act of creating male and female and their complementary nature, establishing the divine intention behind the institution of marriage.
* **"shall a man leave father and mother":** This clause emphasizes the necessary separation from the family of origin. It signifies a transition from childhood dependence to adult responsibility, where the primary allegiance and identity shift from being a child in one's parents' home to being a spouse in a new, independent family unit. This "leaving" is not abandonment but a reordering of relationships, establishing the new marital household as the foundational social unit.
* **"and shall cleave to his wife":** This is the active, intentional commitment to the spouse. "Cleave" implies a deep, adhesive bond—a profound and permanent attachment that goes beyond mere cohabitation. It speaks to loyalty, fidelity, emotional intimacy, and a mutual dedication to the well-being and flourishing of the other, forming a new, inseparable partnership.
* **"and they twain shall be one flesh":** This culminating phrase describes the profound result of the "leaving" and "cleaving." "Twain" (two) becoming "one flesh" signifies a holistic unity—physical (sexual intimacy), emotional (shared life, feelings, experiences), spiritual (shared faith, purpose), and legal (a new family unit). It represents the deepest level of intimacy and solidarity, where two distinct individuals merge to form a new, unified identity, reflecting the very image of God in their complementary union.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus's use of [Matthew 19:5](/matthew/19-5 "Matthew 19:5 - Jesus on Marriage") is rich in literary technique. The most prominent device is **Quotation/Allusion**, as Jesus directly cites [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Institution of Marriage"). This serves to ground his teaching in the authoritative, foundational narrative of creation, bypassing contemporary rabbinic debates and establishing God's original intent as the ultimate standard. By doing so, he employs **Argument from Origin**, asserting that the earliest divine decree holds precedence over later human interpretations or concessions. The phrase "one flesh" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. It is a metaphor for the profound, holistic unity achieved in marriage—not merely physical, but encompassing the entire being of both individuals. As symbolism, it points to the mysterious, sacred nature of the marital bond, reflecting a divine pattern. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between God's perfect, original design for marriage and the fallen, human-driven practices of divorce that had become prevalent, highlighting the tension between divine ideal and human compromise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 19:5, by re-asserting the Genesis account of marriage, establishes a profound theological foundation for the institution. It portrays marriage not merely as a social construct or legal arrangement, but as a divinely ordained covenant that reflects the very nature of God. The "one flesh" union speaks to the relational aspect of the Trinity, where distinct persons exist in perfect unity. Furthermore, this passage lays the groundwork for understanding marriage as a sacred mystery that foreshadows the ultimate union between Christ and His Church. It underscores the sanctity, permanence, and exclusive nature of the marital bond as a unique expression of human intimacy and partnership, designed by God for procreation, companionship, and mutual sanctification.

* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Institution of Marriage") - The original divine declaration quoted by Jesus, establishing the principles of leaving, cleaving, and becoming one flesh.
* [Mark 10:6-9](/mark/10-6-9 "Mark 10:6-9 - Jesus on Marriage and Divorce") - Mark's parallel account of Jesus's teaching, similarly emphasizing creation and the indissolubility of marriage.
* [Ephesians 5:31-32](/ephesians/5-31-32 "Ephesians 5:31-32 - The Mystery of Marriage and Christ") - Paul's theological exposition of the "one flesh" mystery, explicitly linking it to the relationship between Christ and the Church.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus's teaching in Matthew 19:5 calls believers to a high and holy view of marriage, one that transcends cultural norms and personal preferences. It challenges us to consider whether our understanding and practice of marriage align with God's original, perfect design rather than fallen human interpretations. The principles of "leaving," "cleaving," and becoming "one flesh" provide a timeless blueprint for building strong, resilient, and God-honoring relationships. "Leaving" requires a mature reorientation of loyalties, prioritizing the new marital bond above all other human relationships. "Cleaving" demands intentional, lifelong commitment, loyalty, and active pursuit of intimacy—physical, emotional, and spiritual. "One flesh" invites couples into a profound unity where individual identities are not lost but integrated into a new, shared identity, fostering deep intimacy, mutual support, and shared purpose. This sacred union, designed by God, is meant to be a testimony to His faithfulness and a context for human flourishing and sanctification.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's emphasis on Genesis 2:24 challenge contemporary views on marriage and relationships, especially regarding commitment and permanence?**
* **In what practical ways can a married couple intentionally live out the principles of "leaving," "cleaving," and becoming "one flesh" in their daily lives?**
* **How does understanding marriage as a divine institution, rather than merely a social contract, impact one's commitment and perseverance through difficulties and challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus quote Genesis 2:24 here?**

Answer: Jesus quotes [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Institution of Marriage") to establish the divine, pre-Mosaic origin and intent of marriage as the ultimate standard. By appealing to the creation account, Jesus bypasses the contemporary rabbinic debates about divorce laws and returns to God's original, perfect design for humanity, asserting that marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God Himself, intended to be a permanent and indissoluble union. He emphasizes that God's original purpose for marriage takes precedence over any later human concessions or interpretations.

**What does "one flesh" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "one flesh" signifies a holistic and profound unity between husband and wife. It encompasses not only physical intimacy but also a deep merging of emotional, spiritual, and legal identities. It means that two distinct individuals become an inseparable new entity, sharing life, purpose, and destiny. This union is meant to be the deepest form of human intimacy and commitment, reflecting the covenantal nature of marriage where two lives are integrated into one, establishing a new family unit that is distinct from their families of origin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 19:5, by emphasizing the "one flesh" union, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the relationship between Christ and His Church. Just as a man leaves his father and mother to cleave to his wife, so Christ "left" His heavenly glory and divine prerogative to "cleave" to humanity, taking on flesh and dwelling among us ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility")). The "one flesh" union in marriage serves as a profound **mystery** that foreshadows the spiritual union between Christ, the Bridegroom, and the Church, His Bride ([Ephesians 5:31-32](/ephesians/5-31-32 "Ephesians 5:31-32 - The Mystery of Marriage and Christ")). Christ's commitment to His Church is the perfect embodiment of "cleaving"—a steadfast, unconditional, self-sacrificial love that led Him to give His life for her ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Through faith, believers are united with Christ, becoming "one spirit" with Him ([1 Corinthians 6:17](/1_corinthians/6-17 "1 Corinthians 6:17 - Union with the Lord")), a spiritual reality that mirrors the intimacy of the marital bond. This divine marriage culminates in the eternal "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where the Church, made holy and blameless, is eternally united with her Savior, fulfilling the deepest longing for perfect communion that the "one flesh" union on earth only dimly reflects.

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 2:21

¶ And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

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 7:4

The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

1 Corinthians 7:2

Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

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 10:5

And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.

Mark 10:9

What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.