Matthew 19:6

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

Wherefore {G5620} they are {G1526} no more {G3765} twain {G1417}, but {G235} one {G3391} flesh {G4561}. What {G3739} therefore {G3767} God {G2316} hath joined together {G4801}, let {G5563} not {G3361} man {G444} put asunder {G5563}.

Thus they are no longer two, but one. So then, no one should split apart what God has joined together."

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

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

Commentary

Matthew 19:6 (KJV)

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

Context and Background

This verse comes from Jesus' response to the Pharisees who were questioning him about divorce (Matthew 19:3). Jesus refers back to the creation account in Genesis, specifically Genesis 2:24, to define the original, ideal nature of marriage as instituted by God. His teaching contrasts with the easier divorce practices permitted by some interpretations of the Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 24:1) prevalent at the time.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Unity of Marriage: Jesus emphasizes that marriage transforms two individuals ("twain") into a single entity ("one flesh"). This signifies a deep, inseparable bond, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual union.
  • Divine Institution: The phrase "God hath joined together" highlights that marriage is not merely a human contract but a sacred covenant established and blessed by God Himself.
  • Permanence of the Bond: The command "let not man put asunder" underscores the intended permanence of the marital union. It is a strong prohibition against human actions or laws that would break this divinely ordained bond.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "one flesh" translates the Greek "sarx mia" (σὰρξ μία), mirroring the Hebrew "basar echad" (בָּשָׂר אֶחָד) from Genesis 2:24. This term denotes a profound unity, not just physical intimacy, but a joining of lives, purposes, and destinies. "Put asunder" translates the Greek "chōrizō" (χωρίζω), which means to separate, divide, or divorce.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 2:24 (The original passage Jesus quotes)
  • Mark 10:8-9 (Parallel account in Mark)
  • Ephesians 5:31 (Paul reiterates the "one flesh" concept in the context of Christ and the church)

Practical Application

This verse serves as a foundational teaching on the sanctity and commitment of marriage. It calls married couples to strive for deep unity and reminds all people to respect the marital bond as something established by God. It challenges societies and individuals to uphold the institution of marriage and not to treat divorce lightly.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 10:9 (14 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 13:4 (13 votes)

    Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

  • Romans 7:2 (12 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:10 (11 votes)

    ¶ And unto the married I command, [yet] not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from [her] husband:

  • 1 Corinthians 7:14 (11 votes)

    For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

  • Ephesians 5:28 (9 votes)

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

  • Malachi 2:14 (6 votes)

    Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.