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Genesis 2:24

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

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."

Context

This pivotal verse follows immediately after the account of God creating the first woman, Eve, from Adam's side (Genesis 2:21-23). It serves as the divine explanation and institution of marriage, defining the nature and purpose of the union between a man and a woman based on their complementary creation. It sets the foundation for human family relationships within the context of God's original plan for humanity in the Garden of Eden.

Key Themes

  • Leaving: The command to 'leave' signifies a necessary separation or shift in primary loyalty from the family of origin (parents) to the new marital unit. This establishes the independence and self-governance of the new household.
  • Cleaving: The word 'cleave' implies a strong, devoted, and permanent attachment. It describes the deep bond and commitment that is to exist between husband and wife, a sticking together in loyalty and affection.
  • One Flesh: This powerful phrase describes the profound unity that results from the marital union. It encompasses not just physical intimacy but a holistic joining of lives, becoming one in purpose, identity, and being. It signifies a comprehensive unity—physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used here are significant. 'Leave' comes from `azab` (עָזַב), meaning to forsake, abandon, or depart from, indicating a definite break from the former primary relationship. 'Cleave' is from `dabaq` (דָּבַק), meaning to cling, stick, or hold fast, suggesting a strong, adhesive bond. 'One flesh' is `basar echad` (בָּשָׂר אֶחָד), literally 'flesh one', emphasizing the singular, unified entity that the couple becomes through marriage.

Reflection and Application

Genesis 2:24 is the foundational biblical text for the institution of marriage. Its importance is underscored by the fact that it is quoted by Jesus when discussing marriage and divorce, and by the Apostle Paul in his teachings on the relationship between husband and wife, likening it to the relationship between Christ and the church. This verse teaches that marriage requires a reordering of relationships, a commitment to a deep, exclusive bond, and results in a mysterious yet real unity. It remains the timeless divine blueprint for marriage, emphasizing its sacred nature and the completeness found within the marital covenant.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 19:3 (75 votes)

    ¶ 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 (75 votes)

    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 (60 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 5:31 (60 votes)

    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 (47 votes)

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

  • Mark 10:12 (47 votes)

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

  • Romans 7:2 (32 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.