Mark 10:8

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

This verse is a direct quote used by Jesus during his teaching on marriage, emphasizing the profound unity created when a man and woman are joined together in matrimony.

Context

In Mark chapter 10, Jesus is challenged by the Pharisees regarding the grounds for divorce. In his response, Jesus points them back to the beginning, to God's original design for marriage as described in the book of Genesis 2:24. Verses 6-9 of Mark 10 present Jesus' argument for the sacredness and intended permanence of the marital union, culminating in the statement of verse 8.

Key Themes

  • Marital Unity: The central theme is the concept of "one flesh," which signifies a deep, comprehensive union between husband and wife – not just physical, but also emotional, spiritual, and relational. They become a single entity in God's eyes.
  • Permanence: The statement "so then they are no more twain, but one flesh" emphasizes the intended indissolubility of the marriage bond. The union transforms two individuals into one united whole, suggesting a commitment meant to last.
  • Divine Institution: By quoting from Genesis, Jesus highlights that marriage is not merely a human tradition or legal contract, but a divine institution established by God from the beginning of creation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "one flesh" (Greek: sarx mia) directly translates the Hebrew basar echad from Genesis 2:24. This term goes beyond mere physical intimacy to describe a complete merging of lives and identities. "Twain" is an older English word meaning "two," clearly setting up the contrast between the two separate individuals before marriage and the single, unified entity they become within the covenant.

Reflection

Mark 10:8 provides a foundational understanding of Christian marriage, emphasizing its sacred nature and the depth of unity God intends for husband and wife. This verse calls married couples to strive for this "one flesh" reality in all aspects of their shared life, fostering deep connection, mutual support, and unwavering commitment. It serves as a powerful reminder of the high calling and profound blessing found in a marriage lived according to God's design.

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Cross-References

  • Ephesians 5:28 (11 votes)

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

  • Genesis 2:24 (10 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.