Ephesians 5:31 – “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Paul quotes Genesis 2:24, where God established the foundation of marriage. This verse describes how a man and woman come together to form a new, lifelong bond.

• “For this reason” – This refers to God’s design for marriage. Paul has been explaining how marriage reflects Christ’s love for the church, and now he points back to the original purpose of marriage.
• “A man will leave his father and mother” – Marriage forms a new family unit. While honoring parents is always important, marriage creates a new primary relationship where a husband and wife must fully commit to one another.
• “And be united to his wife” – The phrase “be united” (Greek: proskollaō) means to cling tightly, to join together inseparably. This shows that marriage is meant to be a permanent, unbreakable covenant.
• “And the two will become one flesh” – This means more than just physical union; it refers to complete unity in all areas—spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Paul is teaching that marriage is not just a human institution—it is a sacred bond designed by God.

Historical Context

Marriage was viewed differently in Paul’s time than it is today. In Jewish culture, families were deeply connected, and marriages were often arranged. A man leaving his parents to form a new household was a significant shift in responsibility.

In Greek and Roman culture, marriage was often seen as a social contract rather than a deep, spiritual union. Many men had wives for producing heirs and mistresses for pleasure. Paul’s teaching that husbands and wives should be united as one flesh would have been countercultural.

By quoting Genesis 2:24, Paul reminds believers that God, not society, defines marriage. From the very beginning, marriage was designed by God to be exclusive, lifelong, and deeply personal.

Theological Implications

1. Marriage is a covenant, not just a contract. Contracts can be broken, but a covenant before God is sacred and binding (Malachi 2:14).
2. Leaving and cleaving is essential for a strong marriage. Marriage requires a shift in priorities—a man and woman must become fully devoted to one another rather than dependent on their parents.
3. The “one flesh” relationship points to deep unity. A biblical marriage involves more than physical intimacy—it is a spiritual and emotional bond where two people become one in heart and purpose (Mark 10:8).
4. Marriage reflects Christ’s relationship with the church. Just as Christ is fully united with His people, a husband and wife are meant to be inseparably joined in love and commitment (Ephesians 5:32).

Literary Analysis

Paul directly quotes Genesis 2:24, showing that marriage is not a human invention but a divine institution.

• “For this reason” – Links back to the creation account, reinforcing that marriage has a God-ordained purpose.
• “Leave” – Shows that marriage requires a shift in priorities. The new relationship takes precedence over previous family ties.
• “Be united” – This is not just legal or financial—it is a lifelong bond of love and faithfulness.
• “One flesh” – This emphasizes total unity, including physical, emotional, and spiritual oneness.

Paul uses this verse to show that marriage is more than just companionship—it is a picture of the deep, inseparable love between Christ and His church.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 2:24 – “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
• Matthew 19:5-6 – Jesus quotes Genesis 2:24 and adds, “What God has joined together, let no one separate.”
• Malachi 2:14 – “The Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.”
• Mark 10:8 – “And the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse teaches several key truths about how Christians should view and approach marriage:

1. Marriage is a lifelong commitment. Divorce is not part of God’s original design—He intends for marriage to be a permanent union (Matthew 19:6).
2. Leaving and cleaving are essential. A healthy marriage requires setting appropriate boundaries with extended family so that the husband and wife become each other’s primary support.
3. Unity is central to a strong marriage. True biblical marriage is more than living under the same roof—it is about oneness of heart, mind, and purpose.
4. Marriage requires selfless love. Just as Christ gave Himself for the church, husbands and wives should serve, love, and prioritize each other (Ephesians 5:25).

This verse is a call to honor and protect marriage as God designed it.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is displayed in His design for marriage:

• God created marriage to reflect His faithful love. Just as God never abandons His people, marriage is meant to be a relationship of unwavering commitment (Hosea 2:19-20).
• God’s love brings unity. Marriage is designed to bring two people together in deep, lasting unity, just as God desires unity with His people (John 17:21).
• God’s love provides stability. A strong marriage, built on God’s principles, provides security, love, and joy for both spouses and their families.

When marriages follow God’s design, they become a testimony of His love and faithfulness.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus reinforced the sanctity of marriage by quoting this very verse:

• Matthew 19:4-6 – Jesus said, “At the beginning, the Creator made them male and female,” affirming that marriage is part of God’s original plan.
• John 17:21 – Jesus prayed that believers would be one, just as He and the Father are one—reflecting the unity marriage is meant to model.
• Ephesians 5:32 – Paul calls marriage “a profound mystery” that refers to Christ and the church, showing that marriage is a reflection of Jesus’ relationship with His people.

Marriage is more than a human relationship—it is a living picture of the gospel. Just as Christ is fully committed to His church, a husband and wife are to be fully committed to one another.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse shape your understanding of marriage as a lifelong covenant?
2. What does “leaving and cleaving” look like in a healthy, God-honoring marriage?
3. How does the unity of marriage reflect the unity between Christ and the church?
4. What are some ways couples can strengthen their “one flesh” relationship?
5. How does this verse challenge the world’s view of marriage as temporary or disposable?