Mark 10:7 – “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus is quoting from Genesis 2:24 to explain the foundation of marriage as God designed it. The phrase “for this reason” refers back to the creation of men and women as complementary partners (Mark 10:6). The act of leaving one’s father and mother emphasizes a significant life transition—forming a new family unit through marriage. This new union is intended to be permanent and prioritized over previous familial ties. The husband and wife are not just partners but are bound together in a deep, covenantal relationship, reflecting God’s design for unity and intimacy.
Jesus is reminding the Pharisees that marriage is not simply a legal contract but a God-ordained relationship that involves commitment, loyalty, and the formation of something entirely new.
Historical Context
In ancient Jewish culture, family connections were extremely important, with strong ties to one’s parents and extended family. However, Genesis 2:24 established from the beginning that when a man marries, his primary loyalty should shift to his wife. This idea of “leaving and cleaving” was a foundational aspect of Hebrew thought on marriage.
When Jesus refers to this passage, He is making it clear that marriage has always been about more than convenience or cultural norms—it is a divinely established institution rooted in God’s creation. During Jesus’ time, many saw marriage primarily through the lens of law and custom, but Jesus points back to its deeper, sacred meaning. His statement emphasizes that God’s original design transcends human tradition or legal permissions for divorce.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the theological truth that marriage is a covenant, not just a legal or social arrangement. The “leaving” of one’s parents signifies a shift in priorities, reflecting how marriage creates a bond that is meant to be stronger and more enduring than any other earthly relationship.
It also underscores the importance of unity in marriage. The word “united” (or “cleave” in some translations) suggests an inseparable joining of two lives into one. This unity is part of God’s design for marriage and reflects His desire for relationships characterized by commitment, love, and mutual support.
Spiritually, this verse also points to the way God calls believers into a relationship with Him. Just as a man leaves his parents to unite with his wife, believers are called to leave behind their old life of sin and unite with Christ in a new, permanent relationship.
Literary Analysis
The structure of the verse emphasizes both separation and union. The act of leaving parents symbolizes a break from the old, while the act of being united to one’s spouse represents the formation of something new and enduring. The literary balance here mirrors the spiritual balance in marriage—two distinct individuals coming together to form one unified life.
By quoting Genesis, Jesus connects the beginning of creation with His teaching on marriage, showing that God’s plan has always been consistent. The word choice of “united” (Greek: proskollaō) implies a strong, almost glue-like bond, reinforcing the permanence of marriage.
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.”
- Ephesians 5:31 – Paul quotes this same verse when describing the relationship between Christ and the Church, showing how marriage reflects the covenantal love of God.
- Matthew 19:5 – A parallel passage where Jesus repeats this teaching about the permanence of marriage.
- Ruth 1:16 – Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi echoes the idea of leaving one’s old life and cleaving to a new relationship, reflecting commitment and covenant.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the sacred nature of marriage and the commitment it requires. It challenges couples to prioritize their relationship above all other earthly ties, including their relationships with parents, friends, or careers. Marriage involves leaving behind old loyalties and fully committing to the new family being created.
In a culture where marriage is often viewed as temporary or conditional, this verse reminds us that God’s design is for a lifelong, unbreakable union. Christians are called to honor their marriage vows, seeking unity through love, forgiveness, and mutual submission. Even when challenges arise, the bond of marriage should remain strong, reflecting God’s faithfulness.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is revealed through His design for marriage as a place of safety, intimacy, and mutual support. The idea of leaving and cleaving shows that God values commitment and loyalty, which are key aspects of His own relationship with His people. Just as God never abandons His covenant with us, marriage is meant to reflect that same kind of enduring love.
Even when marriages face struggles, God’s love offers hope and restoration. His commands about marriage are not meant to be burdensome but to protect us from the heartache of broken relationships. Through His guidance and grace, He empowers couples to overcome challenges and experience the joy of a united life.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus’ reference to Genesis shows that He came not to abolish God’s design but to fulfill and restore it. Just as marriage involves leaving one family to unite with another, Jesus left His heavenly home to unite with His people through His sacrificial love on the cross. His relationship with the Church is described as a marriage, with Christ as the bridegroom and the Church as His bride (Ephesians 5:25-27).
Jesus’ love for the Church is the perfect example of what marital love should look like—selfless, sacrificial, and enduring. His death and resurrection made it possible for us to be united with Him forever, just as marriage is meant to reflect an unbreakable bond.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why is it important for a man to leave his parents and be united to his wife in marriage?
- How does this verse challenge the modern view of marriage as temporary or conditional?
- What does it mean to be “united” in marriage, and how can couples work toward that unity?
- In what ways can Christians prioritize their marriages and protect them from outside influences?
- How does Jesus’ love for the Church serve as a model for love within marriage?
- How can God’s grace help restore unity in marriages that have faced difficulties or division?