Ephesians 5 31

Ephesians 5:31 kjv

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.

Ephesians 5:31 nkjv

"For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."

Ephesians 5:31 niv

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

Ephesians 5:31 esv

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."

Ephesians 5:31 nlt

As the Scriptures say, "A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one."

Ephesians 5 verses

Ephesians 5 31 Meaning

This verse states that a man should leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This union describes a profound marital bond, implying a complete separation from previous family ties and a new, unified existence with one's spouse. It establishes the foundational principle of marriage as a sacred covenant where two individuals become a single entity.

Ephesians 5 31 Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Ephesians 5 (verses 22-33) where Paul draws a parallel between the union of Christ and the Church and the union of a husband and wife. The preceding verses discuss submission and love within marriage, specifically instructing wives to submit to their husbands and husbands to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loved the Church. This verse provides the theological and practical basis for this mutual relationship, rooted in God's design for marriage from creation. It serves as a foundational principle for understanding the nature and permanence of the marital covenant, informing the subsequent instructions on spousal roles and conduct. The historical context involves Roman society where marriage was often a legal contract, but Paul elevates it to a spiritual and covenantal reality.

Ephesians 5 31 Word Analysis

• ἀπολιπεῖν (apolinein): "to leave behind," "to forsake." This signifies a decisive separation from one's parental home and prior dependencies, not a severing of familial respect, but a foundational shift in primary allegiance.
• τὸν πατέρα (ton patera): "the father." Refers to the male parent.
• καὶ τὴν μητέρα (kai ten mētera): "and the mother." Refers to the female parent. Emphasizes leaving both familial pillars.
• κολληθήσεται (kollēthēsetai): "shall be joined," "shall cleave unto." A future passive indicative verb from kollaō. It conveys a powerful sense of adhesive union, becoming firmly attached and inseparable, implying a deep and enduring bond.
• τῇ γυναικὶ (tē gynaiki): "to his wife." The recipient of this unique cleaving.
• αὐτοῦ (autou): "his." Possessive pronoun, linking the wife to the husband.
• εἰς σάρκα μίαν (eis sarka mian): "into one flesh." The result and description of the union. This points to a shared existence, a blending of lives and identities at the most fundamental level. It’s more than just physical proximity; it’s becoming a single living entity. This concept is echoed in the creation account where Adam recognized Eve as "bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh" (Gen. 2:23).

Word Groups Analysis:

• "leave his father and mother": This phrase emphasizes a deliberate and essential step in forming a new family unit. It signifies a prioritized commitment to the spouse over the original family of origin, while not negating honor to parents (cf. Ex. 20:12).
• "cleave to his wife": The strong verb kollaō indicates a loyal, intimate, and persistent attachment. It’s a profound interdependency and commitment.
• "the two shall become one flesh": This phrase encapsulates the ultimate outcome and spiritual reality of the marital union, reflecting God's original design for procreation, intimacy, and companionship. It signifies a unity that transcends mere association, becoming a singular entity in purpose, life, and divine recognition.

Ephesians 5 31 Bonus Section

The concept of "one flesh" also has theological implications regarding procreation, as stated in Genesis 1:28 ("Be fruitful and multiply"), and intimacy, as referenced in Song of Solomon 4:12. Furthermore, the unity described here serves as a shadow and testament to the greater unity believers share with Christ, as Paul concludes in verse 30, "for we are members of his body." The verse implicitly warns against anything that would fracture this intended unity, such as adultery or divorce outside of biblical grounds, as illustrated by other New Testament passages. The singular nature of the "one flesh" union emphasizes a mutual, exclusive, and indissoluble bond within marriage.

Ephesians 5 31 Commentary

This verse, echoing Genesis 2:24 and reaffirmed by Jesus in Mark 10:7 and Matthew 19:5, establishes the bedrock of the marital covenant. It's not merely a social contract but a divine institution where two individuals, in forsaking their separate households, become inextricably bound together as "one flesh." This profound union signifies absolute commitment, mutual exclusivity, and shared identity. It calls for a prioritizing of the marital bond, forging a new, singular unit. This oneness is the foundation upon which the calls for submission and sacrificial love in the preceding verses are built, mirroring the ultimate union of Christ and His Church, where believers are members of His body (Eph. 5:30). The commitment is total, encompassing spiritual, emotional, and physical dimensions.

Practical Usage Example: A young couple, upon marriage, consciously establishes their home and makes decisions prioritizing their new shared life, rather than deferring primarily to their parents' desires or guidance. Their finances, decisions, and daily routines reflect a unified front, demonstrating they have truly become "one flesh."