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.

Genesis 2:24 nkjv

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Genesis 2:24 niv

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Genesis 2:24 esv

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

Genesis 2:24 nlt

This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.

Genesis 2 verses

Genesis 2 24 Meaning

Genesis 2:24 sets forth the divine design for marriage, establishing it as a foundational institution for humanity. It describes a three-fold process: a man's transfer of primary allegiance from his family of origin ("leave"), his tenacious, covenantal commitment to his spouse ("hold fast"), and the resulting profound, holistic unity they achieve ("become one flesh"). This verse defines marriage as an exclusive, permanent, and intimate bond between one man and one woman, rooted in God's creative order.

Genesis 2 24 Context

Genesis chapter 2 recounts a more detailed account of creation, specifically focusing on the formation of humanity and the establishment of relationship within creation. Following the creation of Adam (man) and placing him in the Garden of Eden, God observes that "it is not good that the man should be alone" (Gen 2:18). This observation sets the stage for the creation of woman, Eve, from Adam's rib (Gen 2:21-22), emphasizing her role as a complementary helper "fit for him." Upon seeing Eve, Adam declares, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man" (Gen 2:23). It is immediately after this exclamation of profound recognition and unity between the first man and woman that Genesis 2:24 is presented as a divine explanation and principle derived from this inaugural creation event, defining marriage for all generations. Historically and culturally, in the ancient Near East, lineage and family were paramount, often involving arranged marriages, polygamy, and transient unions focused on property or procreation. This verse introduces a revolutionary concept of exclusive, permanent, and intimate monogamy based on choice, emotional connection, and holistic unity, directly contrasting prevalent social norms.

Genesis 2 24 Word analysis

• Therefore (עַל־כֵּן - 'al-ken): Meaning "for this reason," or "because of this." It serves as a direct conclusion drawn from the preceding events, namely the complementary creation of man and woman, their intrinsic fit, and the declaration of "bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh." This makes marriage a divinely instituted consequence of creation.
• a man (אִישׁ - 'ish): Refers specifically to the male human being, highlighting that the directive is for Adam and, by extension, every man who marries. The original Hebrew draws a phonetic link to ishshah (woman) reflecting their complementary nature and shared origin from humanity (adam).
• shall leave (יַעֲזָב - ya'azov): Meaning "to abandon," "to forsake," or "to let go of." In this context, it implies a decisive reordering of loyalties and a transition from dependency on parents to establishing a new, independent familial unit. It is not a negative abandonment of family ties, but a necessary shift of primary allegiance. This was a significant command in a culture strongly defined by patrilineal households and family loyalty.
• his father and his mother (אָבִיו וְאִמּוֹ - 'aviv ve'immo): Represents the original family unit and source of one's being and upbringing. The directive highlights a paradigm shift from being a dependent part of an existing family to forming a new, foundational household with a spouse.
• and hold fast to (וְדָבַק - ve'davaq): Meaning "to cling," "to cleave," "to stick close to," "to adhere firmly." This verb implies a deep, tenacious, loyal, and committed attachment. It denotes more than physical proximity; it's a covenantal act of total dedication, fidelity, and emotional solidarity. It’s the antithesis of the "leaving" mentioned just before it, emphasizing where the man's new ultimate human allegiance should reside. This word is also used elsewhere for clinging to God (Deut 10:20), indicating the sacred nature of the marital bond.
• his wife (בְּאִשְׁתּוֹ - be'ishto): Refers to his specific spouse, the one chosen for lifelong commitment. The singular nature emphasizes the monogamous design.
• and they shall become (וְהָיוּ לְ - ve'hayu l'et): Implies a transformative process or resulting state. They do not merely unite, but are fundamentally changed by their union. It's a progressive, ongoing reality.
• one flesh (בָּשָׂר אֶחָד - basar echad):
  • flesh (basar): Often refers to the physical body, but also kin, humanity, or living creatures in general. It encompasses more than just the sexual act.
  • one (echad): Implies singularity, uniqueness, and a unified whole formed from distinct parts.
  • Together, "one flesh" signifies a profound, holistic union – physically, emotionally, spiritually, and in terms of kinship and shared identity. It suggests a bond so deep that they become a single, composite entity, almost as if sharing the same life-force and substance. This includes sexual intimacy (its natural expression), procreation, and a shared life that integrates all aspects of their individual existence.

Words-group analysis:

• "a man shall leave his father and his mother": This phrase emphasizes the necessary autonomy and reorientation required to form a new household. It’s a separation not of affection, but of primary authority and dependence, foundational for marital maturity and independence.
• "and hold fast to his wife": This signifies the profound, exclusive, and unwavering commitment that forms the very essence of the marital covenant. It’s an active and continuous decision to prioritize and be devoted to the spouse above all other human relationships.
• "and they shall become one flesh": This culminating phrase describes the outcome and depth of the union. It’s the physical, emotional, and spiritual integration of two individuals into a singular, unified identity. It defines the intimate bond of marriage as a comprehensive and existential intertwining, making the married couple a new relational entity, which transcends mere cohabitation or even legal contracts.

Genesis 2 24 Bonus section

• The placement of Gen 2:24 immediately after the creation of woman, without any command regarding marriage given to Adam or Eve directly, suggests it is an intrinsic description of marriage as part of God's created order, not merely a societal construct.
• The emphasis on "man" initiating the "leaving" in the text reflects ancient patriarchal societal structures, where a wife often moved to the husband's household. However, the spiritual principle of reordered primary allegiance applies equally to the woman, signifying a mutual decision to prioritize the new marital bond.
• The phrase "one flesh" became a pivotal concept in later biblical theology, used by Jesus and Paul to defend the indissolubility of marriage and to explain the profound union of believers with Christ.
• The radical nature of this verse against ancient cultural norms, which often permitted polygamy, concubinage, or marriage based purely on political or economic gain, demonstrates God's singular, monogamous, and companionship-driven ideal for humanity from the beginning.
• This verse undergirds the sacredness of human sexuality within the confines of marriage. The sexual union is an expression, and in some sense a seal, of the already existing "one flesh" bond that is established covenantally.
• As part of the creation narrative before the Fall, marriage is presented as inherently good and beautiful, a blessing given by God, intended for human flourishing in His perfect design. It is not merely a means of procreation, but primarily a means of companionship and profound union.

Genesis 2 24 Commentary

Genesis 2:24 stands as a profound revelation of God's perfect design for marriage, articulated even before humanity's fall into sin. It outlines three essential dimensions of a truly marital relationship. Firstly, "leaving" signifies the crucial step of establishing a new, independent family unit, transferring primary allegiance from one's family of origin to one's spouse. This foundational autonomy is necessary for a healthy marriage to thrive. Secondly, "holding fast" emphasizes the tenacious, unbreakable covenantal bond between husband and wife. It speaks to profound loyalty, enduring commitment, and active devotion—a clinging that parallels a believer's attachment to God. This aspect ensures permanence and exclusivity. Finally, the climax of "one flesh" denotes an profound holistic unity. More than merely sexual intimacy (though it includes this), "one flesh" refers to the comprehensive integration of two individuals—physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually—into a new, shared existence. They are distinct persons, yet united in identity and purpose. This sacred union, divinely ordained, is the template for all human marriages, reflecting God's Trinitarian unity and anticipating the ultimate union of Christ with His Church, as affirmed throughout the Scriptures. It necessitates active participation, sacrifice, and God's grace to live out its divine ideal.

• Example: A young couple, deeply in love, chooses to get married. The "leaving" means they prioritize decisions affecting their new household, even if it differs from parental advice, always respecting but not solely relying on their families. The "holding fast" is seen in their mutual commitment to work through challenges, forsaking all others, and consistently choosing faithfulness to one another. The "one flesh" is experienced through shared vulnerability, deep communication, integrated finances, physical intimacy, and presenting a united front in all areas of life, seeking common purpose as a singular unit.