Genesis 2:24

Context

In Genesis 2, God forms the woman and brings her to the man, who rejoices, saying, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh" (2:23). The verse that immediately follows is an explanatory comment by the narrator. Beginning with "Therefore," it draws the meaning of marriage as an institution out of the creation account.

The verse is quoted several times in the New Testament. When the Pharisees questioned Jesus about divorce, he cited it and answered, "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9). Paul quotes it when explaining the relationship between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:31-32) and when warning against sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:16).

Interpretation

• As a definition of marriage: This reading takes the verse as the basis for understanding marriage as a lifelong covenantal union between one man and one woman who become independent of their parents. "Leave" is read as signifying the independence of the new household, "cleave" as a firm bond, and "one flesh" as a union of body and of the whole of life. This is broadly the understanding of marriage held by the major Protestant denominations.
• Sacramental reading: The Catholic Church, reading the verse together with Ephesians 5, regards matrimony as a sacrament that manifests the union of Christ and the church. The Reformers honored marriage as a holy institution but did not count it among the sacraments.
• As a picture of the covenant: Placing weight on "This is a great mystery" in Ephesians 5:32, this reading sees marriage itself as a sign pointing to the relationship between Christ and the church.

Controversies and Issues

• Divorce: Because Jesus used this verse to restrict divorce strictly, denominational differences over how far divorce and remarriage may be permitted are bound up with its interpretation. For further discussion, see Divorce and Remarriage.
• Same-sex marriage: Traditional interpretation, citing this verse together with Matthew 19:4 ("made them male and female"), limits marriage to the union of a man and a woman. Some progressive interpreters hold that the verse describes marriage as it existed at the time rather than defining its only possible form. See Homosexuality and the Church.
• Polygamy: Although the Old Testament patriarchs had multiple wives, the common interpretation holds that monogamy reflects the original intent of creation, pointing to the words "the two" found in the Septuagint and in the New Testament quotations (rendered "they twain" in the KJV of Matthew 19:5).

In the Korean Church

The verse is a standard text for sermons and officiants' addresses at wedding services. The phrase about "leaving" one's parents is also frequently taken up in family ministry teaching that addresses conflicts between parents and their married children and the balance between filial piety and independence.

Related Passages

• Matthew 19:4-6
• Mark 10:6-9
• Ephesians 5:31-32
• 1 Corinthians 6:16
• Malachi 2:14-16