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 5:31KJV
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Ephesians 5:31 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 5:31 mean?

Ephesians 5:31 describes how a man leaves his parents and becomes united with his wife, so that the two become one flesh. This verse points to the deep, committed bond of marriage, where two people form a new, united life together.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Ephesus, quoting from Genesis to explain the meaning of marriage. He uses this picture to show not only the closeness of a husband and wife, but also to set up a comparison for the relationship between Christ and the church in the surrounding verses.

The Greek behind Ephesians 5:31

  • "Joined" (προσκολληθήσεται, proskollēthēsetai): This word means to be glued or stuck closely together. It highlights the strong, lasting attachment that is meant to exist in marriage, not just a casual connection.
  • "One flesh" (εἰς σάρκα μίαν, eis sarka mian): This phrase means more than just physical union; it points to a new, shared life and identity. The Greek here carries the sense of a complete unity, not just partnership.

Why Ephesians 5:31 matters

  • Ephesians 5:31 clears up the idea that marriage is only about living together or sharing responsibilities; it emphasizes a deep, personal unity.
  • This verse connects the teaching about marriage to the bigger picture of Christ’s relationship with the church, showing that marriage is meant to reflect something much greater.
  • By quoting Genesis, Paul roots his teaching in the very beginning of the Bible, showing that this understanding of marriage has always been part of God’s design.

Where else these words appear

“joined” Greek G4347 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
  • Mark 10:7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
  • Acts 5:36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

“For” Greek G473 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Luke 11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
  • 1 Corinthians 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

“shall” Greek G2641 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 4:13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:
  • Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

“one” Greek G3391 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
  • Galatians 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.