“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?”– Matthew 19:5 (KJV)
“And He said, ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.'”– Matthew 19:5 (NLT)
“He said, ‘This is why a man leaves his father and mother and gets married. We become like one person.’ “– Matthew 19:5 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 19:5 Mean?
Matthew 19:5 is a quote from Jesus, taken from His teaching on marriage and relationships. When we look closely, we see that it emphasizes the profound nature of the bond that unites a husband and wife. This verse underscores God’s design for marriage; it begins with leaving one’s parents and committing to a spouse. The words “leave” and “cleave” indicate some significant transitions in a person’s life. When a person decides to get married, they are stepping into a new chapter, one that involves deep emotional and spiritual commitment. This isn’t just about living together; it’s about becoming a unified couple – a partnership formed in love.
So, when we hear “and they twain shall be one flesh,” we can interpret this as more than just physical unity. It speaks to a deep emotional and spiritual connection that is intended to last a lifetime. This is a divine blueprint that God has laid out for us. It suggests that the relationship between husband and wife should be stronger and more significant than any other relationship, including those with parents or friends. While we value our family relationships, marriage calls for a new level of dedication and devotion.
Matthew 19:5 Explanation and Commentary
Looking at Matthew 19:5, we notice that Jesus brings attention to the original design of marriage as described in Genesis. He makes clear that marriage is sacred and intended to be a lifelong commitment. By quoting Genesis, Jesus connects the essence of marriage to God’s creation plan. He emphasizes that from the very beginning, God designed man and woman to be partners, equally valuable in their roles and responsibilities.
The call to “leave father and mother” is critical. This call means establishing a life distinct from one’s parents. While we honor our parents, God invites us to form a new family unit with our spouse. It’s a beautiful transition that reflects commitment and trust. As we move from relying on our parents to supporting and caring for our spouse, we fulfill our responsibilities as partners.
Understanding the phrase “and shall cleave to his wife” helps us see that this is a lifelong commitment. Clinging doesn’t refer to simple physical attachment; it involves emotional and spiritual growth. As we cleave to our spouse, we become more unified in thoughts, goals, and dreams. It’s a reminder that marriage isn’t always easy. Challenges will arise but through grace and God’s guidance, we can work through difficulties together.
In exploring our own relationships, we can reflect on how we’re applying this wisdom in our lives. Are we putting our spouse’s needs before our own? Do we seek to build them up and support them? Keeping the original design of marriage at the forefront means creating a nurturing environment where both partners can thrive, united by love and mutual respect. The essence of Matthew 19:5 is not just ancient advice, but it speaks to us in today’s context, calling us to invest in our relationships deeply.
Context of Matthew 19:5
To truly grasp the weight of this verse, it’s essential to understand the context surrounding it. In Matthew chapter 19, we find Jesus addressing questions about marriage and divorce. The Pharisees approached Him, trying to challenge His teachings by referencing Moses’ law on divorce. Jesus, however, redirected their focus, pointing back to God’s original intent for marriage at creation.
This passage highlights the importance Jesus placed on marriage. He contrasts the temporary nature of the laws concerning divorce with God’s foundational plan for relationships. By quoting Genesis, He reinforces that God established the institution of marriage long before societal norms and traditions shaped it. Jesus emphasizes that marriage is about more than just convenience; it is a covenant before God.
Jesus’ teachings challenge us as well. Are we upholding the sanctity of marriage in our lives? As we study these passages, we feel Jesus calling us to view marriage as a sacred bond, precious in God’s eyes. We have to remember that relationships require dedication and sacrifice. It means we must take our commitment seriously, recognizing that marriage is a lifetime commitment, not lightly dissolved.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 19:5
As we break down Matthew 19:5, we can examine its components to appreciate its richness fully. The first part, “For this cause shall a man leave father and mother,” speaks of the necessity of stepping away from one’s primary family unit. This action is significant for men and women alike and initiates a new beginning with a spouse. It indicates a transition from childhood dependency to adult responsibility.
The phrase “and shall cleave to his wife” serves as a reminder that marriage is a deeply rooted commitment. “Cleave” implies loyalty and unity, something we work toward daily. Being in a successful marriage reflects God’s love and demonstrates to others what a loving partnership should be. It’s not about merely living together but about shared lives, mutual support, and understanding each other’s dreams and fears.
The conclusion of the verse, “and they twain shall be one flesh,” highlights an astounding miracle of God’s creation. The term “one flesh” signifies a deep bond that transcends mere physical union; it is a spiritual, emotional, and intellectual connection that is only possible in a marriage. This unity changes your identity, as no longer are you just individuals but partners sharing a life journey together.
This unity can be looked at in different ways, but it fundamentally means that couples are meant to navigate life together—through the heights and depths. The choice to live as “one flesh” calls for ongoing work and commitment from both partners. As we reflect on this, we should ask ourselves how we strive for unity in our marriages. Are we supportive? Do we communicate well? This scripture truly challenges us to do our best for the health and happiness of our relationships.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 19:5
Reading Matthew 19:5 gives us valuable lessons about marriage and relationships. One significant lesson is the necessity of commitment. Committing to our spouses is an ongoing journey, rooted in love, respect, and collaboration. We are invited to foster relationships where both partners feel valued and cherished. It’s easy to overlook these principles in times of stress, so we must remind ourselves of them continually.
We learn that marriage involves a degree of sacrifice. Leaving our families doesn’t mean abandoning them; it means prioritizing our spouse and our new family. We have to balance our love for our parents and our commitment to our spouses. This is where we can learn to communicate openly about our feelings and expectations, ensuring we honor both sides while nurturing our marriage.
Another lesson we can glean is the call to unity. “One flesh” isn’t just a poetic phrase; it’s an actual active process. Unity doesn’t just happen magically; we must intentionally work towards it. This could mean making decisions together, supporting each other’s goals, or simply spending quality time nurturing our relationship. We should be aware of how we can come together as a couple, sharing life’s journey and growing alongside one another.
Finally, the passage encourages us to look at marriage through a holy lens. As we keep our relationships grounded in faith, we can position our married lives to reflect God’s glory. It reminds us that when we experience trials in marriage, we can turn to prayer and God’s Word for guidance. We should not shy away from seeking help—whether from mentors or church leaders—because seeking growth in marriage reflects our desire to honor our commitment to God and our spouse.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 19:5 serves as an echo of God-ordained design for marriage and how important it is to cultivate love, trust, and understanding in our relationships. Each of us has an opportunity to embrace this calling to nurture our bonds, turning our lives together into a beautiful reflection of Christ’s love. Let’s remember the foundational principles of commitment, sacrifice, and unity as we approach our relationships.
As we strive to fulfill what God intends for our marriages, we can look up to scriptures such as Matthew 11 and Genesis 18 for guidance and reflection on our paths. Let us allow the truth of Matthew 19:5 to transform our understanding of love, urging us to be more loving partners in every sense. May we be challenged to continually grow and strengthen our marriages, affirming our commitment to God’s design.