Genesis 2:24 “Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
‘Therefore’ references back to God’s Perfect Provision.
Other translations for this word are: “For this reason…” NASB and “That is why…” NIV
For it was God Himself who:
- saw the need
- fashioned the woman
- brought her to the man
To Leave and To Cleave. First things first, even before parents existed, the model is clearly laid out that the man is to leave his mother and father. He is to leave physically for sure but also to leave so as to create an identity apart from mom and dad. He is to leave and prepare himself to invite another person to join him on the journey. Note that this is specific to the man – there is no mention or indication that a woman is to leave her mother and father to create an identity apart from them.
Cleave: other translations for this word; “bond” in the HCSB; “unite” in the NIV; “hold fast” in the ESV; “joined” in the NASB
This is more, way more, than a sexual oneness, although that is certainly part of it. This bonding, uniting, joining, cleaving, holding fast is relational, missional, emotional and mental. It is true oneness and it has a beginning and then it continues to grow for a lifetime.
The ‘one flesh’ gets a lot of attention and so it should for this is reserved by God for this special relationship. This is the only relationship that God and His Word affirms as ‘one flesh’. It is holy and set apart for this relationship only.
Praise and Prayer.
Heavenly Father, I praise You for what You have created. Thank You for clearly presenting this in Your Word. Give me grace to embrace this leave and cleave and to champion it to all who have ears to hear. In Jesus Name, Amen.