Genesis 2:24
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother - There shall be, by the order of God, a more intimate connection formed between the man and woman, than can subsist even between parents and children. And they shall be one flesh - These words may be understood in a twofold sense. 1. These two shall be one flesh, shall be considered as one body, having no separate or independent rights, privileges, cares, concerns, etc., each being equally interested in all things that concern the marriage state. 2. These two shall be for the production of one flesh; from their union a posterity shall spring, as exactly resembling themselves as they do each other. Our Lord quotes these words, Mat 19:5, with some variation from this text: They Twain shall be one flesh. So in Mar 10:8. St. Paul quotes in the same way, Co1 6:16, and in Eph 5:31. The Vulgate Latin, the Septuagint, the Syriac, the Arabic, and the Samaritan, all read the word Two. That this is the genuine reading I have no doubt. The word שניהם sheneyhem, they two or both of them, was, I suppose, omitted at first from the Hebrew text, by mistake, because it occurs three words after in the following verse, or more probably it originally occurred in Gen 2:24, and not in Gen 2:25; and a copyist having found that he had written it twice, in correcting his copy, struck out the word in Gen 2:24 instead of Gen 2:25. But of what consequence is it? In the controversy concerning polygamy, it has been made of very great consequence. Without the word, some have contended a man may have as many wives as he chooses, as the terms are indefinite, They shall be, etc., but with the word, marriage is restricted. A man can have in legal wedlock but One wife at the same time. We have here the first institution of marriage, and we see in it several particulars worthy of our most serious regard. 1. God pronounces the state of celibacy to be a bad state, or, if the reader please, not a good one; and the Lord God said, It is not good for man to be alone. This is God's judgment. Councils, and fathers, and doctors, and synods, have given a different judgment; but on such a subject they are worthy of no attention. The word of God abideth for ever. 2. God made the woman for the man, and thus he has shown us that every son of Adam should be united to a daughter of Eve to the end of the world. See on Co1 7:3 (note). God made the woman out of the man, to intimate that the closest union, and the most affectionate attachment, should subsist in the matrimonial connection, so that the man should ever consider and treat the woman as a part of himself: and as no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and supports it, so should a man deal with his wife; and on the other hand the woman should consider that the man was not made for her, but that she was made for the man, and derived, under God, her being from him; therefore the wife should see that she reverence her husband, Eph 5:33. Gen 2:23, Gen 2:24 contain the very words of the marriage ceremony: This is flesh of my flesh, and bone of my bone, therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. How happy must such a state be where God's institution is properly regarded, where the parties are married, as the apostle expresses it, in the Lord; where each, by acts of the tenderest kindness, lives only to prevent the wishes and contribute in every possible way to the comfort and happiness of the other! Marriage might still be what it was in its original institution, pure and suitable; and in its first exercise, affectionate and happy; but how few such marriages are there to be found! Passion, turbulent and irregular, not religion; custom, founded by these irregularities, not reason; worldly prospects, originating and ending in selfishness and earthly affections, not in spiritual ends, are the grand producing causes of the great majority of matrimonial alliances. How then can such turbid and bitter fountains send forth pure and sweet waters? See the ancient allegory of Cupid and Psyche, by which marriage is so happily illustrated, explained in the notes on Mat 19:4-6.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
one flesh--The human pair differed from all other pairs, that by peculiar formation of Eve, they were one. And this passage is appealed to by our Lord as the divine institution of marriage (Mat 19:4-5; Eph 5:28). Thus Adam appears as a creature formed after the image of God--showing his knowledge by giving names to the animals, his righteousness by his approval of the marriage relation, and his holiness by his principles and feelings, and finding gratification in the service and enjoyment of God. Next: Genesis Chapter 3
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore shall a man leave his father, and his mother,.... These are thought by some to be the words of Moses, inferring from the above fact, what ought to be among men; and by others, the words of Adam under divine inspiration, as the father of mankind instructing his sons what to do, and foretelling what would be done in all succeeding ages: though they rather seem to be the words of God himself, by whom marriage was now instituted; and who here gives direction about it, and declares the case and circumstance of man upon it, and how he would and should behave: and thus our Lord Jesus Christ, quoting these words, makes them to be the words of him that made man, male and female, and supplies and prefaces them thus, and said, "for this cause", &c. Mat 19:5 so Jarchi paraphrases them,"the Holy Ghost said so:''not that a man upon his marriage is to drop his affections to his parents, or be remiss in his obedience to them, honour of them, and esteem for then, or to neglect the care of them, if they stand in need of his assistance; but that he should depart from his father's house, and no more dwell with him, or bed and board in his house; but having taken a wife to himself, should provide an habitation for him and her to dwell together: so all the three Targums interpret it, of quitting "the house of his father, and his mother's bed": and shall cleave unto his wife; with a cordial affection, taking care of her, nourishing and cherishing her, providing all things comfortable for her, continuing to live with her, and not depart from her as long as they live: the phrase is expressive of the near union by marriage between man and wife; they are, as it were, glued together, and make but one; which is more fully and strongly expressed in the next clause: and they shall be one flesh; that is, "they two", the man and his wife, as it is supplied and interpreted by Christ, Mat 19:5 and so here in the Targum of Jonathan, and in the Septuagint and Samaritan versions: the union between them is so close, as if they were but one person, one soul, one body; and which is to be observed against polygamy, unlawful divorces, and all uncleanness, fornication, and adultery: only one man and one woman, being joined in lawful wedlock, have a right of copulation with each other, in order to produce a legitimate offspring, partaking of the same one flesh, as children do of their parents, without being able to distinguish the flesh of the one from the other, they partake of: and from hence it appears to be a fabulous notion, that Cecrops, the first king of Athens, was the first institutor of matrimony and joiner of one man to one woman; whence he was said to be "biformis" (p), and was called unless, as some (q) have thought, that he and Moses were one and the same who delivered out the first institution of marriage, which is this. (p) Justin. e Trogo, l. 2. c. 6. (q) Vid. Saldeni Otia Theolog. Exercitat. 1. sect. 14. p. 13, 14.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:24 Marriage between a man and a woman is not just a human social construct but is rooted in the created order. • a man leaves . . . and is joined: Marriage entails a shift of loyalty from parents to spouse. • the two are united into one: Marriage and its commitments make it the most fundamental covenant relationship observed among humans. Marriage is a powerful image of Israel’s covenant with God (Hos 2:14-23) and of Christ’s relationship to the church (Eph 5:22-32). Marriage is designed as an inseparable, exclusive relationship between a man and a woman. The family unit it creates is the basic building block of human society.
Genesis 2:24
Man and Woman in the Garden
23And the man said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of man she was taken.” 24For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(The Chief End of Man - Part 6): The Entireness of Worship
By A.W. Tozer4.4K46:15Chief End of ManGEN 2:24EXO 34:6PSA 45:2MAT 6:33ROM 3:10EPH 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of honoring God in every aspect of our lives. He reminds the audience that their time, spending, and living should all be done in a way that brings glory to God. The preacher also shares a personal anecdote about someone who remembered something he had told them, highlighting the impact of his teachings. He concludes by acknowledging that while there may be advancements in science and knowledge, it is important to remember that all people are sinners and in need of God's grace.
The New Creation - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks3.1K19:36New CreationGEN 1:3GEN 2:24ROM 5:121CO 15:221CO 15:452CO 4:6EPH 5:31In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about a man who was captured by a Roman general. Initially, the man was rebellious, but as he observed the general's way of life, he began to admire him. Eventually, the general offered the man his freedom, but the man chose to stay with the general because he had come to realize that the general was more powerful and admirable than he had initially thought. The speaker uses this story to illustrate the concept of surrendering to Jesus Christ and how it leads to a joyful and fulfilling life. The sermon also references passages from the Bible, such as 2 Corinthians 4 and Romans 5, to support the idea of the old and new creations in Christ.
(Genesis) Genesis 4:16-26
By J. Vernon McGee2.9K05:49GenesisGEN 2:24GEN 4:16GEN 4:19GEN 4:23GEN 4:26In this sermon, the preacher discusses the descendants of Cain and their contributions to civilization. He mentions Jable, who was the father of those who dwelled in tents, and his brother Jable, who was the father of musicians. The preacher also mentions Zilla, who was the wife of Lamek and the mother of those skilled in metalwork. Lamek himself was the first to practice polygamy. The sermon also highlights the significance of Seth, who was born to Adam and Eve after the death of Abel, and how his descendants began to call upon the name of the Lord. The preacher concludes by discussing the challenges and problems associated with city life.
A Vision of My Mission (Field)—part 1
By Aaron Hurst2.6K1:24:46Purpose Of LifeGEN 2:24PSA 40:2PRO 29:18EPH 5:251PE 3:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear mission and vision in life. He asks thought-provoking questions about the purpose of our existence and the goals we have as individuals. The speaker highlights that as Christians, our ultimate mission is to glorify God and exalt Him in all aspects of our lives. He also discusses the mission within marriage, emphasizing the importance of loving our spouses as Christ loves the church. The sermon concludes with the speaker expressing his excitement about the vision and steps towards fulfilling it that he has seen within the church community.
Godliness in the Home
By Keith Daniel2.5K1:26:53FamilyGEN 2:24MAT 6:33JHN 17:21ROM 8:291CO 6:172CO 6:14EPH 5:31In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of clear guidance for young people in these end times. He expresses a deep desire for God to visit and meet the needs of every individual, regardless of age or spiritual state. The preacher prays for the presence and voice of God to be equally experienced by all, and for hearts to be washed in the blood of Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. The sermon then focuses on a passage from Ephesians 5, highlighting the concept of two becoming one in marriage and drawing a parallel to Christ and the Church being one.
(The Missing Messages in Today's Christianity) Godly Husbands and Wives
By Zac Poonen2.3K58:25ChristianityGEN 2:24PSA 45:101CO 11:3EPH 5:231PE 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of wisdom in relationships, particularly in the context of marriage. He shares a story about the sun and the wind competing to see who could get a man to take off his coat, illustrating that wisdom is more powerful than strength. The speaker also addresses the issue of women being suppressed in churches and urges brothers to repent for their role in this. He concludes by highlighting the significance of building a godly home and encourages spouses to warm each other with love rather than resorting to shouting and yelling.
(1 Samuel) Blessings to the Barren
By David Guzik2.2K36:02GEN 2:241SA 1:18MAT 6:24In this sermon, the speaker introduces the book of 1 Samuel and expresses their excitement about studying it. They highlight the authenticity of the Bible compared to movies, novels, and television shows, emphasizing that the characters and events in the Bible are relatable and real. The speaker then begins to delve into the first chapter of 1 Samuel, introducing the main characters, Elkanah, Hannah, and Penaniah. They also discuss the use of human language to describe God's actions and the significance of feasts and celebrations in the Bible.
Idolatry Is to Love the World
By Zac Poonen2.0K59:42IdolatryGEN 2:24PSA 45:10MAT 4:8MAT 6:33JHN 16:32EPH 5:30In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being free from the pressure to please others and conform to worldly patterns. They highlight how the world dictates certain patterns in various aspects of life, such as appearance and behavior. The speaker also discusses the proper use of money, comparing it to fire that can be either a servant or a master. They caution against becoming slaves to money or any other worldly desires. The sermon concludes with the reminder that our ultimate allegiance should be to God, and when we give Him the central place in our hearts, we can live a truly free and purposeful life.
Gospel Meetings - Part 6
By Paul Washer2.0K18:04GospelGEN 2:24DEU 6:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the reality of death and the importance of preparing for the judgment before God. He highlights the significance of renewing our minds and warns against filling our minds with worldly filth that can nullify our efforts in studying the Scriptures. The preacher also discusses the impact of a lack of biblical knowledge on various aspects of life, such as marriage and joy. He emphasizes the need to seek knowledge and understanding in order to avoid destruction and live a sound life. The sermon references verses from the Bible, including Romans and Hosea, to support these teachings.
(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:23:21ExpositionalGEN 50:26EXO 2:15EXO 4:1EXO 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The preacher also highlights the importance of not getting too attached to material possessions, as they can easily be taken away. Instead, our focus should be on the things of the Spirit and God's eternal kingdom. The sermon references the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt, where they faced oppression and hardship, but ultimately God delivered them.
K-474 the Mercy Seat of God
By Art Katz1.8K50:46Mercy SeatGEN 2:24EXO 25:17PSA 85:10MAT 6:33EPH 2:14HEB 13:81JN 1:5In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of penmanship exercises in today's society and the instant gratification culture we live in. He expresses his concern about the superficiality of some sermons and the need for a deeper, more holy approach to preaching. The speaker highlights various contradictions and paradoxes in life and emphasizes the importance of coming into a place prepared by the blood of God's Son. He urges the audience to wait upon the Lord in the holiest place and seek the ultimate union of truth and mercy.
Social Relationships
By Stephen Olford1.7K1:03:46GEN 2:18GEN 2:24MAT 19:4ROM 8:9ROM 14:41CO 6:181TH 4:3In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of social relationships, particularly focusing on the challenges and complexities of sex relationships. The speaker emphasizes the importance of sanctification and honor in Christian and social relationships. He highlights three characteristics of friendship that should be considered: understanding, possessiveness, and overreaching. The speaker warns against exceeding the laws of chastity and holiness, sharing a distressing example of immorality in a Christian school. He urges young people to heed God's word and avoid behavior that will lead to judgment.
A Christlike Home (1) Christlike Husbands and Wives
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:04:20GEN 2:24PSA 45:10ECC 10:8ISA 45:15JHN 14:161CO 11:31PE 3:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of building a Christ-like home, focusing on the roles of a Christ-like husband, wife, father, and mother to raise Christ-like children. It highlights the need for humility, acknowledging when the home is not fulfilling God's purpose, and seeking Jesus for restoration. The sermon also addresses the significance of leaving and cleaving in marriage, avoiding debt, and living within one's means to maintain a godly home.
God Is Good
By Ralph Sexton1.6K26:26GEN 2:242CH 7:14PSA 51:10PRO 14:34PRO 29:1JER 1:12MAT 5:13LUK 19:411TI 5:8JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's blessings and mercy in our lives, warning about the consequences of neglecting Him and the potential for His anger. It calls for a return to faith, moral values, and integrity, highlighting the significance of repentance and spiritual revival in the face of societal challenges and materialism.
Talk on Marriage and Courting
By Keith Daniel1.5K1:23:30GEN 2:24PRO 18:22MAT 19:61CO 13:4EPH 5:25COL 3:191PE 3:71JN 4:71JN 4:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining love, tenderness, and respect in marriage, highlighting the need for forgiveness, grace, and a renewal of love through God's intervention. It challenges individuals to seek God's help in restoring and strengthening their marriages, urging them to prioritize their relationship with God and their spouse above all else.
Sons of Korah #3: Lesson of Love: Psalms 45
By Stephen Kaung1.5K1:03:08Sons of KorahGEN 2:24PSA 45:1MAT 22:37JHN 13:34EPH 5:25HEB 1:9REV 22:13In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the life and works of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the humility of Jesus during his time on earth, highlighting how he walked among people and performed good deeds. Despite being accused and put to death by the world, the psalmist saw the works of Jesus differently, recognizing the love and union between Christ and the church. The preacher encourages the audience to see Christ and the church as the key to understanding the entire Bible, stating that once this perspective is gained, the abundance of love in their hearts will overflow into their speech.
God’s Awesome Sovereignty Coinciding With Our Obedience
By Erlo Stegen1.4K00:00Sovereignty Of GodGEN 2:24MAT 1:18MAT 6:33MAT 24:36LUK 2:8JHN 8:11ROM 3:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ. The heavenly hosts rejoiced and praised God when they announced the birth of His son. The preacher highlights the problem of sin that has plagued mankind since the fall of Adam and Eve. He mentions that God had promised to send a Messiah to save humanity from sin. The preacher also discusses the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth in a stable and the importance of accepting Jesus into one's life.
Couples Night - Part 5
By Keith Daniel1.4K09:13GEN 2:241SA 18:28PRO 21:9MAL 2:16MAT 19:61CO 13:4EPH 5:33COL 3:191PE 3:7This sermon delves into the challenges and dynamics of marriage, drawing examples from historical figures like John Wesley and biblical characters like David and his wife. It explores the impact of a spouse's character on one's faith and the potential struggles faced within Christian marriages, emphasizing the importance of love, respect, and Godly behavior in relationships.
Staying Married Is Not About Staying in Love, Part 1
By John Piper1.3K41:24GEN 2:24ISA 54:10MAT 19:4MRK 10:8LUK 22:20EPH 5:31This sermon delves into the profound reality of marriage as a reflection of God's covenant with His people, emphasizing the divine origin and purpose of marriage. It highlights the gap between the biblical view of marriage and the world's view, pointing to the need for a deeper understanding of marriage as a sacred covenant rooted in God's design. The ultimate purpose of marriage is to display the covenant relationship between Christ and the Church, showcasing God's faithfulness and love. The message stresses the importance of covenant-keeping in marriage and the need for a deeper revelation of God's design for marriage.
Lionhearted and Lamblike the Christian Husband as Head, Part 1
By John Piper1.3K41:08GEN 2:24EPH 5:21EPH 5:28EPH 5:33This sermon reflects on the speaker's experience of his father's passing, expressing gratitude for his father's life and legacy. It transitions into a discussion on the importance of understanding the roles of husbands and wives in marriage, emphasizing the biblical concepts of headship and submission. The sermon highlights the need for husbands to lead with Christlike servant leadership, protection, and provision, while wives are called to honor and affirm their husband's leadership. The ultimate goal is to reflect the relationship between Christ and the church through marriage.
Marriage God's Showcase of Covenant Keeping Grace
By John Piper1.3K48:57GEN 2:24MAT 19:6MRK 10:6ROM 3:23EPH 5:31COL 2:13COL 3:12This sermon emphasizes the importance of marriage as a display of God's covenant-keeping grace, highlighting the need for forgiveness, endurance, and vertical dependence on God's grace to strengthen relationships. It explores the significance of understanding the wrath of God, the forgiveness and justification found in Christ, and the vertical experience of grace being extended horizontally in marriage. The focus is on living out the gospel in marriage, showcasing Christ and the church through forgiveness, forbearance, and faithfulness amidst challenges.
Twenty Years of Family Life
By George Verwer1.1K58:49Family LifeMarriage PrinciplesGEN 2:24PRO 22:6MAL 2:16MAT 19:61CO 13:4EPH 5:25COL 3:191TH 5:17HEB 13:41PE 4:8George Verwer reflects on the 20 years of family life within Operation Mobilization (OM), emphasizing the importance of prioritizing family, discipline, and real love in maintaining strong marriages. He acknowledges the challenges of divorce and separation faced by many, even within the church, and highlights the miraculous success of OM in fostering lasting relationships among its members. Verwer shares insights on the necessity of prayer, submission, and open communication in marriage, while also addressing the dangers of extremism and hyper-idealism. He encourages couples to embrace the principles of commitment and discipline, recognizing that true love is an act of the will rather than merely a feeling. Ultimately, he praises God for the blessings experienced in family life over the past two decades.
Family God's Way #4 - Husbands and Wives
By Bob Hoekstra1.0K1:01:16GEN 2:24MAT 6:33ACT 5:27EPH 5:22EPH 5:28In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living up to the heavenly pattern in marriage. He explains that marriage is a great mystery because it is meant to reflect the relationship between Christ and His bride, the church. The preacher highlights the excitement of John the Baptist when he spoke of Jesus as the bridegroom and his followers as the bride. The sermon concludes with the command for husbands to love their wives, following the example of Christ's love for the church. The preacher also mentions the importance of submission to both family and governmental authorities.
Godly Marriages - 1.godly Husbands, Wives and Parents
By Zac Poonen9891:31:45GEN 2:24PRO 3:27MAT 6:3JHN 16:131CO 10:13EPH 6:21TI 5:8HEB 11:6JAS 4:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith in marriage, highlighting the need for couples to trust God for unity, to overcome obstacles that hinder oneness, and to be overcomers with God's help. It discusses the reality of facing challenges in married life and the assurance that God is there to assist in overcoming them. The sermon also touches on the balance of caring for parents in need while maintaining family responsibilities.
(The Head Covering) 09 - 1 Corinthians 11:16 and Answers to the Cultural Argument
By Tom Chaplin98254:26Head CoveringGEN 1:27GEN 2:24MAT 5:18MAT 19:11CO 11:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the history of creation and the analogies between the relationships of God to Christ, Christ to man, and man to woman. He argues that these relationships have not changed and are still applicable today. The preacher also addresses the idea of being convinced and poses the question of what if someone still has doubts. He then introduces a theologian named R.C. and suggests that his teachings will be the subject of the sermon. The preacher concludes by asking for God's guidance and emphasizing the importance of true spiritual thoughts.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother - There shall be, by the order of God, a more intimate connection formed between the man and woman, than can subsist even between parents and children. And they shall be one flesh - These words may be understood in a twofold sense. 1. These two shall be one flesh, shall be considered as one body, having no separate or independent rights, privileges, cares, concerns, etc., each being equally interested in all things that concern the marriage state. 2. These two shall be for the production of one flesh; from their union a posterity shall spring, as exactly resembling themselves as they do each other. Our Lord quotes these words, Mat 19:5, with some variation from this text: They Twain shall be one flesh. So in Mar 10:8. St. Paul quotes in the same way, Co1 6:16, and in Eph 5:31. The Vulgate Latin, the Septuagint, the Syriac, the Arabic, and the Samaritan, all read the word Two. That this is the genuine reading I have no doubt. The word שניהם sheneyhem, they two or both of them, was, I suppose, omitted at first from the Hebrew text, by mistake, because it occurs three words after in the following verse, or more probably it originally occurred in Gen 2:24, and not in Gen 2:25; and a copyist having found that he had written it twice, in correcting his copy, struck out the word in Gen 2:24 instead of Gen 2:25. But of what consequence is it? In the controversy concerning polygamy, it has been made of very great consequence. Without the word, some have contended a man may have as many wives as he chooses, as the terms are indefinite, They shall be, etc., but with the word, marriage is restricted. A man can have in legal wedlock but One wife at the same time. We have here the first institution of marriage, and we see in it several particulars worthy of our most serious regard. 1. God pronounces the state of celibacy to be a bad state, or, if the reader please, not a good one; and the Lord God said, It is not good for man to be alone. This is God's judgment. Councils, and fathers, and doctors, and synods, have given a different judgment; but on such a subject they are worthy of no attention. The word of God abideth for ever. 2. God made the woman for the man, and thus he has shown us that every son of Adam should be united to a daughter of Eve to the end of the world. See on Co1 7:3 (note). God made the woman out of the man, to intimate that the closest union, and the most affectionate attachment, should subsist in the matrimonial connection, so that the man should ever consider and treat the woman as a part of himself: and as no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and supports it, so should a man deal with his wife; and on the other hand the woman should consider that the man was not made for her, but that she was made for the man, and derived, under God, her being from him; therefore the wife should see that she reverence her husband, Eph 5:33. Gen 2:23, Gen 2:24 contain the very words of the marriage ceremony: This is flesh of my flesh, and bone of my bone, therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. How happy must such a state be where God's institution is properly regarded, where the parties are married, as the apostle expresses it, in the Lord; where each, by acts of the tenderest kindness, lives only to prevent the wishes and contribute in every possible way to the comfort and happiness of the other! Marriage might still be what it was in its original institution, pure and suitable; and in its first exercise, affectionate and happy; but how few such marriages are there to be found! Passion, turbulent and irregular, not religion; custom, founded by these irregularities, not reason; worldly prospects, originating and ending in selfishness and earthly affections, not in spiritual ends, are the grand producing causes of the great majority of matrimonial alliances. How then can such turbid and bitter fountains send forth pure and sweet waters? See the ancient allegory of Cupid and Psyche, by which marriage is so happily illustrated, explained in the notes on Mat 19:4-6.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
one flesh--The human pair differed from all other pairs, that by peculiar formation of Eve, they were one. And this passage is appealed to by our Lord as the divine institution of marriage (Mat 19:4-5; Eph 5:28). Thus Adam appears as a creature formed after the image of God--showing his knowledge by giving names to the animals, his righteousness by his approval of the marriage relation, and his holiness by his principles and feelings, and finding gratification in the service and enjoyment of God. Next: Genesis Chapter 3
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore shall a man leave his father, and his mother,.... These are thought by some to be the words of Moses, inferring from the above fact, what ought to be among men; and by others, the words of Adam under divine inspiration, as the father of mankind instructing his sons what to do, and foretelling what would be done in all succeeding ages: though they rather seem to be the words of God himself, by whom marriage was now instituted; and who here gives direction about it, and declares the case and circumstance of man upon it, and how he would and should behave: and thus our Lord Jesus Christ, quoting these words, makes them to be the words of him that made man, male and female, and supplies and prefaces them thus, and said, "for this cause", &c. Mat 19:5 so Jarchi paraphrases them,"the Holy Ghost said so:''not that a man upon his marriage is to drop his affections to his parents, or be remiss in his obedience to them, honour of them, and esteem for then, or to neglect the care of them, if they stand in need of his assistance; but that he should depart from his father's house, and no more dwell with him, or bed and board in his house; but having taken a wife to himself, should provide an habitation for him and her to dwell together: so all the three Targums interpret it, of quitting "the house of his father, and his mother's bed": and shall cleave unto his wife; with a cordial affection, taking care of her, nourishing and cherishing her, providing all things comfortable for her, continuing to live with her, and not depart from her as long as they live: the phrase is expressive of the near union by marriage between man and wife; they are, as it were, glued together, and make but one; which is more fully and strongly expressed in the next clause: and they shall be one flesh; that is, "they two", the man and his wife, as it is supplied and interpreted by Christ, Mat 19:5 and so here in the Targum of Jonathan, and in the Septuagint and Samaritan versions: the union between them is so close, as if they were but one person, one soul, one body; and which is to be observed against polygamy, unlawful divorces, and all uncleanness, fornication, and adultery: only one man and one woman, being joined in lawful wedlock, have a right of copulation with each other, in order to produce a legitimate offspring, partaking of the same one flesh, as children do of their parents, without being able to distinguish the flesh of the one from the other, they partake of: and from hence it appears to be a fabulous notion, that Cecrops, the first king of Athens, was the first institutor of matrimony and joiner of one man to one woman; whence he was said to be "biformis" (p), and was called unless, as some (q) have thought, that he and Moses were one and the same who delivered out the first institution of marriage, which is this. (p) Justin. e Trogo, l. 2. c. 6. (q) Vid. Saldeni Otia Theolog. Exercitat. 1. sect. 14. p. 13, 14.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:24 Marriage between a man and a woman is not just a human social construct but is rooted in the created order. • a man leaves . . . and is joined: Marriage entails a shift of loyalty from parents to spouse. • the two are united into one: Marriage and its commitments make it the most fundamental covenant relationship observed among humans. Marriage is a powerful image of Israel’s covenant with God (Hos 2:14-23) and of Christ’s relationship to the church (Eph 5:22-32). Marriage is designed as an inseparable, exclusive relationship between a man and a woman. The family unit it creates is the basic building block of human society.