Ephesians 5:31

31 Because of this a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be united to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh.

Ephesians 5:31 Meaning and Commentary

Ephesians 5:31

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother,
&c.] These words contain the law of marriage, and are cited from ( Genesis 2:24 ) ; and declare what ought to be, and are a prophecy of what should be; and are observed against polygamy, and to stir up mutual affection; (See Gill on Matthew 19:5).

Ephesians 5:31 In-Context

29 For no one has ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as also the Christ the assembly:
30 for we are members of his body; [we are of his flesh, and of his bones.]
31 Because of this a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be united to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh.
32 This mystery is great, but *I* speak as to Christ, and as to the assembly.
33 But *ye* also, every one of you, let each so love his own wife as himself; but as to the wife [I speak] that she may fear the husband.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Lit 'to one flesh,' that is, shall become so, and so be accounted: see Note, 1Cor. 6.16.
  • [b]. See Gen. 2.24.
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.