Ephesians 5:31

31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” ^[a]

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 Indeed, no one ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church.

30 For we are members of His body.

31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”

32 This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.

33 Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Footnotes

• [a] Genesis 2:24 (see also LXX)