King James Version

What Does Matthew 19:5 Mean?

Matthew 19:5 in the King James Version says “And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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


Context

3

The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

4

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

5

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?

6

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

7

They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus quotes Genesis 2:24, establishing marriage's three aspects: leaving parents, cleaving to spouse, becoming one flesh. 'Shall cleave' (Greek 'proskollao'—glue, cement together) indicates permanent bond. 'One flesh' signifies comprehensive union—physical, emotional, spiritual. Reformed marriage theology emphasizes covenant permanence and exclusive intimacy. God's design creates new family unit requiring departure from parents and establishment of new household. This verse grounds heterosexual, monogamous, permanent marriage as God's creation ordinance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Genesis 2:24 predates Mosaic Law, making marriage a creation ordinance, not merely Jewish custom. The 'one flesh' union finds expression in sexual intimacy (1 Corinthians 6:16) but encompasses total life sharing. Jewish marriage practice included formal leaving of father's household and establishing new home. Jesus' citation shows Genesis authority for Christian ethics.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your marriage reflect the leaving, cleaving, one-flesh design?
  2. What prevents couples from achieving true one-flesh unity?
  3. How should Christian marriages model God's creation design to watching culture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν2 of 23

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἕνεκεν3 of 23

cause

G1752

on account of

τούτου4 of 23

For this

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

καταλείψει5 of 23

leave

G2641

to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining

ἄνθρωπος6 of 23

shall a man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τὸν7 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατέρα8 of 23

father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

καὶ9 of 23

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν10 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μητέρα11 of 23

mother

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

καὶ12 of 23

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

προσκολληθήσεται13 of 23

shall cleave

G4347

to glue to, i.e., (figuratively) to adhere

τῇ14 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυναικὶ15 of 23

wife

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

αὐτοῦ16 of 23
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ17 of 23

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔσονται18 of 23

shall be

G2071

will be

οἱ19 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δύο20 of 23

they twain

G1417

"two"

εἰς21 of 23
G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

σάρκα22 of 23

flesh

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

μίαν23 of 23
G1520

one


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 19:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 19:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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