Bible Basics

"Leave and Cleave"

Last week we pointed out that one family relationship must be left in order to establish a new family unit. The parent-child relationship of one family is effectively severed so that a husband-wife relationship can be established. “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and the two shall become one flesh” (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5). The Greek term used by Jesus and rendered “cleave” or “joined to” in this passage means “to glue, to cling” and implies permanence in the relationship. Unlike the parent-child relationship, the husband-wife relationship is permanent. Both husband and wife must view their commitment to each other and the divine marital covenant joined by God as an irrevocable, permanent bond. Jesus said, “Therefore what God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matt. 19:6). We live in a time in which many people approach the institution of marriage in a very casual manner. They seem to think, “If it doesn’t work out, I’ll just get a divorce and try again; God won’t mind.” But God does mind. Jesus said, “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery” (Matt. 19:9). Unless one’s spouse has committed adultery, divorce is simply not an alternative to the faithful child of God.

                                                                                                               -- Clark Dugger

Bible Basics