What is the meaning of Ephesians 5:31? For this reason - Paul has just declared, “we are members of His body” (Ephesians 5:30), showing how Christ’s self-giving love defines marriage. - The phrase points back to God’s original design in Genesis 2:24 and forward to Christ’s union with His church (Ephesians 5:32). - Marriage is therefore not a cultural invention but a divine pattern, affirmed by Jesus Himself in Matthew 19:4-5. A man will leave his father and mother - Leaving is an intentional, decisive step into adult responsibility while still honoring parents (Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 23:22). - Scripture pictures a transfer of primary loyalty—from the birth family to the marriage covenant (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5). - Practical implications: • establish separate household priorities • guard the marriage from outside interference (Proverbs 24:27) • model maturity and provision (1 Timothy 5:8) And be united to his wife - “United” speaks of a covenant bond—permanent, exclusive, and God-witnessed (Malachi 2:14-16). - Jesus adds, “What therefore God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6). - Elements of union: • spiritual companionship (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) • emotional loyalty (Song of Songs 8:6-7) • shared mission that mirrors Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:25-29) And the two will become one flesh - One-flesh includes physical intimacy, mutual delight, and the potential for children (Genesis 1:28; 1 Corinthians 7:2-5). - Yet it also speaks of a profound unity of life—finances, goals, bodies, and futures intertwined (Mark 10:8; 1 Corinthians 6:16-17). - This oneness reflects the mystery of believers joined to Christ: many members, one body (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 5:32). summary Ephesians 5:31 grounds Christian marriage in God’s timeless blueprint: a man purposefully leaves his parents, cleaves to his wife, and unites with her as one flesh. This covenant bond is exclusive, permanent, and mirrors Christ’s sacrificial love for His church, calling husbands and wives to live in wholehearted, life-long unity under the authority of Scripture. |
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