What does Ephesians 5:31 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 5:31 speaks to the nature of the marital relationship, emphasizing its depth and the unity it establishes between husband and wife.

The apostle Paul is quoting Genesis 2:24, tying the Christian concept of marriage directly to the creation narrative, where God instituted marriage as a foundational social structure.

The verse underlines the importance of the marital bond by indicating that it causes a transformation of prior family ties; the husband is to leave his parents and create a new, singular union with his wife.

The phrase "one flesh" suggests an intimacy and connection that goes beyond mere physical union; it implies the forging of a new identity and life together, which has both spiritual and social dimensions.

Historical Context

When Paul was writing to the Ephesians, marriage was an essential part of social organization within both Jewish and Greco-Roman societies.

His readers would have understood marriage to be not just a private arrangement between individuals, but a public institution with important implications for family lineage, property rights, and social stability.

Paul's teachings advocated for a Christian understanding of marriage that sometimes challenged prevailing cultural norms, especially in how husbands and wives were to relate to each other with mutual respect and selfless love.

Theological Insights

The verse reflects the Christian belief that marriage is a sacred covenant, mirroring the covenant between Christ and the Church.

Some theologians interpret the "one flesh" notion as a call to unity that reflects the triune nature of God, suggesting that just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one, so too should the husband and wife be united in their marriage.

Different denominations have their nuances in interpreting this verse, but many agree on the sanctity of marriage and its foundational role in Christian life.

Practical Applications

Ephesians 5:31 can guide couples to prioritize their marriage, understanding that it requires a conscious decision to leave behind certain aspects of their former lives to cultivate their relationship.

In daily life, this might mean making decisions that benefit the relationship rather than individual preferences, ensuring that the needs of the spouse and the marriage are given importance.

This concept can also be applied to conflict resolution within marriage, where the goal is to maintain unity and harmony.

Cross-References

• Genesis 2:24 (KJV): "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
• Matthew 19:5 (KJV): "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?"
• Mark 10:7-8 (KJV): "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh."
• 1 Corinthians 6:16 (KJV): "What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh."

Language Study

The original Greek text uses the verb "proskollao," translated as "joined unto" or "cleave," which denotes a strong bond or attachment.

The Greek phrase for "one flesh" is "mia sarx," which conveys a unity that is comprehensive and inseparable, indicating a deep level of connection.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Christian view of marriage as an indissoluble union has points of contact and divergence with other ancient cultures.

For instance, in some Greco-Roman traditions, marriages were often contracts of convenience, and divorce was relatively common.

In Jewish tradition, marriage was highly valued, and although divorce was permissible, it was not the ideal.

Comparing Ephesians 5:31 with other religious interpretations of marriage, such as Hinduism's view of marriage as a sacred duty or Islam's emphasis on the contractual element, highlights both shared values around the importance of marriage and distinct theological underpinnings.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology supports the idea that a deep, committed relationship has positive effects on individual well-being.

The concept of "one flesh" can be loosely associated with the psychological construct of interconnectedness between spouses that contributes to their emotional and mental health.

While "one flesh" has a primarily spiritual and relational meaning, it aligns with scientific findings that emphasize the importance of intimate bonds for human flourishing.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse offer a variety of perspectives.

Some commentators, such as Matthew Henry, focus on the divine institution of marriage and its symbolic representation of Christ's union with the Church.

Others, like John Stott, emphasize the transformative nature of marriage and the ethical responsibilities it entails for both spouses.

Contemporary scholars might explore the implications of this verse for gender roles within marriage, highlighting Paul's revolutionary call, within his cultural context, for mutual love and respect between husband and wife.