What does it mean to leave and cleave?

Answer

“Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” «Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. », (Genesis 2:24 KJV). Various translations interpret “leave and cleave” as “leave and be united” (NIV), “leave and be joined” (NASB), and “leave and hold fast” (ESV). So, what exactly does it mean to leave your parents and cleave to your spouse?

As described in Genesis chapter 2, God created Adam first, followed by Eve. God Himself presented Eve to Adam and ordained their union in marriage. He declared that they would be united as one flesh. This symbolizes marital intimacy—a bond of love exclusive to the couple. To “cleave” signifies “to adhere to, stick to, or join with.” It represents a distinct merging of two individuals into a single entity. It entails persevering through challenges, communicating openly, praying together, exercising patience while trusting God to work in both hearts, acknowledging faults, seeking forgiveness, and regularly seeking guidance from God’s Word.

Failure to both leave and cleave can lead to issues in a marriage. If spouses do not genuinely detach from their parents, conflicts and tension may arise. Leaving your parents does not imply neglecting them or avoiding spending time with them. It means recognizing that your marriage has established a new family that should take precedence over your previous one. Neglecting to cleave to each other can result in a lack of intimacy and unity. Cleaving to your spouse does not mean being together constantly or refraining from meaningful friendships outside of your marriage.age. Cleaving to your spouse involves recognizing that you are united, essentially “bonded,” to your spouse. Cleaving is crucial in constructing a marriage that will withstand difficult times and become the fulfilling relationship that God intends it to be.

The concept of “leave and cleave” in the marriage covenant also symbolizes the unity God desires us to have with Him. “Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him” «Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. », (Deuteronomy 13:4 KJV). This means we forsake all other gods, regardless of their form, and unite with Him alone as our God. We adhere to Him by studying His Word and submitting to His authority over us. Consequently, as we closely follow Him, we realize that His directive to leave father and mother to cleave to our spouse is meant to establish commitment and security, just as He intended. God regards His blueprint for marriage with great seriousness. Leaving and cleaving is God’s blueprint for those who enter into marriage. By adhering to God’s blueprint, we are never left disillusioned.