Genesis 2:24

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּן֙

H3651

Therefore

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יַֽעֲזָב

H5800

leave

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אִ֔ישׁ

H376

shall a man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אָבִ֖יו

his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אִמּ֑וֹ

H517

and his mother

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

וְדָבַ֣ק

H1692

and shall cleave

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

#10

בְּאִשְׁתּ֔וֹ

H802

unto his wife

a woman

#11

וְהָי֖וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#12

לְבָשָׂ֥ר

H1320

flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

#13

אֶחָֽד׃

H259

and they shall be one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?

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