Mark 10:8

Analysis & Commentary

Jesus concluded: 'the twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh' (ἔσονται οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν· ὥστε οὐκέτι εἰσὶν δύο ἀλλὰ μία σάρξ). The phrase 'one flesh' (mia sarx, μία σάρξ) describes profound unity—physical, emotional, spiritual. 'Flesh' (sarx) refers to whole person, not just physical body. Marriage creates ontological union where two individuals become single entity. This unity is God's creative act ('they are' is passive—God makes them one). The emphatic repetition—'no more twain, but one'—stresses indissoluble unity. This establishes marriage as covenant creating permanent bond, not contract dissolvable at will. Divorce doesn't merely violate agreement; it tears apart what God joined. Paul applies this to Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:31-32)—marital one-flesh union images Christ's union with believers.

Historical Context

The concept of 'one flesh' was unique in ancient world. Greco-Roman marriage was primarily legal contract for property transfer and legitimate heirs. Jewish marriage, while covenantal, often permitted easy divorce (especially Hillel's school). Jesus elevated marriage above legal contract to mystical union—two becoming ontologically one. Early Christian theology developed rich marital theology: marriage as sacrament imaging Trinity's unity (Augustine), Christ-church relationship (Ephesians 5), and covenant permanence. Sexual union consummates but doesn't create one-flesh bond—the covenant vow creates it, sexual union expresses it. This grounds Christian sexual ethics: extramarital sex violates covenant exclusivity; divorce tears asunder what God joined.

Questions for Reflection

• How does the 'one flesh' concept challenge contemporary view of marriage as revocable contract rather than permanent covenant?
• What does marriage as ontological unity (not mere emotional connection) teach about why divorce is so devastating?