Matthew Chapter 19 · Verse 6
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Original Language Analysis
ὥστε
Wherefore
G5620
ὥστε
Wherefore
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 15
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
σὰρξ
flesh
G4561
σὰρξ
flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
6 of 15
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
ὃ
What
G3739
ὃ
What
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
9 of 15
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
συνέζευξεν
hath joined together
G4801
συνέζευξεν
hath joined together
Strong's:
G4801
Word #:
12 of 15
to yoke together, i.e., (figuratively) conjoin (in marriage)
Cross References
Mark 10:9What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.Hebrews 13:4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.Romans 7:2For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.Ephesians 5:28So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.Malachi 2:14Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.Proverbs 2:17Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.
Historical Context
Jewish debate between Rabbi Hillel (divorce for any reason) and Rabbi Shammai (only for sexual immorality) forms background. Greco-Roman culture practiced easy divorce, especially men divorcing wives. Jesus returns to creation design (Genesis 1-2) before law's accommodation for hardness of heart (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). His teaching elevated marriage as sacred, permanent covenant, protecting women vulnerable to arbitrary divorce. Early church maintained high marriage standards despite cultural pressure, though debating remarriage exceptions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's active role in marriage joining affect commitment?
- What does 'one flesh' union mean beyond physical intimacy?
- How should this teaching shape Christian approach to marriage struggles?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus declares marriage permanence: 'Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder' (Greek: ὥστε οὐκέτι εἰσὶν δύο ἀλλὰ σὰρξ μία, 'so they are no longer two but one flesh'). This quotes Genesis 2:24, establishing marriage as divine creation ordinance. The phrase 'one flesh' (σὰρξ μία) indicates profound union - physical, emotional, spiritual. 'What God has joined' makes God active agent in each marriage, not merely original institution. 'Let not man put asunder' (μὴ χωριζέτω) prohibits human dissolution of divine union. Marriage transcends human contract - it's covenant before God.