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.”
Marriage launches a new household with new priorities and leadership. Spiritually, it requires maturity, independence, and readiness for covenant responsibility. According to our Scriptural text, the man is to CLEAVE TO HIS WIFE. The Hebrew word translated “cleave” is dāḇaq, which means to cling to, to stick firmly, to be joined closely, to pursue with affection and loyalty. To CLEAVE to his wife implies permanency, fidelity, faithfulness, trustworthiness, and exclusivity. When a man cleaves to his wife, he eliminates divided affection, emotional abandonment, and third-party interference (strange women). CLEAVING is not a casual attachment, but an intentional, covenantal bonding.
Again, I wish to state that leaving to cleave to one’s wife does not imply abandonment of, or neglecting care or responsibility for one’s parents. Rather, it means forming a new primary household, exercising adult independence, and transferring first loyalty to one’s spouse. Scripture never contradicts itself. The same Bible that commands cleaving also commands: “Honour thy father and thy mother” (Exo. 20:12). Cleaving calls for unity in decision-making and direction. It does not mean emotional distance from parents, loss of affection or respect, or withdrawal of support. In fact, a healthy marriage often enables better care for parents, not less. May the LORD grant us understanding in Jesus precious name.
Written by: Andrew A. Esemudje