Note 19 at Eph. 5:31: In verse 31 we have a quotation from Genesis 2:24 describing the first marriage union established by God. Marriage begins by a leaving behind, forsaking, and abandonment of all other relationships, cleaving and bringing forth a new and lasting relationship of oneness.

The Hebrew word for "leave" is AZAB and actually means to "leave, leave behind, depart from, let alone, abandon, forsake, to desert, to let alone" (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament-TWOT). The Hebrew word for "cleave" ("joined" in verse 31) is DABAQ and means "to cling to, to stick to, keep close, stay close, follow close and be joined together" (TWOT). Anything that separates or divides your relationship in marriage is a failure to "cleave." The Hebrew word for "cleave" is a verb and suggests a continuing action on our part to adhere to our mate in love and loyalty. This involves the forsaking of all others so that we may continue to be united to each other.

What really constitutes marriage is the joining of male and female by covenant (Mal. 2:13-15-RSV; Ezek.16:8-LB; Prov. 2:16-17-Amp). Covenant in scripture represents a final, irrevocable commitment between two parties. The covenant of marriage can be described as the solemn and binding pledge (vow) before God which joins a male and female in a whole-hearted commitment to be one with and live as one for the duration of their natural lives (Rom. 7:2).