so that they are no longer two, but one body. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
In these words Jesus brings the foundation of marriage back to the beginning of creation (Gen. 1:27, 5:2), showing that marriage is not a human arrangement but a union established by God. By mentioning that they were created male and female, he emphasizes that marriage is built on a complementary relationship, and the “leaving” and “joining” describe the forming of a new, primary, and exclusive bond. “Becoming one flesh” is not only physical, but a union of the whole life, including the heart, the will, and responsibility. The concluding statement, “what God has joined together, let no one separate,” makes clear that this union bears divine authority and holiness and therefore is not subject to human arbitrariness. Thus Christ defends the indissolubility of marriage, presenting it as a path of faithful love, mutual devotion, and a life obedient to God’s will.