Mark 10:8

And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.

Mark 10:8 (KJV)

Context

Mark 10:8 is part of Jesus’ teaching on divorce and the sanctity of marriage. In the preceding verses, the Pharisees question Jesus about whether it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife. Jesus responds by directing their attention to the creation account in Genesis, emphasizing the divine intention for marriage.

Meaning

The word “twain” means “two.” When Jesus says that “they twain shall be one flesh,” He is quoting Genesis 2:24, which He had just cited in Mark 10:7. The verse teaches that in marriage, the husband and wife are no longer two separate individuals but are joined together as one flesh. This unity is not merely physical but also spiritual, emotional, and relational. It signifies a profound bond in which two lives become intertwined within the covenant of marriage.

Biblical connections

Jesus’ quotation of Genesis 2:24 establishes the foundation for His teaching on marriage. The unity described in Mark 10:8 reflects God’s original design for marriage—a bond marked by love, support, mutual respect, and a shared journey through life. This divine institution is intended to be inseparable, as Jesus later affirms in Mark 10:9: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

Application

Mark 10:8 calls husbands and wives to view their relationship as a unity, prioritizing love, communication, and sacrificial service. The phrase “they are no more twain” indicates that individual identities become intertwined within the marriage covenant. This speaks to the importance of commitment and the abandonment of selfishness for the sake of the marital union. The unity of one flesh implies a complete and selfless dedication to the well-being and growth of the relationship.

Reflection

This verse serves as a reminder that marriage is a lifelong commitment that requires effort, selflessness, and a reliance on God’s grace. It highlights the sacredness of marriage and the importance of nurturing and protecting the marital union. As believers, we are called to honor God’s design for marriage, recognizing that the union He creates is both profound and enduring.