Biblical Answer

The Bible teaches that "one flesh" refers to the personal union of a man and woman at all levels of their lives. This union is not just physical, but also includes emotional, spiritual, and relational aspects. Paul, in Ephesians 5:31, refers to this union when he says, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This verse is a reference to Genesis 2:24, where God created Eve and brought her to Adam, saying, "The two shall be one flesh."

The concept of one flesh is a profound mystery, and Paul says that it refers to Christ and the church. This means that the union between a man and woman is an illustration of the spiritual union between Christ and the church. In this sense, the one-flesh relationship is a deep and intimate connection that goes beyond physical intimacy. It is a union that is based on love, commitment, and mutual submission.

In the Bible, the phrase "one flesh" is used to describe the union between a man and woman in marriage. It is not just a physical union, but a total union that includes all aspects of life. This is why Paul can say that the two shall be one flesh, and why he can also refer to Christ and the church as one flesh. The concept of one flesh is a powerful reminder of the depth and intimacy of the marital relationship, and it is a key aspect of God's design for marriage. It is a union that is based on love, commitment, and mutual submission, and it is a union that reflects the deeper spiritual union between Christ and the church.