Ephesians 5:31 in the King James Version states, "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh." This verse is a profound declaration of the sacred union between a man and a woman in marriage, and it is deeply rooted in the themes of love, commitment, and the divine purpose of marriage as established by God.

The context of Ephesians 5:31 is within the larger passage of Ephesians 5:22-33, where the apostle Paul instructs the Ephesian Christians on the proper roles and relationships within the family, particularly between husbands and wives. Paul compares the love and submission between a husband and wife to the relationship between Christ and the church, emphasizing the sacrificial love and mutual respect that should characterize this sacred bond. Within this passage, Ephesians 5:31 draws upon the biblical account of the creation of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2:24, reaffirming the timeless and universal truth that marriage is intended to be a union of two individuals becoming one in the sight of God.

The verse begins with the phrase "For this cause," which signifies the significance of the statement that follows. It is a declaration with far-reaching implications, encapsulating the divine purpose and design for marriage. The act of leaving one's father and mother symbolizes a profound shift in priorities and allegiance, emphasizing the primacy of the marital relationship above all other earthly connections. This does not suggest the abandonment of familial ties, but rather the establishment of a new family unit where the husband and wife are united as one entity, distinct from their families of origin. The act of leaving and cleaving speaks to the deep level of commitment required in marriage, where the husband and wife forsake all others to prioritize and nurture their union.

The phrase "shall be joined unto his wife" underscores the divine institution of marriage as a joining together sanctioned by God. This joining is not merely a physical union, but a spiritual and emotional bond that connects two individuals in a deeply intimate and profound manner. The idea of being joined carries implications of permanence, indicating that the marriage bond is not to be taken lightly or easily severed. This joining is a solemn covenant that reflects the unbreakable nature of the relationship between Christ and the church, underlining the sacredness and enduring commitment inherent in marriage.

The verse culminates with the powerful imagery of "they two shall be one flesh," which serves as a profound declaration of the miraculous unity that occurs in marriage. This oneness signifies a holistic merging of two individuals into a single entity, where their lives, bodies, and spirits become intertwined in an inseparable union. This speaks to the depth of intimacy, trust, and vulnerability that is established within the marital relationship. The concept of one flesh encompasses the totality of the union, reflecting the holistic nature of marriage that encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.

Symbolically, Ephesians 5:31 encapsulates the deeper spiritual truths and timeless principles underlying the institution of marriage. It symbolizes the divine blueprint for marital union, emphasizing the sacrificial love, mutual respect, and unbreakable unity that should characterize the relationship between a husband and wife. Moreover, it serves as a reflection of the profound mystery and beauty of the union between Christ and the church, underscoring the spiritual significance of marriage as a reflection of God's enduring love and faithfulness towards His people.

In conclusion, Ephesians 5:31 in the King James Version stands as a powerful testament to the sacredness and divine purpose of marriage. It encapsulates the profound truths of love, commitment, and unity that lie at the heart of this institution, serving as a timeless reminder of God's design for the marital relationship. As believers seek to embody the principles outlined in Ephesians 5:31, they are called to embrace the sacrificial love, mutual respect, and unbreakable unity that reflect the divine nature of marriage as established by God.