Matthew 19:6 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." This verse is part of a larger passage in which Jesus is teaching about marriage and divorce.

In this verse, Jesus is affirming the sacredness and permanence of the marriage covenant. He is referencing the Genesis account of the creation of man and woman, where it is stated that a man shall leave his parents and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). By quoting this passage, Jesus is emphasizing the unity and oneness that is to be found in marriage. He is highlighting the spiritual, emotional, and physical union that takes place between a husband and wife when they are joined together in marriage.

The phrase "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" underscores the divine origin of marriage. According to Jesus, it is God who joins a man and a woman together in marriage. This means that it is not something to be entered into lightly or to be taken lightly. Marriage is a sacred institution that is to be honored and upheld. Divorce, then, is seen as a violation of this sacred union, as it is the severing of what God has joined together.

The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. In the preceding verses, the Pharisees were questioning Jesus about the permissibility of divorce. Jesus responds by pointing them back to the original plan for marriage as outlined in the book of Genesis. He makes it clear that divorce was not a part of God's original design for marriage, but was allowed by Moses because of the hardness of people's hearts. Jesus then goes on to state that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to commit adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery (Matthew 19:9).

This teaching on divorce would have been counter-cultural and challenging for the people of Jesus' time. In the ancient Jewish context, divorce was common and often easy for a man to obtain. However, Jesus is calling for a higher standard – one that upholds the sanctity and permanence of marriage.

The themes present in this verse include the sanctity of marriage, the divine origin of marriage, and the importance of honoring one's marital vows. It also speaks to the consequences of divorce and remarriage in the eyes of God. These themes are as relevant today as they were in Jesus' time, as marriage continues to be a foundational institution in society.

Symbolically, the imagery of two becoming one flesh is a powerful representation of the unity and intimacy that takes place in marriage. It speaks to the deep bond that is created between husband and wife, as they become united in heart, mind, and spirit. When Jesus says, "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder," he is calling for the protection and preservation of this sacred union.

Ultimately, Matthew 19:6 reminds us that marriage is an institution created by God, and therefore is to be honored and upheld as sacred. It challenges us to consider the seriousness of our marital commitments and the impact of our choices on the unity and well-being of our marriages. It also serves as a reminder of the grace and forgiveness that God offers to those who have experienced brokenness in their marriages, and the call to seek healing and restoration in their relationships.