Verse 31. For this cause. anti toutou. This verse is a quotation from Ge 2:24, and contains the account of the institution of marriage. The meaning of the phrase rendered "for this cause," is, "answerably to this;" or corresponding to this -- that is, to what Paul had just said of the union of believers and the Redeemer. On the meaning of this verse, See Barnes "Mt 19:6".

There is no evidence that the marriage connexion was originally designed to symbolize or typify this union, but it may be used to illustrate that connexion, and to show the strength of the attachment be- tween the Redeemer and his people. The comparison should be confined, however, strictly to the use made of it in the New Testament.

{a} "shall a man leave" Ge 2:24 {*} "unto" "cleave to" {b} "shall be one flesh" 1 Co 6:16