Ephesians 5:31

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, &c.] These words contain the law of marriage, and are cited from (<010224>Genesis 2:24); and declare what ought to be, and are a prophecy of what should be; and are observed against polygamy, and to stir up mutual affection; (see Gill on “<401905>Matthew 19:5”).”

“For--The propagation of the Church from Christ, as that of Eve from Adam, is the foundation of the spiritual marriage. The natural marriage, wherein "a man leaves father and mother (the oldest manuscripts omit 'his') and is joined unto his wife," is not the principal thing meant here, but the spiritual marriage represented by it, and on which it rests, whereby Christ left the Father's bosom to woo to Himself the Church out of a lost world: Eph 5:32 proves this: His earthly mother as such, also, He holds in secondary account as compared with His spiritual Bride (Luk 2:48-49; Luk 8:19-21; Luk 11:27-28). He shall again leave His Father's abode to consummate the union (Mat 25:1-10; Rev 19:7).…”

“For this cause - Ἀντὶ τόυτου Anti toutou. This verse is a quotation from Genesis 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 the notes on Matthew 19:4. There is no evidence that the marriage connection was originally designed to symbolize or typify this union, but it may be used to illustrate that connection, and to show the strength of the attachment between the Redeemer and his people. The comparison should be confined, however, strictly to the use made…”

“For this cause - Because of this intimate union. Gen 2:24. Next: Ephesians Chapter 6”

“5:31 The unity of husband and wife should motivate the husband to care for his wife.”

“Gen 2:24; Mat 19:5; Mar 10:7, Mar 10:8; Co1 6:16 Ephesians 5:32”