that once a man leaves, he is instructed to “cleave” to his wife. This means to glue, to adhere, to join, to stick. The Hebrew word used in Genesis is more expressive: to cling, to adhere, to abide fast together, to follow.

What is the meaning of to cleave?

cleave \KLEEV\ verb. 1 : to divide (something) by or as if by a cutting blow : split. 2 : to separate (something) into distinct parts and especially into groups having divergent views. 3 : to subject to chemical cleavage. 4 : to split especially along the grain.

What does it mean to cleave in marriage?

When Genesis 2:23-24 refers to “cleaving,” it is the idea of becoming one flesh with your spouse. ... Most often, when sexual problems arise in a marriage, people assume they are either incompatible or that one partner has issues with their sex drive.