In marriage how do the two become one flesh?

TL;DR:

A one-flesh marriage is when two become fully united—body, heart, and soul—reflecting God’s perfect design for love and commitment. The one-flesh relationship in marriage grows through intimacy, trust, shared purpose, and daily choices that deepen the connection and is not limited to just physical closeness.

what does the bible say?

Marriage is God’s design for two people to become “one flesh,” referring both to physical intimacy and deeper unity in heart, purpose, and mutual self-giving (Genesis 2:24). This oneness involves not only sex but also emotional and spiritual connection, reflecting the love, trust, and commitment God intends. Couples show respect for each other by caring for their bodies and considering their spouse’s feelings in everyday choices. Building this unity requires daily intentional actions like open communication, shared decision-making, and emotional vulnerability. When couples commit to this holistic oneness—physical, emotional, and spiritual—they reflect the covenant relationship God established in marriage.

from the old testament

Genesis 2:24 presents God's definition of marriage: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."The “one flesh” in Genesis 2:24 most directly refers to sex but also refers to the unity a married couple experiences and cultivates.

from the new testament

Sex manifests "one flesh" physically and is a metaphor for the other ways a married couple joins together. First Corinthians 6:16 proves this when Paul says even a man with a prostitute becomes “one flesh” with her.
Being one flesh is an intimate bond that surpasses even the parental relationship, as expressed in Matthew 19:5-6.
The intimacy of marriage is a metaphor for Christ’s relationship to the Church, showing how unique the bond is (Ephesians 5:31-33).
Being “one flesh” means that even our bodies are not just our own, but belong to our spouse (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). aThus, the way we treat our body should reflect the respect we have for our spouse. As trivial as it seems, even choices about fitness, hair styles, and tattoos should always keep your spouse in mind. Falling into poor health through negligence directly affects the lifestyle of your spouse.

implications for today

Becoming one flesh in marriage requires intentional daily choices to cultivate unity and deepen connection beyond just physical intimacy. When we prioritize open communication, shared values, mutual respect, and emotional vulnerability, we can cultivate the intimacy of a one-flesh union. This means intentionally setting aside time to connect—emotionally, physically, and spiritually, sharing your hopes, struggles, and dreams while actively listening to your spouse as well. We can also cultivate a one-flesh marriage by making decisions together, honoring each other’s opinions, and working as a team to navigate life’s challenges, which strengthens your shared purpose and trust. This is evident in a couple’s physical relationship as well. Expressing love through affection, kindness, and selfless acts and avoiding behaviors that might create distance or doubt also add to the good of the marriage relationship. By committing to this holistic unity—physical, emotional, and spiritual—we can reflect the deep covenant relationship God intended for marriage.

understand

Marriage unites husband and wife as one flesh—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
This unity grows through intentional love, communication, and mutual respect.
Honoring each other’s body and heart strengthens the covenant bond God designed.

reflect

How do you actively nurture emotional, spiritual, and physical unity with your spouse?
In what ways do you consider your spouse’s feelings and needs when making decisions?
How open are you to sharing your struggles and dreams with your spouse to deepen your connection?

engage

What practical steps can couples take to build trust and shared purpose beyond physical intimacy?
How can couples maintain mutual respect and care in everyday decisions to reflect their one-flesh unity?
How does emotional vulnerability strengthen the covenant relationship in marriage?