Genesis 2:24 for men only?

[God's_Princess]

My mother told me that when Genesis 2:24 says "for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife..." it means this is only for MEN, not for women. She was saying this to make the argument that a woman should not feel obligated to leave her family and cleave unto her husband, but that a man should leave his family. Background: She hates my husband and wants me to come live back at her home or at least to allow her to be heavily involved in our lives to the point of running things.

This sounded absurd to me, as I know the Bible uses the word "man" to refer to people in general - plus, if a man is cleaving unto his wife, doesn't that by default mean that his wife is available for him to cleave to?

I am just wondering where she got this idea - has anyone heard this said before?

[Hootmon]

That is just plain odd. Not to mention that it makes no sense compared to the Wife being under the authority of the Husband (Eph 5)...

[Wildcat81]

You're right, that is absurd. It is, however, true that the verse is directed primarily at men. Let me explain:

The culture in which this text was written was "patrilocal," that is to say, households were centered around a single male head, the patriarch (or "paterfamilias," in later Roman culture). In this culture, a young man grew up in the household of his father (or grandfather, if still alive, or an uncle, depending on the circumstances). The when the patriarch married off his daughters, they each went to live in the house of their husband's father, a joined his household. Conversely, when a young man married, his wife came into the household as well. The point of Genesis 2:24 is to say to husbands: your wife has already left her household to come and be joined to you, you must do the same for her. Your first priority is now your family, your wife and children. Although you still live physically in the house of your father and mother, you are to hold fast to your own wife, and put her needs first. Basically, the husband is to "leave" his father and mother in an emotional sense, corresponding to the way his wife has already left her father and mother in a physical sense.

Does that help?

[Aliya]

My mother told me that when Genesis 2:24 says "for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife..." it means this is only for MEN, not for women. She was saying this to make the argument that a woman should not feel obligated to leave her family and cleave unto her husband, but that a man should leave his family. Background: She hates my husband and wants me to come live back at her home or at least to allow her to be heavily involved in our lives to the point of running things.

This sounded absurd to me, as I know the Bible uses the word "man" to refer to people in general - plus, if a man is cleaving unto his wife, doesn't that by default mean that his wife is available for him to cleave to?

I am just wondering where she got this idea - has anyone heard this said before?

Nope, and if you and your husband are cleaved into one body, then you are now one. She can't have you without him and vice versa. She is twisting scripture to say something not intended.

[TeachMe]

My mother told me that when Genesis 2:24 says "for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife..." it means this is only for MEN, not for women. She was saying this to make the argument that a woman should not feel obligated to leave her family and cleave unto her husband, but that a man should leave his family. Background: She hates my husband and wants me to come live back at her home or at least to allow her to be heavily involved in our lives to the point of running things.

This sounded absurd to me, as I know the Bible uses the word "man" to refer to people in general - plus, if a man is cleaving unto his wife, doesn't that by default mean that his wife is available for him to cleave to?

I am just wondering where she got this idea - has anyone heard this said before?

Wow, Princess, I could have almost written this.
I had a mother that did the almost same exact thing. Altho she didn't throw the verse at me, she wanted me to leave my husband, and come live with her and her husband. She was bossy, domineering, and possessive.
She actually ruined my life by her domineering attitude towards me.
And then she would deny any of it happening. Says she doesn't remember doing those things she did to me.
She has never apologized or acknowledged in any way that she did any of it.

All I can do is leave it up to God, I hope she has an answer for Him, when she
stands before Him.

[God's_Princess]

Wildcat - Yes, that does help. She must have heard some of what you said and twisted it to mean what she wanted it to. Thanks!

[God's_Princess]

TeachMe - that sounds exactly like my mom! She has done so much to try and break us up, even calling the police and making false reports that he was abusing me. My mom says she is a Christian, but I am not sure if she has truly repented - like you said, all we can do is leave it up to God.

[David Dansker]

You're right, that is absurd. It is, however, true that the verse is directed primarily at men. Let me explain:

The culture in which this text was written was "patrilocal," that is to say, households were centered around a single male head, the patriarch (or "paterfamilias," in later Roman culture).

Does that help?

Your cultural insight is interesting, but here I believe you are anachronistically reaching, to put it mildly.

[Hootmon]

Your cultural insight is interesting, but here I believe you are anachronistically reaching, to put it mildly.
In my Father's house are many places to live. If there weren't, I would have told you; because I am going there to prepare a place for you. Since I am going and preparing a place for you, I will return to take you with me; so that where I am, you may be also.
(Joh 14:2-3)

[Jany]

How about a marriage that is blessed with His Name shouldn't be foresaken?

With these vows before God ... etc....????

Man and woman are both under these vows; so where does this mother come up with this stuff? <><