Cleave
TextsWhat is the meaning of Cleave in the Bible?
The Hebrew verb translated as 'cleave' carries a dual semantic range in biblical literature, denoting both the physical act of splitting or rending asunder and the relational act of adhering to or joining oneself to another.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this semantic duality is essential for accurate exegesis, particularly in passages like Genesis 2:24, where contextual analysis determines whether the term describes separation from one's parents or union with a spouse.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Cleave functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Cleave in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Cleave clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Genesis 2:24
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Cleave." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/cleave/