Cleave
Why does the word cleave mean to separate and at the same time it can mean to adhere?
cleave (v.) To split or separate, as with an ax.
cleave (v.) 1. To adhere or cling. 2. To be faithful.
In Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:5 the use of this word "cleave" is probably most familiar, but I always thought of it as just the event of leaving your father and mother and joining with (cleave to) your wife. I never thought of the additional meaning of the second definition "to be faithful". I guess this is probably one of those verbs that implies a continued process, not just a one time occurrence.
Matthew 19:6 goes on to say: So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. I guess it could say what God has cleaved, let not man cleave, but that would be too confusing.
Are you continuing to cleave to your wife or husband?
cleave (v.) 1. To adhere or cling. 2. To be faithful.
In Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:5 the use of this word "cleave" is probably most familiar, but I always thought of it as just the event of leaving your father and mother and joining with (cleave to) your wife. I never thought of the additional meaning of the second definition "to be faithful". I guess this is probably one of those verbs that implies a continued process, not just a one time occurrence.
Matthew 19:6 goes on to say: So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. I guess it could say what God has cleaved, let not man cleave, but that would be too confusing.
Are you continuing to cleave to your wife or husband?
posted by whaaaat! at
8:43 AM
4 Comments:
That’s why the English language is one of the hardest to learn. We have many meanings for the same word. For instance: run. Look that one up and I'm sure you’ll find plenty of different meanings.
By
Fred, at 6:11 AM
I liked this much better than the pop tart with bugs story. :)
By
Bar L., at 10:46 AM
Words...
this is one of those "things that make you go hmmmmm"
so we need to be cleaved to cleave??
By
steve, at 12:26 AM
I'll be cleaving very soon!
By
Jerry Novick, at 4:35 PM
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