Cleave

Cleave is such an interesting word, isn't it?   

Initially when I thought of "cleave" I assumed it meant to hold onto something tightly, however, if you look up the word this is not the first definition that you find.      

CLEAVE

* To split or severe (something) especially along a natural line or grain.  

* Split (a molecule) by breaking a chemical bond.

* Make a way (through) something forcefully, as if splitting it apart.  

  
Interesting...

Here is part 2 of the definition:

* adhere strongly to (a particularly pursuit or belief)

* become very strongly involved with or emotionally attached to (someone).

Some might say that the only definition that applies to marriage is the second definition, but I actually feel that they both are applicable in what the Savior is teaching the Pharisees in Matthew chapter 19.  

Matthew 19:3-6

3.  The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

4.  And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 

5.  And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

6.  Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.  What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Let's put this together and see if we can learn something about the two meanings of the word cleave....

God made a man and a woman that they might be one flesh. 
 The man and woman create a child 

This child is literally "tied" to the mother and father.
 (even the sharing of molecules and chemicals)

The child grows, and is now commanded to [cleave- split or severe- especially along the natural line] from the mother and the father.  
He will now find a woman and is commanded to cleave [adhere strongly to,  have a strong emotional attachment], and the two will become one flesh- 
and thus, the cycle of cleaving begins once again.  

These two definitions seem to go together very symbolically.

The question that the Pharisees asked Jesus was whether or not it was lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause.  
(They are challenging the him on the law of divorcement) 

The Savior's response is perfect because what He is telling them is that nothing is more important than your relationship with your wife, and you would know this if you were cleaving unto her.  

When cleaving (adhering strongly to, emotionally attached to) your wife, (or husband), more than anything else, you will become "one", and if truly one, you would never consider putting away your wife.