Cleave
Textsâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
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.
What 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
- Why did the biblical author mention Cleave in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Cleave clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.