Question:
It is very clear in Gen 2:24 that the man must not leave his parents and shall cleave to his wife to be as one.
There are some newly married couples can’t afford yet to build their own house and they stayed to the house of the husband’s parents until they can establish their own family and house.
Due to this situation, is it a violation on the Genesis 2:24? Supposed to be that the man will leave his parents. How come he still lives with his parents together with his wife?
We have to remember that the Bible must be analyzed as well, not only by word-for-word (2 Cor 3:6).
Well, Gen 2:24 was not actually referring to the house or place where the newly married couple lives, rather it refers to the Sacrament of Marriage and under this Sacrament, they are already bonded as one because no one can already separate what GOD has joined (Mat 19:4-6).
Sacrament of Marriage is also needed in order the couples cannot commit fornication (1 Cor 7:9) and able to receive God’s grace and blessing for them who are called for this life. Due to that, husbands and wives must love and submit their selves with each other (Eph 5:21-33).
For the newly married couples who are staying at the house of the husband’s parents, it is acceptable and it does not contradict with Gen 2:24, since they are already married and for practical considerations as well, especially when they don’t have the enough resources yet to build their own house, provided that they will be as one in doing decision makings, etc., and they will also help and assist the parents as their thanks and gratitude for allowing them to stay in their house.
The newly married couple must make it sure also that they will not be always dependent on their parents and can stand in their own.
The moment they have their own home already, they must have to leave the parents and start to have their own family, but of course they will still visit the parents.
This will serve as a challenge for those who are called and will enter into this kind of life.