The Hebrew word *dabaq* (H1692), found in Genesis 2:24, carries the meaning of to glue together, to cleave, or to adhere. It describes the profound bond formed between a man and his wife as they become one flesh, emphasizing a union that is as inseparable as if they were glued together. This concept parallels the Greek word *kolláo* used by Paul in I Corinthians 6:16, illustrating that just as conjugal relations bind a couple like glue, so too does an illicit act unite participants as one flesh, highlighting the deep and binding nature of such intimacy.

Moses writes in Genesis 2:24 that a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, becoming one flesh. The Hebrew word underlying "be joined to" is *dabaq* (H1692), which means to cling or adhere to. Modern translations render it as be joined to, cling to, hold fast to, unite with, bond with, or stick with, suggesting that the couple are stuck like glue to each other. This illustrates God's intention that the joint between a married couple should be so strong that, if trouble arises, the union will survive, emphasizing the enduring bond He desires for marriage.

Exploring the God-given role of women throughout history and the Scriptures, this message corrects an unfortunate long-standing misconception of female inferiority. Emily Roebling, who completed the Brooklyn Bridge when her husband fell ill, was denied acknowledgement of her role because of foolish cultural prejudices, reminding us that through the years, far too many women have gone unrecognized for their rightful intellectual and scientific achievements. In Genesis 2, Almighty God asserted that it was "not good" for man to be alone, so He created (Hebrew ay-zer and neh-ghed) a helper "comparable to him." Instead of connoting inferiority, these words (often describing God as our help) emphasize that the woman was created to be a strong, equal, complementary partner—not subservient. Marriage, as a divine covenant, was intended to mirror the intimacy between Christ and the church. Though men were given the role as head of the household, they were not to dominate, but to sacrificially love as Christ loved the Church, caring, listening to, and collaborating with their wives. Proverbs 31 demonstrates the strength, wisdom, and value of a virtuous woman, not only as a homemaker and mother, but also as a shrewd businesswoman and leader, proving indeed that a woman's worth is far above rubies. Consequently, women are equal image-bearers of Almighty God, created to complement, not serve. The biblical term "helper" connotes strength, capability, and partnership, not subordination. Godly marriage requires mutual love, respect, and sacrificial leadership.

God's purpose for marriage, as seen in Genesis 2:24, emphasizes the importance of being joined or cleaving to one another. The Hebrew term dabaq (H1692), underlying this concept, is a strong word that literally conveys two being held together by force, as in capturing another. Figuratively, it suggests being glued together through positive family care, portraying a bond of consistent, sacrificial loyalty and devotion in a marriage-and-family context. This is illustrated in Ruth 1:14, where Ruth clung (dabaq) to Naomi, choosing to remain with her and accompany her to Judea, unlike Orpah who distanced herself. God seeks from each marriage partner a voluntary, sacrificial giving of themselves in loyalty, devotion, and affection to produce oneness, reflecting the kind of unity He desires in both physical and spiritual relationships.