Luke 20:31 – “And then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the Sadducees continue their hypothetical story about seven brothers, each marrying the same woman in turn as each brother dies childless. This detail emphasizes their attempt to create a situation they think will make the idea of resurrection seem absurd. According to the Sadducees’ reasoning, if all seven brothers had married the same woman and died without children, the question of whose wife she would be in the resurrection would create a theological dilemma.
Their goal is to challenge the concept of resurrection, assuming that Jesus, like the Pharisees, believes in life after death. But as the story progresses, it becomes clear that their limited understanding of God’s power and the nature of resurrection life leads them to false conclusions.
Historical Context
The Sadducees were part of the wealthy, influential priestly class in Israel. They controlled the temple and held significant power under Roman rule. Unlike the Pharisees, who believed in the resurrection and accepted teachings beyond the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament), the Sadducees denied the resurrection and believed that only the Torah held authority. Because the Torah does not explicitly mention the resurrection, the Sadducees rejected it.
Levirate marriage, which they reference here, was a command given in Deuteronomy 25:5-6 to ensure that a man’s family name and property would continue if he died without children. The Sadducees used this law to build a scenario they thought would show that belief in the resurrection was logically flawed.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights a fundamental theological misunderstanding. The Sadducees believed that the resurrection, if it were real, would be a mere continuation of earthly life, complete with marriage, family obligations, and human concerns. But Jesus corrects this misconception in Luke 20:34-36, explaining that the resurrection brings about a new reality where earthly concerns like marriage no longer apply.
Theologically, this verse points to the difference between human logic and divine truth. The Sadducees thought they could disprove the resurrection by appealing to practical concerns, but Jesus reveals that eternal life transcends human categories. The resurrection isn’t about continuing life as we know it—it’s about entering into a new, transformed life in the presence of God.
Literary Analysis
Luke presents the Sadducees’ hypothetical question as a setup for a theological confrontation. Their story grows increasingly exaggerated, with seven brothers marrying the same woman and all dying childless. The repetitive structure of the narrative builds tension, leading the audience to anticipate Jesus’ response. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, which could suggest that the Sadducees are trying to present the most “complete” example possible to make their point.
Their use of the word “childless” underscores their focus on earthly concerns like family legacy and inheritance. This reveals their limited understanding—they assume that life’s meaning and purpose are tied to things like descendants and family lines, but Jesus will show that eternal life is about something much greater.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 25:5-6 – The law of levirate marriage, which forms the basis of the Sadducees’ question.
- Isaiah 26:19 – A prophecy about the resurrection, affirming that God will give new life to the dead.
- Matthew 22:30 – Jesus explains that in the resurrection, people will not marry but will be like the angels in heaven.
- 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 – Paul’s teaching on the resurrection body, emphasizing that it is transformed and different from the earthly body.
- Revelation 21:4 – A vision of the new creation, where God’s people will live free from pain, death, and earthly limitations.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that our hope in the resurrection is not about clinging to the things of this world—it’s about entering into a new and eternal life with God. The Sadducees made the mistake of assuming that eternal life would be just like earthly life, but Jesus teaches that it’s something far better.
This passage challenges believers to trust God’s promises about the future, even when they don’t fully understand them. Just as the Sadducees struggled to grasp the nature of the resurrection, we may sometimes struggle to understand how God will fulfill His promises. But faith means trusting that God’s power and wisdom are greater than our human understanding.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His promise of resurrection and eternal life. The Sadducees saw life and death through a limited, earthly lens, but God’s love offers something greater than temporary family ties or earthly success. He invites His people into a relationship with Him that lasts forever, beyond the limitations of this life.
God’s love is also evident in His patience with those who question or misunderstand Him. Even when the Sadducees approached Jesus with wrong motives, He responded with truth and grace, giving them the opportunity to learn about God’s eternal plan.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points to Jesus as the key to understanding the resurrection and eternal life. The Sadducees failed to see that the resurrection is not just a theological idea—it’s a reality made possible through Jesus. By His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated death and opened the door for believers to enter eternal life (John 11:25-26).
Jesus’ victory over death means that those who believe in Him are no longer bound by earthly concerns. They become part of God’s eternal family and receive an inheritance that will never fade (1 Peter 1:3-4). The Sadducees’ focus on earthly family lines is replaced by the greater truth that believers are adopted into God’s family through Christ.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why did the Sadducees focus so much on earthly concerns like marriage and family when questioning Jesus about the resurrection?
- How does Jesus’ teaching on the resurrection challenge the way you think about eternal life?
- Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust God’s promises because you don’t fully understand them?
- How does the promise of resurrection give you hope in the face of death or uncertainty?
- What does this passage teach you about God’s love and His desire to provide eternal life for His people?