New Testament
Luke 20:27
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see a group of Sadducees approaching Jesus with a question.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Then some Sadducees — who deny that there is any resurrection — came to him with a question.
Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a group of Sadducees approaching Jesus with a question. The Sadducees were a Jewish sect that did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, which was a significant theological difference from the Pharisees, who did believe in it. By coming to Jesus, they aimed to challenge his teachings and perhaps to trap him into saying something that could be used against him. Their question likely stemmed from their disbelief in life after death, and they wanted to use this to undermine the concept of resurrection that Jesus preached. This encounter sets the stage for a deeper discussion about life after death and the nature of God's power, as Jesus responds to their challenge with wisdom and authority, revealing the truth about resurrection and eternal life.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 20:27 to your life
This verse reminds us that questioning our beliefs can lead to deeper understanding. Just as the Sadducees challenged Jesus, we should seek answers to our doubts and explore our faith. Engaging with difficult questions can strengthen our beliefs and deepen our relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 20:27 mean?
Luke 20:27 describes a group of Sadducees approaching Jesus to ask a question about resurrection. The Sadducees did not believe in life after death, and their inquiry aimed to challenge Jesus' teachings on this topic.
Who were the Sadducees in Luke 20:27?
The Sadducees were a Jewish sect during Jesus' time that denied the resurrection of the dead. They held different beliefs from the Pharisees, particularly regarding the afterlife and the authority of the scriptures.
What is the significance of the resurrection in Luke 20:27?
The resurrection is a key theme in Luke 20:27 as it highlights the theological conflict between Jesus and the Sadducees. This encounter sets the stage for Jesus to clarify his teachings about eternal life and God's power.
What question did the Sadducees ask Jesus in Luke 20:27?
While Luke 20:27 does not specify the exact question, it indicates that the Sadducees sought to challenge Jesus' views on resurrection. Their intent was to trap him into a response that could be used against him.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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