New Testament

Luke 20:28

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, a group of people is referencing a law from Moses regarding marriage and family lineage.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

They said, "Teacher, Moses wrote that if a man dies leaving a wife but no children, his brother must marry the widow and have children to carry on the dead man's family line.

KJVKing James Version

Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man’s brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, a group of people is referencing a law from Moses regarding marriage and family lineage. They explain that if a man dies without having children, his brother is obligated to marry the widow. This practice, known as levirate marriage, was intended to ensure that the deceased man's family line would continue. The law reflects the importance of family and inheritance in ancient Jewish culture. By bringing this up, they are likely trying to challenge Jesus with a hypothetical situation to test his understanding of the law and the afterlife. This verse highlights the cultural and legal expectations surrounding marriage and family responsibilities in that time period, as well as the significance of maintaining one's family lineage. Explore related genealogy.

How to apply Luke 20:28 to your life

Understanding the cultural context of biblical laws can deepen our appreciation for the values of family and responsibility. While we may not practice levirate marriage today, we can reflect on how we honor our family commitments and support one another in our relationships, ensuring that love and legacy continue.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 20:28 mean?

Luke 20:28 discusses a law from Moses that states if a man dies without children, his brother must marry the widow to continue the deceased man's family line. This practice, known as levirate marriage, highlights the importance of family lineage in ancient Jewish culture.

What is the significance of levirate marriage in Luke 20:28?

Levirate marriage, mentioned in Luke 20:28, was a cultural practice aimed at preserving a deceased man's family line by requiring his brother to marry his widow. This law reflects the values of family, inheritance, and responsibility in ancient Jewish society.

How does Luke 20:28 relate to family responsibilities?

Luke 20:28 illustrates the cultural expectation that family responsibilities extend beyond life, as the law requires a brother to marry his deceased sibling's widow to ensure the continuation of the family line.

What does the phrase 'raise up seed' mean in Luke 20:28?

The phrase 'raise up seed' in Luke 20:28 refers to the obligation of a brother to produce offspring with his deceased brother's widow, ensuring that the deceased's lineage continues and that his family name is preserved.

The Book of Luke
Book Summary

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.

Premium

Unlock the full Luke summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.