New Testament
Luke 20:28
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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.
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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.
What Luke 20:28 means
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.
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.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Questions in the Temple (Luke 20:20–44)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 20:28
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
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.
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