New Testament
Luke 20:29
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Now, there were 7 brothers. The first married a woman and died without children.
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There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.
What Luke 20:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about a situation involving seven brothers, where the first brother marries a woman but dies without having any children. This scenario sets the stage for a discussion about marriage, resurrection, and the afterlife. The practice of levirate marriage, where a brother marries his deceased brother's widow to continue the family line, is implied here. The mention of the brothers and the widow highlights the cultural and social expectations of the time regarding family and lineage. The absence of children is significant, as it raises questions about inheritance and the continuation of the family name. This verse is part of a larger narrative where the Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection, challenge Jesus with this hypothetical situation to question the validity of life after death. It illustrates the tension between different beliefs about life, death, and what comes after, prompting deeper reflection on these important spiritual themes.
How to apply Luke 20:29 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the importance of family and the legacy we leave behind. It also invites us to consider our beliefs about life after death and how they shape our actions and relationships today. Engaging with these themes can deepen our understanding of faith and community.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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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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The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Luke 20:29
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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 is the significance of the seven brothers in Luke 20:29?
The seven brothers in Luke 20:29 illustrate a cultural practice known as levirate marriage, where a man is expected to marry his deceased brother's widow to ensure the continuation of the family line. This scenario sets up a challenge posed by the Sadducees to Jesus regarding the resurrection, highlighting the tension between differing beliefs about life after death and the importance of family lineage in Jewish culture.
How does Luke 20:29 relate to the concept of resurrection?
In Luke 20:29, the Sadducees present a hypothetical situation involving the seven brothers to question Jesus about the resurrection. They aim to challenge the belief in life after death by presenting a scenario where a woman marries multiple brothers, raising the question of whose wife she would be in the resurrection. Jesus uses this opportunity to clarify misconceptions about the afterlife, emphasizing that earthly relationships do not apply in the same way in the resurrection.
What cultural practices are highlighted in Luke 20:29?
Luke 20:29 highlights the practice of levirate marriage, which was common in ancient Jewish culture. This practice required a brother to marry his deceased brother's widow to preserve the family line and ensure that the brother's name would continue. The verse reflects the societal expectations of the time regarding marriage, family, and inheritance, and sets the stage for a deeper discussion about resurrection and eternal life.
What lessons can we learn from Luke 20:29 about family?
Luke 20:29 teaches us about the importance of family and the legacy we leave behind. It prompts us to consider how our relationships and responsibilities to family shape our lives. The verse encourages reflection on the values we hold regarding family connections, the continuation of our lineage, and how these beliefs influence our understanding of life, death, and what comes after.
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