New Testament

Luke 20:30

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 continuation of a story about a woman who has been married multiple times, each time to a brother who dies without leaving any children.

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

The second brother married her, and he also died without children.

KJVKing James Version

And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we see a continuation of a story about a woman who has been married multiple times, each time to a brother who dies without leaving any children. This situation is part of a larger discussion about the resurrection and the afterlife. The practice of levirate marriage, where a brother marries his deceased brother's widow to produce offspring, is highlighted here. The second brother's death without children emphasizes the tragic nature of the woman's situation and sets the stage for the question about what happens to her in the resurrection. This verse illustrates the complexities of family obligations and the cultural practices of the time, while also raising deeper theological questions about life after death and the nature of relationships in eternity.

How to apply Luke 20:30 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of family and the responsibilities we have towards one another. It encourages us to consider how we support our loved ones in difficult times and to reflect on the legacy we leave behind. Additionally, it prompts us to think about our beliefs regarding life after death and how they shape our relationships today.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 20:30 mean?

Luke 20:30 describes a situation where a woman marries a second brother after the first dies, and he also dies without children. This verse is part of a larger discussion about the practice of levirate marriage and raises questions about the afterlife.

What is the significance of the second brother in Luke 20:30?

The second brother in Luke 20:30 highlights the tragic cycle of the woman's marriages, where each husband dies childless. This emphasizes the cultural obligation of brothers to marry their deceased brother's widow and the implications of not having heirs.

What does childless mean in Luke 20:30?

In Luke 20:30, 'childless' means that the second brother died without having any children. This term is significant as it underscores the importance of producing heirs in the context of family obligations.

How does Luke 20:30 relate to resurrection?

Luke 20:30 is part of a discussion about resurrection, where the woman's situation raises questions about what happens to her in the afterlife. The verse sets up a theological inquiry into relationships and family dynamics beyond death.

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.

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