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)
The second brother married her, and he also died without children.
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.
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 • Save over 90%
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.