New Testament
Luke 20:30
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The second brother married her, and he also died without children.
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And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.
What Luke 20:30 means
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.
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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 20:30
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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 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.
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