New Testament

Luke 20:31

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 scenario presented by the Sadducees, a group that did not believe in the resurrection.

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

The third married her, and so on through all 7 — none of them had children, and all of them died.

KJVKing James Version

And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we see a scenario presented by the Sadducees, a group that did not believe in the resurrection. They describe a woman who was married to seven brothers, each of whom died without leaving any children. This story illustrates their challenge to Jesus about the resurrection and the afterlife. They are trying to point out what they see as a contradiction in the belief of resurrection, questioning whose wife she would be in the afterlife. The mention of all seven brothers marrying the same woman emphasizes the absurdity they perceive in the resurrection concept. This verse sets the stage for Jesus to clarify the nature of life after death, showing that earthly relationships do not apply in the same way in the resurrection. It highlights the Sadducees' misunderstanding of God's power and the eternal life He offers.

How to apply Luke 20:31 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our understanding of life after death and the nature of relationships in eternity. It reminds us that earthly concerns may not carry over into the afterlife, prompting us to focus on our spiritual lives and our relationship with God.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 20:31 mean?

Luke 20:31 describes a scenario where a woman marries seven brothers, each of whom dies without leaving children. This story is presented by the Sadducees to challenge Jesus' teachings on resurrection, questioning whose wife she would be in the afterlife.

What is the significance of the Sadducees in Luke 20:31?

The Sadducees were a Jewish group that denied the resurrection of the dead. Their question about the woman married to seven brothers illustrates their attempt to undermine the concept of life after death, which Jesus addresses.

What does Luke 20:31 teach about marriage in the afterlife?

Luke 20:31 suggests that earthly marriages do not carry over into the afterlife. Jesus uses this scenario to explain that relationships in heaven are different from those on earth.

How does Luke 20:31 relate to the concept of resurrection?

In Luke 20:31, the Sadducees use the story of the woman and her seven husbands to question the validity of resurrection. Jesus responds by clarifying that life after death transcends earthly relationships.

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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