New Testament
Luke 20:35
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But those who are counted worthy to reach the age to come and the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage.
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But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
What Luke 20:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus explains that those who are deemed worthy to enter the age to come, which refers to eternal life after resurrection, will not participate in marriage as we know it. This suggests that in the afterlife, relationships will be different from earthly ones. The focus shifts from earthly bonds to a new existence where the divine presence is paramount. Jesus emphasizes that the resurrection brings a transformation of life, where the social structures and institutions of this world, like marriage, will not apply. Instead, the resurrected life will be characterized by a direct relationship with God and a community of believers, free from the limitations and commitments of earthly life. This teaching reassures believers of the hope and joy that awaits them in the afterlife, highlighting the significance of being counted worthy of such a promise.
How to apply Luke 20:35 to your life
This verse encourages us to focus on our spiritual lives and the qualities that make us worthy of eternal life. It reminds us that our earthly relationships, while important, are temporary. We should prioritize our relationship with God and live in a way that reflects our hope in the resurrection.
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 20:35
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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 20:35 mean about marriage in the afterlife?
Luke 20:35 indicates that in the age to come, those who are resurrected will not marry or be given in marriage. This suggests that relationships in the afterlife will be fundamentally different from earthly ones, focusing more on a direct relationship with God and community among believers rather than on marital bonds.
How can I be counted worthy according to Luke 20:35?
Being counted worthy, as mentioned in Luke 20:35, involves living a life that reflects faith in God, obedience to His teachings, and a commitment to spiritual growth. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing your relationship with God and embodying the qualities of love, compassion, and righteousness.
What does the resurrection from the dead signify in this verse?
The resurrection from the dead signifies a transformative event where believers are granted eternal life. In Luke 20:35, this resurrection is tied to being worthy of entering a new existence characterized by divine presence, where earthly institutions like marriage do not apply, highlighting a new form of life in communion with God.
Why is marriage not part of the afterlife according to this verse?
Marriage is not part of the afterlife as described in Luke 20:35 because the resurrected life transcends earthly relationships and social structures. The focus shifts to a direct relationship with God and a community of believers, suggesting that the nature of existence in the afterlife is fundamentally different and more profound than earthly bonds.
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