New Testament
Luke 20:37
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Even Moses showed that the dead are raised. At the burning bush, he called the Lord 'the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'
Compare translations
Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
What Luke 20:37 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus refers to an event from the life of Moses to illustrate the concept of resurrection. He points out that when God spoke to Moses at the burning bush, He identified Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is significant because these patriarchs had long since died, yet God still claims them as His people. This implies that they are alive in some form, affirming the belief in life after death. Jesus uses this reference to challenge the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, showing that even the Scriptures they revered support the idea of the dead being raised. The mention of God’s relationship with these patriarchs indicates that they continue to exist in a spiritual sense, reinforcing the hope of resurrection and eternal life for believers.
How to apply Luke 20:37 to your life
This verse encourages believers to trust in the promise of resurrection and eternal life. It reminds us that our relationship with God transcends death, offering hope and assurance. We can find comfort in knowing that our loved ones who have passed are still alive in God's presence.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Questions in the Temple (Luke 20:20–44)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 20:37
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 20:37
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 20:37 mean?
Luke 20:37 illustrates the concept of resurrection by referencing God's statement to Moses at the burning bush. It shows that God identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, implying that these patriarchs are alive in a spiritual sense, affirming the belief in life after death.
What is the significance of the burning bush in Luke 20:37?
The burning bush is significant because it is where God revealed Himself to Moses and affirmed His relationship with the patriarchs. This moment emphasizes that even though Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, they are still recognized by God, supporting the idea of resurrection.
What does 'the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' mean in this verse?
In this verse, 'the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' signifies God's ongoing relationship with these patriarchs, indicating that they are still alive in some form. This reinforces the belief in resurrection and eternal life, as God speaks of them in the present tense.
How does Luke 20:37 relate to the resurrection?
Luke 20:37 relates to the resurrection by demonstrating that God’s declaration of being the God of the patriarchs implies their continued existence. Jesus uses this to challenge the Sadducees' denial of resurrection, showing that even their revered Scriptures support the idea of life after death.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.