New Testament
Luke 20:37
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, Jesus refers to an event from the life of Moses to illustrate the concept of resurrection.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
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.'
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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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