New Testament

Mark 12:23

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, the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, posed a question to Jesus about a woman who had been married to seven brothers, each of whom died without leaving children.

Author
John Mark
Written
Around AD 55-65
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Roman and Gentile Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

So here's our question: at the resurrection, when they all rise from the dead, whose wife will she be? After all, all 7 of them were married to her."

KJVKing James Version

In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, posed a question to Jesus about a woman who had been married to seven brothers, each of whom died without leaving children. They wanted to challenge the idea of resurrection by asking whose wife she would be in the afterlife. Their question reflects a misunderstanding of both marriage and the nature of life after death. Jesus responds later by explaining that in the resurrection, people will not marry or be given in marriage, indicating that earthly relationships will not carry over into eternal life. This highlights the transformative nature of resurrection and the different reality of life in the afterlife compared to earthly existence.

How to apply Mark 12:23 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our understanding of life after death and the nature of our relationships. It reminds us that earthly concerns may not hold the same significance in eternity. We should focus on our spiritual lives and how we prepare for the afterlife, prioritizing our relationship with God over earthly ties.

Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Mark 12:23 mean?

Mark 12:23 features the Sadducees questioning Jesus about a woman married to seven brothers, challenging the concept of resurrection. They wanted to know whose wife she would be after the resurrection, reflecting their misunderstanding of life after death.

What is the significance of the Sadducees in Mark 12:23?

The Sadducees were a Jewish sect that denied the resurrection, and their question in Mark 12:23 aimed to trap Jesus. Their inquiry highlights their disbelief and misunderstanding of spiritual truths regarding life after death.

What does Jesus teach about marriage in Mark 12:23?

In response to the Sadducees' question, Jesus teaches that in the resurrection, people will not marry or be given in marriage. This indicates that earthly relationships are transformed in the afterlife.

How does Mark 12:23 relate to the concept of resurrection?

Mark 12:23 illustrates the Sadducees' challenge to the resurrection belief by presenting a hypothetical scenario about marriage. Jesus' response emphasizes that resurrection life differs fundamentally from earthly existence.

The Book of Mark
Book Summary

The Book of Mark

Mark 1: John the Baptist and the Beginning of Jesus's Ministry

John the Baptist appears in the wilderness and preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People from Judaea and Jerusalem come to him, confess their sins, and are baptized in the river Jordan. John wears camel's hair and a leather belt and eats locusts and wild honey. He announces that someone stronger than he is coming after him and says he is not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals. He baptizes with water, but the one coming will baptize with the Holy Ghost.

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