New Testament
Matthew 22:25
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, a group of people is discussing a situation involving a woman who was married to one of seven brothers.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Now, there were 7 brothers among us. The first one married and died without children, so his wife passed to his brother.
Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a group of people is discussing a situation involving a woman who was married to one of seven brothers. The first brother married her but died without having any children. According to the Jewish law of levirate marriage, if a man died without children, his brother was expected to marry the widow to continue the family line. This practice was meant to ensure that the deceased brother's name and lineage would not be lost. The mention of seven brothers highlights the complexity of the situation, as it sets the stage for a question about resurrection and marriage that the Sadducees, a group that did not believe in resurrection, would later pose to Jesus. This verse illustrates the cultural and legal practices of the time, as well as the importance of family lineage in Jewish society. Explore related genealogy.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 22:25 to your life
Understanding the cultural context of biblical texts helps us grasp the significance of family and relationships in our lives today. It reminds us of the importance of supporting one another and maintaining connections within our families, as well as the value of legacy and continuity in our relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 22:25 mean?
Matthew 22:25 describes a situation where a woman marries one of seven brothers who dies without children. According to Jewish law, the next brother is expected to marry her to continue the deceased brother's family line.
What is the significance of levirate marriage in Matthew 22:25?
Levirate marriage, mentioned in Matthew 22:25, was a cultural practice where a brother marries his deceased brother's widow to preserve the family lineage. This practice highlights the importance of family continuity in Jewish society.
Who are the Sadducees in Matthew 22:25?
The Sadducees were a Jewish sect that did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Their question about the woman married to multiple brothers reflects their skepticism about life after death.
What cultural practices are highlighted in Matthew 22:25?
Matthew 22:25 highlights the practice of levirate marriage and the importance of family lineage in Jewish culture. It shows how these customs influenced relationships and responsibilities within families.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
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