New Testament
Matthew 22:26
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The same thing happened with the second brother, then the third, and so on through all 7.
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Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.
What Matthew 22:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is recounting a scenario presented by the Sadducees, who were trying to challenge Him about the resurrection. They describe a woman who married seven brothers, each of whom died without leaving children. The repetition of the phrase 'the second also, and the third, unto the seventh' emphasizes the absurdity of their hypothetical situation. It illustrates their misunderstanding of resurrection and life after death. The Sadducees believed that there was no resurrection, and by presenting this scenario, they aimed to mock the idea of life beyond the grave. Jesus uses this example to highlight their lack of understanding about God's power and the nature of eternal life. This verse serves to show that earthly relationships and laws do not apply in the same way in the afterlife, where God’s kingdom reigns supreme. It invites readers to reflect on the nature of life after death and the hope of resurrection that Jesus offers.
How to apply Matthew 22:26 to your life
This verse encourages us to deepen our understanding of life after death and the promises of resurrection. It reminds us that earthly concerns and relationships will not define our existence in eternity. We should focus on our relationship with God and the hope He provides for eternal life.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Questions in the Temple (Matthew 22:15–46)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 22:26 mean?
Matthew 22:26 recounts a scenario where a woman marries seven brothers, each dying without children. This repetition highlights the Sadducees' misunderstanding of resurrection and life after death, illustrating their attempt to mock the concept of eternal life.
What is the significance of the seven brothers in Matthew 22:26?
The seven brothers in Matthew 22:26 serve to emphasize the absurdity of the Sadducees' hypothetical situation regarding resurrection. Their scenario aims to challenge Jesus' teachings about life after death, revealing their lack of understanding about God's power.
How does Matthew 22:26 relate to the concept of resurrection?
Matthew 22:26 relates to resurrection by showcasing the Sadducees' flawed reasoning against the idea of life after death. Jesus uses their scenario to demonstrate that earthly laws and relationships do not limit God's power in the afterlife.
What can we learn from Matthew 22:26?
From Matthew 22:26, we learn that earthly concerns and relationships will not define our existence in eternity. It encourages us to focus on our relationship with God and the hope of resurrection He offers.
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