New Testament
Matthew 22:28
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So here's our question: In the resurrection, whose wife will she be? After all, she was married to all 7 of them."
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Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.
What Matthew 22:28 means
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, asking whose wife she would be in the afterlife. Their question was meant to challenge the concept of resurrection by presenting a scenario they thought was absurd. Jesus responds by explaining that in the resurrection, earthly relationships like marriage do not exist as they do in this life. Instead, people will be like angels, living in a different reality where the focus is on God rather than on human relationships. This passage highlights the Sadducees' misunderstanding of both the resurrection and the nature of eternal life, emphasizing that life after death transcends earthly experiences and relationships.
How to apply Matthew 22:28 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the nature of our relationships and priorities. While earthly connections are important, we should remember that our ultimate focus should be on our relationship with God. Understanding the eternal perspective can help us navigate our lives with a sense of purpose and hope beyond this world.
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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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Keep studying Matthew 22:28
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Key themes
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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 did the Sadducees ask Jesus in Matthew 22:28?
In Matthew 22:28, the Sadducees posed a question to Jesus about a woman who had been married to seven brothers. They asked Him, 'In the resurrection, whose wife will she be?' Their intention was to challenge the belief in resurrection by presenting a scenario they thought was absurd, implying that the concept of life after death created complications in human relationships.
How did Jesus respond to the Sadducees' question?
Jesus responded by explaining that in the resurrection, earthly relationships, including marriage, do not exist as they do in this life. He emphasized that people will be like angels, indicating a different reality where the focus is on God rather than on human relationships. This response highlighted the Sadducees' misunderstanding of the resurrection and the nature of eternal life.
What is the main lesson from Matthew 22:28?
The main lesson from Matthew 22:28 is that earthly relationships, while significant, are not the focus in the afterlife. Jesus teaches that life after death transcends our current experiences and relationships, urging us to prioritize our relationship with God. This perspective encourages believers to live with a sense of purpose and hope that extends beyond this world.
What themes are present in Matthew 22:28?
Matthew 22:28 encompasses several themes, including resurrection, marriage, and eternal life. It also highlights the Sadducees' skepticism and Jesus' teaching about the nature of heavenly reality. The passage emphasizes that life after death is fundamentally different from earthly life, focusing on a divine relationship rather than human connections.
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