New Testament
Matthew 22:31
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And as for whether the dead are raised — haven't you read what God himself said to you:
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But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
What Matthew 22:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses the Sadducees, a group that denied the resurrection of the dead. He challenges them by referencing God's words, implying that if God speaks of the resurrection, it must be true. This highlights the importance of understanding Scripture and recognizing God's authority. Jesus emphasizes that life continues after death, and the resurrection is a fundamental aspect of faith. By asking if they have read what God said, He points out their ignorance of the Scriptures. This moment serves to affirm the belief in life after death and the power of God to raise the dead, reinforcing the idea that God's promises are reliable and should be taken seriously. It also serves as a reminder that knowledge of Scripture is essential for understanding God's will and the truths of faith.
How to apply Matthew 22:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to engage deeply with Scripture and understand its teachings about life and death. It reminds us to seek knowledge and clarity about our faith, especially regarding the resurrection, which is central to Christian belief. We should not shy away from challenging misconceptions about our faith.
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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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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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 22:31 say about the resurrection?
Matthew 22:31 addresses the concept of resurrection by highlighting God's words regarding life after death. Jesus challenges the Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, by asking if they have read what God said, implying that God's authority confirms the reality of resurrection. This verse emphasizes that belief in life after death is a fundamental aspect of faith.
Why did Jesus question the Sadducees in Matthew 22:31?
Jesus questioned the Sadducees in Matthew 22:31 to confront their disbelief in the resurrection. By referencing God's words, He aimed to demonstrate their ignorance of Scripture and the importance of understanding God's promises. This interaction serves to affirm the belief in resurrection and challenges misconceptions about life after death.
How can Matthew 22:31 strengthen my faith?
Matthew 22:31 can strengthen your faith by reminding you of the importance of Scripture and God's promises regarding resurrection. It encourages you to seek a deeper understanding of your beliefs, particularly about life after death. Engaging with this verse can reinforce your confidence in God's authority and the hope of eternal life.
What is the significance of God's authority in Matthew 22:31?
In Matthew 22:31, God's authority is significant because it underscores the truth of the resurrection. Jesus uses God's words to validate the belief in life after death, showing that if God speaks of it, it must be true. This highlights the reliability of Scripture and the importance of recognizing God's power in matters of faith.
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