King James Version

What Does Luke 20:27 Mean?

Luke 20:27 in the King James Version says “Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,” — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,”

Luke 20:27 · KJV

Context

25

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

26

And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

27

Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

28

Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

29

There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.

Read Luke 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection (Σαδδουκαῖοι λέγοντες ἀνάστασιν μὴ εἶναι, Saddoukaioi legontes anastasin mē einai)—Luke introduces the Sadducees by their defining denial. The ἀνάστασις (anastasis, 'resurrection') refers to bodily resurrection at the end of the age, which Sadducees rejected, accepting only the Torah (not Prophets or Writings) as authoritative.

After Pharisees and Herodians failed with the tax question, the Sadducees—aristocratic priests who controlled the temple—try a different angle. Their question will attempt to make resurrection doctrine appear absurd through reductio ad absurdum. The theological coalition against Jesus is comprehensive: every major Jewish faction seeks to discredit him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sadducees were the priestly aristocracy, including the high priest's family, who collaborated with Rome and controlled temple operations. Unlike Pharisees, they rejected oral tradition, belief in angels, spirits, and bodily resurrection (Acts 23:8). They accepted only the five books of Moses. Most disappeared after the temple's destruction in AD 70.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does denial of resurrection naturally lead to different priorities and values in this life?
  2. How do theological denials often stem from philosophical commitments rather than biblical exegesis?
  3. What does it reveal that every Jewish faction united against Jesus despite their mutual disagreements?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Προσελθόντες1 of 12

“came”

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

δέ2 of 12

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

τινες3 of 12

“to him certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

οἱ4 of 12

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Σαδδουκαίων5 of 12

“of the Sadducees”

G4523

a sadducaean (i.e., tsadokian), or follower of a certain heretical israelite

οἱ6 of 12

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀντιλέγοντες7 of 12

“deny”

G483

to dispute, refuse

ἀνάστασιν8 of 12

“resurrection”

G386

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

μὴ9 of 12

“any”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εἶναι10 of 12

“that there is”

G1511

to exist

ἐπηρώτησαν11 of 12

“and they asked”

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

αὐτὸν12 of 12

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 20:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 20:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 4:1-21 Corinthians 15:12Mark 12:18-27Matthew 22:23-33Acts 23:6-8Matthew 16:1

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