King James Version

What Does Luke 20:28 Mean?

Luke 20:28 in the King James Version says “Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brot... — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 20:28 · KJV


Context

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.

30

And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Master, Moses wrote unto us—The Sadducees cite Moses (Deuteronomy 25:5-6), their only accepted Scripture. 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—the law of levirate marriage (from Latin levir, 'brother-in-law'). The Greek describes ἀναστήσῃ σπέρμα (anastēsē sperma), literally 'raise up seed.'

This law protected childless widows and preserved family inheritance within tribes. The brother's duty ensured the deceased man's name and property line continued. The Sadducees will use this honored Mosaic institution to construct a scenario they believe makes resurrection impossible or absurd.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Levirate marriage (yibbum in Hebrew) appears in Genesis 38 (Tamar and Judah's sons) and Ruth 4 (Boaz and Ruth). It was practiced but not universal in Second Temple Judaism. The duty could be refused through the ceremony of chalitzah (removing the sandal). The institution protected women in patriarchal society where widows without sons faced destitution.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does levirate marriage reveal God's concern for the vulnerable (widows) within Israel's social structure?
  2. When have you used Scripture correctly cited but wrongly applied to attack rather than understand?
  3. Why do theological opponents often begin with common ground before springing their trap?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
λέγοντες1 of 28

Saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Διδάσκαλε2 of 28

Master

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

Μωσῆς3 of 28

Moses

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

ἔγραψεν4 of 28

wrote

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ἡμῖν5 of 28

unto us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

ἐάν6 of 28

If

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τινος7 of 28

any man's

G5100

some or any person or object

ἀδελφῷ8 of 28

brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἀποθάνῃ9 of 28

die

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

ἔχων10 of 28

having

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

γυναῖκα11 of 28

a wife

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

καὶ12 of 28

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὗτος13 of 28

he

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἄτεκνος14 of 28

without children

G815

childless

ἀποθάνῃ15 of 28

die

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

ἵνα16 of 28

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

λάβῃ17 of 28

should take

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

18 of 28
G3588

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

ἀδελφῷ19 of 28

brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοῦ20 of 28

his

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

τὴν21 of 28
G3588

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

γυναῖκα22 of 28

a wife

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

καὶ23 of 28

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξαναστήσῃ24 of 28

raise up

G1817

objectively, to produce, i.e., (figuratively) beget; subjectively, to arise, i.e., (figuratively) object

σπέρμα25 of 28

seed

G4690

something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)

τῷ26 of 28
G3588

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

ἀδελφῷ27 of 28

brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοῦ28 of 28

his

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 20:28 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 20:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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