King James Version
What Does Luke 20:28 Mean?
“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.”
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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**8-10. stood--**before all.
**said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord--**Mark how frequently Luke uses this title, and always where lordly authority, dignity, or power is intended.
**if I have--**that is, "so far as I have," for evidently the "if" is so used (as in Php 4:8).
**taken by false accusation--**defrauded, overcharged (Lu 3:12, 13).
**fourfold--**The Roman law required this; the Jewish law, but the principal and a fifth more (Nu 5:7). There was no demand made for either; but, as if to revenge himself on his hitherto reigning sin (see on Joh 20:28), and to testify the change he had experienced, besides surrendering the half of his fair gains to the poor, he voluntarily determines to give up all that was ill-gotten, quadrupled. He gratefully addressed this to the "Lord," to whom he owed the wonderful change.
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge