King James Version
What Does Luke 20:31 Mean?
“And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.”
Luke 20:31 · KJV
Context
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.
31
And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
32
Last of all the woman died also.
33
Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd the third took her; and in like manner the seven also (ὡσαύτως καὶ οἱ ἑπτά, hōsautōs kai hoi hepta, 'likewise also the seven')—The tragic pattern completes: all seven brothers married the woman in succession, each fulfilling his duty, each dying without producing children. They left no children, and died (οὐκ ἀφῆκαν τέκνα, ouk aphēkan tekna)—the verb ἀφίημι (aphiēmi) means to leave behind or bequeath.
The repetition heightens the supposed dilemma: in resurrection, does she belong to all seven simultaneously? To none? To the first? The Sadducees assume this creates logical impossibility, therefore resurrection cannot exist. They mistake earthly institutions for eternal necessities, a category error Jesus will brilliantly expose.
The repetition heightens the supposed dilemma: in resurrection, does she belong to all seven simultaneously? To none? To the first? The Sadducees assume this creates logical impossibility, therefore resurrection cannot exist. They mistake earthly institutions for eternal necessities, a category error Jesus will brilliantly expose.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The number seven in Jewish thought often indicated completeness or fullness. By having all seven brothers marry her, the Sadducees maximize the supposed absurdity. Rabbinic literature records similar hypothetical debates (though none this elaborate), showing this type of reasoning was common in Second Temple Judaism.
Reflection Questions
- How do we confuse earthly institutions (like marriage) with the essence of eternal existence?
- When have you dismissed a doctrine because it didn't fit your preconceived categories?
- What does the Sadducees' focus on legal puzzle-solving reveal about their spiritual priorities?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 15 wordsκαὶ1 of 15
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τρίτος3 of 15
“the third”
G5154third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
αὐτήν5 of 15
“her”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ8 of 15
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατέλιπον12 of 15
“and they left”
G2641to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining
καὶ14 of 15
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
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 20:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.