King James Version

What Does Luke 20:34 Mean?

Luke 20:34 in the King James Version says “And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:” — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:”

Luke 20:34 · KJV

Context

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.

34

And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:

35

But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

36

Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

Read Luke 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage (οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου γαμοῦσιν καὶ γαμίσκονται, hoi hyioi tou aiōnos toutou gamousin kai gamiskontai)—Jesus begins by distinguishing this age (αἰών, aiōn) from the age to come. The phrase 'children of this world/age' doesn't mean 'worldly people' but humans living in the present temporal order.

Marriage belongs to this age—it's a good, God-ordained institution for the present creation, serving procreation, companionship, and family structure. But Jesus will reveal it's not an eternal necessity. The verbs γαμέω (marry) and γαμίσκω (give in marriage) describe both male initiative and parental arrangement, the full pattern of matrimonial practice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Jewish and Greco-Roman society, marriage was the expected norm for adults—remaining single was rare and sometimes suspect. Marriage secured family alliances, economic stability, and legitimate heirs. Jesus's teaching that resurrection life transcends marriage would have been revolutionary to his hearers, contradicting assumptions about the eternality of family structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's teaching challenge the idolatry of marriage and family that pervades Christian culture?
  2. What does it mean that institutions you hold dear (marriage, family) are 'of this age' rather than eternal?
  3. How should Jesus's words comfort those who are single, widowed, or whose earthly marriages were painful?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἀποκριθεὶς2 of 14

“answering”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

εἶπεν3 of 14

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς4 of 14

“unto them”

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

ὁ5 of 14
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς6 of 14

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Οἱ7 of 14
G3588

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

υἱοὶ8 of 14

“The children”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ9 of 14
G3588

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

αἰῶνος10 of 14

“world”

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τούτου11 of 14

“of this”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

γαμοῦσιν12 of 14

“marry”

G1060

to wed (of either sex)

καὶ13 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἐκγαμίσκονται,14 of 14

“are given in marriage”

G1548

the same as 1547

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 20:34 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 20:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 16:8Luke 17:27Hebrews 13:41 Corinthians 7:2-16Ephesians 5:31

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