King James Version

What Does Luke 20:35 Mean?

Luke 20:35 in the King James Version says “But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor ar...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 20:35 · KJV

Context

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.

37

Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead (οἱ δὲ καταξιωθέντες τοῦ αἰῶνος ἐκείνου τυχεῖν καὶ τῆς ἀναστάσεως τῆς ἐκ νεκρῶν, hoi de kataxiōthentes tou aiōnos ekeinou tychein kai tēs anastaseōs tēs ek nekrōn)—The verb καταξιόω (kataxioō) means 'to consider worthy,' not earned merit but God's gracious verdict. The age to come (αἰών ἐκεῖνος) operates by different principles than this age.

Neither marry, nor are given in marriage (οὔτε γαμοῦσιν οὔτε γαμίζονται)—In resurrection life, marriage has fulfilled its purpose. Procreation is unnecessary (there's no death to replace); companionship finds fuller expression in the communion of saints; and the marriage metaphor finds ultimate reality in Christ and the Church (Eph 5:31-32). Earthly marriage points beyond itself to union with God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This teaching contradicted Jewish expectations of the age to come, where many assumed family structures would continue. Pharisees believed in resurrection but often conceived it as improved earthly existence. Jesus reveals resurrection as transformation into a qualitatively different mode of being, not merely extended life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this teaching help us hold earthly relationships with proper looseness—loved but not idolized?
  2. What does it mean that the resurrection life is so transformed that marriage becomes obsolete?
  3. How should this reality shape the way married Christians prioritize their relationship to Christ versus their spouse?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
οἱ1 of 17
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 17

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

καταξιωθέντες3 of 17

“they which shall be accounted worthy”

G2661

to deem entirely deserving

τοῦ4 of 17
G3588

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

αἰῶνος5 of 17

“world”

G165

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

ἐκείνου6 of 17

“that”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

τυχεῖν7 of 17

“to obtain”

G5177

akin to the base of g5088 through the idea of effecting; properly, to affect; or (specially), to hit or light upon (as a mark to be reached), i.e., (t

καὶ8 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

τῆς9 of 17
G3588

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

ἀναστάσεως10 of 17

“the 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

τῆς11 of 17
G3588

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

ἐκ12 of 17

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

νεκρῶν13 of 17

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

οὔτε14 of 17

“neither”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

γαμοῦσιν15 of 17

“marry”

G1060

to wed (of either sex)

οὔτε16 of 17

“neither”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ἐκγαμίσκονται17 of 17

“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 20:35 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 20:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 1:5John 5:29Daniel 12:2-3Matthew 12:32Acts 24:15Acts 5:41

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