King James Version
What Does Mark 12:23 Mean?
“In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.”
Mark 12:23 · KJV
Context
21
And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise.
22
And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.
23
In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.
24
And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?
25
For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryIn the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife (ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει, ὅταν ἀναστῶσιν, τίνος αὐτῶν ἔσται γυνή; οἱ γὰρ ἑπτὰ ἔσχον αὐτὴν γυναῖκα). This is the trap's springing. The Sadducees present what they believe is an unanswerable dilemma: tinos autōn estai gynē (τίνος αὐτῶν ἔσται γυνή, "whose wife will she be")? Their question assumes resurrection life duplicates earthly marital relationships, creating impossible polygamy.
The phrase when they shall rise (ὅταν ἀναστῶσιν, hotan anastōsin) ironically uses resurrection terminology while denying resurrection's reality—they're speaking hypothetically about doctrine they reject. Their logic: if resurrection were true, this scenario proves it creates moral chaos (polygamy) or legal impossibility (multiple valid marriage claims). Therefore, resurrection must be false. Jesus will demolish this reasoning by revealing resurrection life transcends earthly categories.
The phrase when they shall rise (ὅταν ἀναστῶσιν, hotan anastōsin) ironically uses resurrection terminology while denying resurrection's reality—they're speaking hypothetically about doctrine they reject. Their logic: if resurrection were true, this scenario proves it creates moral chaos (polygamy) or legal impossibility (multiple valid marriage claims). Therefore, resurrection must be false. Jesus will demolish this reasoning by revealing resurrection life transcends earthly categories.
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Historical & Cultural Context
The Sadducees' question reflects rabbinic debates about resurrection state. Jewish literature from the intertestamental period (2 Maccabees, 1 Enoch, 4 Ezra) discussed resurrection but lacked clear consensus on specifics. Some envisioned resurrection life as perfected earthly existence with marriage, procreation, eating, drinking. Others anticipated transformed existence beyond current biological functions. The Sadducees exploited this ambiguity, assuming resurrection meant reconstituted earthly life with all its complications. Jesus' answer establishes that resurrection isn't resuscitation (returning to mortal life) but transformation to immortal existence where earthly institutions serve their temporary purpose then give way to eternal realities. Marriage's earthly function (companionship, procreation, imaging Christ and church) finds fulfillment in direct communion with God.
Reflection Questions
- What does the Sadducees' question reveal about the danger of imagining heaven as merely an improved version of earthly life?
- How does Jesus' coming answer about resurrection life being 'like angels' challenge materialistic expectations of eternity?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 16 wordsἀναστάσει4 of 16
“the resurrection”
G386a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor
ὅταν5 of 16
“when”
G3752whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ἀναστῶσιν6 of 16
“they shall rise”
G450to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
τίνος7 of 16
“whose”
G5101an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
αὐτὴν8 of 16
“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
γὰρ12 of 16
“for”
G1063properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἔσχον14 of 16
“had”
G2192to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
αὐτὴν15 of 16
“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
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Mark 12:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.