King James Version

What Does Mark 12:25 Mean?

Mark 12:25 in the King James Version says “For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are i...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Mark 12:25 · KJV

Context

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.

26

And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?

27

He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (ὅταν γὰρ ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῶσιν, οὔτε γαμοῦσιν οὔτε γαμίζονται, ἀλλ' εἰσὶν ὡς ἄγγελοι ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς). Jesus reveals resurrection life transcends earthly marriage. The phrase oute gamousin oute gamizontai (οὔτε γαμοῦσιν οὔτε γαμίζονται) uses both active ("marry") and passive ("are given in marriage") to emphasize complete cessation of marital institution. Marriage serves God's purposes in this age—companionship, procreation, imaging Christ's union with the church (Ephesians 5:32)—but these purposes find ultimate fulfillment in resurrection glory.

As the angels (ὡς ἄγγελοι, hōs angeloi) doesn't mean humans become angels (we retain distinct nature) but indicates similarity in immortal, non-procreating existence. Angels don't marry or reproduce; resurrection humans likewise won't need marriage's earthly functions. The comparison demolishes the Sadducees' scenario: their trap assumed earthly categories apply to resurrection life, but transformation to immortal glory makes their question irrelevant.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus' teaching on resurrection marriage was revolutionary. Jewish expectations about resurrection varied, but many anticipated reconstituted earthly existence with familiar relationships. Jesus reveals resurrection isn't mere resuscitation but transformation. Marriage's temporary purpose gives way to direct communion with God. This doesn't diminish marriage's value but properly orders it: earthly marriage is good gift pointing to greater reality (Christ and church), not ultimate end in itself. Paul develops this theology in 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Ephesians 5:22-33. The early church fathers (Augustine, Jerome, Aquinas) built on Jesus' teaching, affirming that resurrection bodies are real, physical, yet transformed beyond current biological limitations (no aging, death, decay, procreation). The Reformers maintained this orthodox position against both materialistic and overly spiritualized views of resurrection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' teaching that there's no marriage in resurrection challenge us to hold earthly relationships with proper perspective?
  2. What does the comparison to angels reveal about resurrection life being transformed existence, not merely improved earthly life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ὅταν1 of 17

“when”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

γὰρ2 of 17

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐκ3 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

νεκρῶν4 of 17

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ἀναστῶσιν5 of 17

“they shall rise”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

οὔτε6 of 17

“nor”

G3777

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

γαμοῦσιν7 of 17

“marry”

G1060

to wed (of either sex)

οὔτε8 of 17

“nor”

G3777

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

γαμίσκονται,9 of 17

“are given in marriage”

G1061

to espouse (a daughter to a husband)

ἀλλ'10 of 17

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

εἰσὶν11 of 17

“are”

G1526

they are

ὡς12 of 17

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἄγγελοι13 of 17

“the angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

τοῖς14 of 17

“which”

G3588

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

ἐν15 of 17

“are in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς16 of 17

“which”

G3588

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

οὐρανοῖς17 of 17

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

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 12:25 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 Mark 12:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 20:35-36Matthew 22:301 John 3:2Hebrews 12:22-231 Corinthians 15:42-54

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