King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:26 Mean?

Matthew 22:26 in the King James Version says “Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. seventh: Gr. seven” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. seventh: Gr. seven”

Matthew 22:26 · KJV

Context

24

Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

25

Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:

26

Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. seventh: Gr. seven

27

And last of all the woman died also.

28

Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh (ὁμοίως καὶ ὁ δεύτερος καὶ ὁ τρίτος, ἕως τῶν ἑπτά/homoiōs kai ho deuteros kai ho tritos, heōs tōn hepta). The Sadducees compress the narrative, rushing through six additional marriages in a single verse. This brevity serves rhetorical purpose—emphasizing the absurdity rather than the compassion or tragedy. Each brother fulfilled legal obligation, married the widow, died childless, passing the responsibility sequentially.

This hypothetical scenario reveals the Sadducees' reductionistic theology. They cannot conceive of existence fundamentally different from present experience. Resurrection, if it existed, must simply mean returning to bodily life with all its social relationships, legal obligations, and physical processes intact. Their imagination cannot grasp transformation, only continuation. Paul later addresses this same materialistic misconception: 'But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?' (1 Corinthians 15:35), answering that resurrection involves a glorified, spiritual body, not merely resuscitated flesh.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Sadducees' theological materialism reflected their social position. As wealthy priestly aristocrats controlling the temple economy, they benefited from the status quo and rejected doctrines threatening present order. Resurrection belief implied divine judgment, future accountability, and reversal of earthly power structures—all threatening to their privilege. Their rejection of afterlife mirrors ancient Sadducean collaboration with Rome: focus on maximizing power and pleasure in this life only. Early church father Jerome noted Sadducees' denial of resurrection stemmed from sensuality and worldly mindedness, not intellectual rigor. Their skepticism served self-interest rather than honest inquiry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does worldly privilege and comfort often breed skepticism about resurrection and eternal judgment?
  2. What does the Sadducees' rapid summary of six marriages reveal about their real concern—winning an argument rather than understanding truth?
  3. In what ways do people today reduce eternal realities to mere extensions of temporal experience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ὁμοίως1 of 10

“Likewise”

G3668

similarly

καὶ2 of 10

“also”

G2532

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

ὁ3 of 10
G3588

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

δεύτερος4 of 10

“the second”

G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

καὶ5 of 10

“also”

G2532

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

ὁ6 of 10
G3588

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

τρίτος7 of 10

“the third”

G5154

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

ἕως8 of 10

“unto”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

τῶν9 of 10
G3588

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

ἑπτά10 of 10

“the seventh”

G2033

seven

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 22:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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