King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:27 Mean?

Matthew 22:27 in the King James Version says “And last of all the woman died also.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And last of all the woman died also.”

Matthew 22:27 · KJV

Context

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.

29

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

Read Matthew 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And last of all the woman died also (ὕστερον δὲ πάντων ἀπέθανεν καὶ ἡ γυνή/hysteron de pantōn apethanen kai hē gynē). The woman's death completes the scenario, creating the supposed theological puzzle. She outlived all seven brothers who sequentially married her according to levirate obligation, then died childless herself. The phrase last of all (ὕστερον πάντων/hysteron pantōn) emphasizes finality—after everyone else, closing all earthly possibilities for producing offspring.

The Sadducees' scenario ironically highlights tragedy while missing its theological significance. This woman experienced profound loss—widowed seven times, remaining childless throughout (culturally catastrophic in ancient society), and dying without the promised 'seed' the levirate law was designed to provide. Rather than recognizing this as evidence that earthly arrangements are provisional and incomplete, requiring resurrection to fulfill God's promises, the Sadducees use her suffering as rhetorical ammunition. Their hardness of heart appears in weaponizing tragedy to score theological points.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Jewish society, a childless widow occupied the most vulnerable social position—no husband for protection and provision, no sons for future security, no place in the covenant community's generational continuity. The levirate law was God's gracious provision for such women. A woman widowed seven times would be viewed with suspicion—perhaps cursed, certainly tragic. That she remained childless despite seven marriages would seem to confirm divine disfavor. The Sadducees exploit this hypothetical suffering woman, showing their callousness. Their question ignores her dignity, reducing her to a theological prop in their debate with Jesus.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Sadducees' use of a woman's hypothetical suffering as a rhetorical weapon reveal their spiritual bankruptcy?
  2. What does it reveal about someone's theology when they exploit tragedy to score points rather than seeking God's purposes in suffering?
  3. How should the incompleteness and tragedy of earthly existence point us toward resurrection hope rather than skepticism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
ὕστερον1 of 7

“last”

G5305

more lately, i.e., eventually

δὲ2 of 7

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

πάντων3 of 7

“of all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀπέθανεν4 of 7

“died”

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

καὶ5 of 7

“also”

G2532

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

ἡ6 of 7
G3588

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

γυνή7 of 7

“the woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

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 22:27 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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