King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:30 Mean?

Matthew 22:30 in the King James Version says “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.”

Matthew 22:30 · KJV

Context

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.

30

For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

31

But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,

32

I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

Read Matthew 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage (ἐν γὰρ τῇ ἀναστάσει οὔτε γαμοῦσιν οὔτε γαμίζονται/en gar tē anastasei oute gamousin oute gamizontai). Jesus demolishes the Sadducees' false premise. Resurrection doesn't simply extend earthly existence; it transforms human nature into something radically different. The dual expression marry (γαμοῦσιν/gamousin, active voice, typically referring to men taking wives) and given in marriage (γαμίζονται/gamizontai, passive voice, typically referring to women being given) covers all aspects of marital union—no marriage institution exists in resurrected state.

But are as the angels of God in heaven (ἀλλ' ὡς ἄγγελοι θεοῦ ἐν οὐρανῷ εἰσιν/all' hōs aggeloi theou en ouranō eisin). Resurrected humans will be ἰσάγγελοι (isaggeloi, 'angel-like,' Luke 20:36)—not becoming angels but sharing angelic qualities: immortality, non-reproductive existence, direct fellowship with God. Marriage exists for procreation, companionship, and illustrating Christ's relationship with the church (Ephesians 5:31-32). In resurrection, these purposes are fulfilled or superseded—no need for procreation (no death requiring replacement), perfect communion with God and all saints (marriage's companionship fulfilled infinitely), and direct union with Christ (the reality of which marriage was only shadow).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus's answer would have shocked both Sadducees and Pharisees. Sadducees denied angels' existence (Acts 23:8), making the comparison particularly pointed. Pharisees believed in resurrection but debated its nature—some rabbis taught resurrected life would include eating, drinking, procreation, mirroring earthly existence in glorified form. Jesus corrects both errors: resurrection is real (contra Sadducees) but radically transformative (contra materialistic Pharisaism). Early church fathers wrestled with this teaching. Augustine clarified that resurrected bodies will have gender distinctions but no sexual function, marriage being temporal institution for this age only. This has profound implications: earthly relationships, including the deepest marriage union, are temporary, pointing toward eternal realities they can never fully satisfy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should understanding that marriage doesn't exist in eternity affect how you view and invest in earthly marriage?
  2. What does it reveal about resurrected life that its primary relationship is direct communion with God, making marriage unnecessary?
  3. How does Jesus's teaching guard against both denying resurrection (Sadducean error) and reducing it to mere extended earthly existence (materialistic error)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ἐν1 of 16

“in”

G1722

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

γὰρ2 of 16

“For”

G1063

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

τῇ3 of 16
G3588

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

ἀναστάσει4 of 16

“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

οὔτε5 of 16

“nor”

G3777

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

γαμοῦσιν6 of 16

“marry”

G1060

to wed (of either sex)

οὔτε7 of 16

“nor”

G3777

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

ἐκγαμίζονται,8 of 16

“are given in marriage”

G1547

to marry off a daughter

ἀλλ'9 of 16

“but”

G235

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

ὡς10 of 16

“as”

G5613

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

ἄγγελοι11 of 16

“the angels”

G32

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

τοῦ12 of 16
G3588

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

Θεοῦ13 of 16

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐν14 of 16

“in”

G1722

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

οὐρανῷ15 of 16

“heaven”

G3772

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

εἰσιν16 of 16

“are”

G1526

they are

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 22:30 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 Matthew 22:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 20:34-36Mark 12:24-25Matthew 24:381 Corinthians 7:29-31John 5:28-291 John 3:1-2

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