King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:31 Mean?

Matthew 22:31 in the King James Version says “But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 22:31 · KJV

Context

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.

33

And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.

Read Matthew 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read (περὶ δὲ τῆς ἀναστάσεως τῶν νεκρῶν οὐκ ἀνέγνωτε/peri de tēs anastaseōs tōn nekrōn ouk anegnōte). After correcting their misconception about resurrection's nature (verse 30), Jesus proves resurrection's reality from Scripture. The question have ye not read (οὐκ ἀνέγνωτε/ouk anegnōte) carries stinging rebuke—these Scripture experts, who accepted only Torah, had missed Torah's clearest testimony to resurrection. The perfect tense ἀναγινώσκω (anaginōskō) implies they've read repeatedly yet failed to understand.

That which was spoken unto you by God (τὸ ῥηθὲν ὑμῖν ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ/to rhēthen hymin hypo tou theou). Jesus emphasizes divine authorship—not merely Moses's words but God's direct speech. The phrase unto you (ὑμῖν/hymin) makes it personal and present—God's word to the Sadducees themselves, not merely ancient Israelites. Scripture isn't dead historical record but living divine address. This anticipates the quotation from Exodus 3:6, spoken centuries after the patriarchs died yet using present tense, proving their continued existence and implying resurrection.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus's argument strategy is brilliant: He defeats Sadducees using only Torah, which they accepted as authoritative while rejecting Prophets and Writings. Passages explicitly teaching resurrection (Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:2, Job 19:25-27) wouldn't convince them, so Jesus finds resurrection implicit in Torah itself. Exodus 3:6, God's self-revelation to Moses at the burning bush, becomes proof-text. The rabbis called this method kal va-chomer (light and heavy)—arguing from lesser to greater. If God identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob centuries after their deaths, they must still exist in some sense, requiring future resurrection. Jesus's exegetical skill silences opponents while establishing hermeneutical principle: all Scripture testifies to resurrection because all Scripture reveals the God of the living.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's question 'Have ye not read?' challenge those who know Scripture intellectually but miss its central truths?
  2. What does Jesus's emphasis that Scripture was 'spoken unto you by God' teach about how we should approach Bible reading?
  3. How can someone be a 'Scripture expert' yet miss Scripture's main message—like the Sadducees missing resurrection in Torah?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
περὶ1 of 15

“as touching”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

δὲ2 of 15

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τοῦ3 of 15

“that which”

G3588

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

ἀναστάσεως4 of 15

“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

τοῦ5 of 15

“that which”

G3588

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

νεκρῶν6 of 15

“of the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

οὐκ7 of 15

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀνέγνωτε8 of 15

“have ye”

G314

to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read

τοῦ9 of 15

“that which”

G3588

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

ῥηθὲν10 of 15

“was spoken”

G4483

to utter, i.e., speak or say

ὑμῖν11 of 15

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὑπὸ12 of 15

“by”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τοῦ13 of 15

“that which”

G3588

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

θεοῦ14 of 15

“God”

G2316

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

λέγοντος15 of 15

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

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 22:31 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 22:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 21:16Matthew 12:3Matthew 9:13Matthew 12:7Matthew 21:42

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