King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:32 Mean?

Matthew 22:32 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Matthew 22:32 · KJV

Context

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.

34

But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together .

Read Matthew 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' proof of resurrection—'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'—quotes Exodus 3:6. The present tense 'I am' (not 'I was') indicates Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob still live in God's presence though physically dead. God's ongoing relationship with the patriarchs requires their continued existence, implying resurrection. This demonstrates Scripture's careful reading reveals profound truth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus cites Torah (which Sadducees accepted) to prove resurrection. Exodus 3:6, spoken hundreds of years after the patriarchs' deaths, uses present tense—God currently is their God. Since God is the God of the living, the patriarchs must be alive, awaiting bodily resurrection. This shows resurrection is implicit even in passages not explicitly addressing it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' argumentation model careful, faithful Scripture interpretation?
  2. What comfort does knowing God is 'God of the living' bring regarding deceased believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Ἐγώ1 of 21

“I”

G1473

i, me

εἰμι2 of 21

“am”

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ὁ3 of 21
G3588

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

Θεὸς4 of 21

“God”

G2316

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

Ἀβραὰμ5 of 21

“of Abraham”

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

καὶ6 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

ὁ7 of 21
G3588

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

Θεὸς8 of 21

“God”

G2316

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

Ἰσαὰκ9 of 21

“of Isaac”

G2464

isaac (i.e., jitschak), the son of abraham

καὶ10 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

ὁ11 of 21
G3588

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

Θεὸς12 of 21

“God”

G2316

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

Ἰακώβ.13 of 21

“of Jacob”

G2384

jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites

οὐκ14 of 21

“not”

G3756

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

ἔστιν15 of 21

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὁ16 of 21
G3588

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

Θεὸς17 of 21

“God”

G2316

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

Θεὸς18 of 21

“God”

G2316

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

νεκρῶν19 of 21

“of the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ἀλλὰ20 of 21

“but”

G235

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

ζώντων21 of 21

“of the living”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

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 22:32 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 22:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 3:6Mark 12:26-27Acts 7:32Luke 20:37-38Exodus 3:15-16Hebrews 11:16

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