Luke 20:27
Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,
Original Language Analysis
Προσελθόντες
came
G4334
Προσελθόντες
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
1 of 12
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Σαδδουκαίων
of the Sadducees
G4523
Σαδδουκαίων
of the Sadducees
Strong's:
G4523
Word #:
5 of 12
a sadducaean (i.e., tsadokian), or follower of a certain heretical israelite
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνάστασιν
resurrection
G386
ἀνάστασιν
resurrection
Strong's:
G386
Word #:
8 of 12
a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor
μὴ
any
G3361
μὴ
any
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:12Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?Acts 5:17Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,Matthew 16:1The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
Historical Context
Sadducees were the priestly aristocracy, including the high priest's family, who collaborated with Rome and controlled temple operations. Unlike Pharisees, they rejected oral tradition, belief in angels, spirits, and bodily resurrection (Acts 23:8). They accepted only the five books of Moses. Most disappeared after the temple's destruction in AD 70.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does denial of resurrection naturally lead to different priorities and values in this life?
- How do theological denials often stem from philosophical commitments rather than biblical exegesis?
- What does it reveal that every Jewish faction united against Jesus despite their mutual disagreements?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection (Σαδδουκαῖοι λέγοντες ἀνάστασιν μὴ εἶναι, Saddoukaioi legontes anastasin mē einai)—Luke introduces the Sadducees by their defining denial. The ἀνάστασις (anastasis, 'resurrection') refers to bodily resurrection at the end of the age, which Sadducees rejected, accepting only the Torah (not Prophets or Writings) as authoritative.
After Pharisees and Herodians failed with the tax question, the Sadducees—aristocratic priests who controlled the temple—try a different angle. Their question will attempt to make resurrection doctrine appear absurd through reductio ad absurdum. The theological coalition against Jesus is comprehensive: every major Jewish faction seeks to discredit him.