Luke 20:28
Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
Original Language Analysis
λέγοντες
Saying
G3004
λέγοντες
Saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 28
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Μωσῆς
Moses
G3475
Μωσῆς
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
3 of 28
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
ἔγραψεν
wrote
G1125
ἔγραψεν
wrote
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
4 of 28
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
ἐάν
If
G1437
ἐάν
If
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
6 of 28
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἀδελφῷ
brother
G80
ἀδελφῷ
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
8 of 28
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἔχων
having
G2192
ἔχων
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
10 of 28
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὗτος
he
G3778
οὗτος
he
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
13 of 28
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφῷ
brother
G80
ἀδελφῷ
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
19 of 28
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 of 28
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξαναστήσῃ
raise up
G1817
ἐξαναστήσῃ
raise up
Strong's:
G1817
Word #:
24 of 28
objectively, to produce, i.e., (figuratively) beget; subjectively, to arise, i.e., (figuratively) object
σπέρμα
seed
G4690
σπέρμα
seed
Strong's:
G4690
Word #:
25 of 28
something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Levirate marriage (yibbum in Hebrew) appears in Genesis 38 (Tamar and Judah's sons) and Ruth 4 (Boaz and Ruth). It was practiced but not universal in Second Temple Judaism. The duty could be refused through the ceremony of chalitzah (removing the sandal). The institution protected women in patriarchal society where widows without sons faced destitution.
Questions for Reflection
- How does levirate marriage reveal God's concern for the vulnerable (widows) within Israel's social structure?
- When have you used Scripture correctly cited but wrongly applied to attack rather than understand?
- Why do theological opponents often begin with common ground before springing their trap?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Master, Moses wrote unto us—The Sadducees cite Moses (Deuteronomy 25:5-6), their only accepted Scripture. If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother—the law of levirate marriage (from Latin levir, 'brother-in-law'). The Greek describes ἀναστήσῃ σπέρμα (anastēsē sperma), literally 'raise up seed.'
This law protected childless widows and preserved family inheritance within tribes. The brother's duty ensured the deceased man's name and property line continued. The Sadducees will use this honored Mosaic institution to construct a scenario they believe makes resurrection impossible or absurd.