Luke 20:29
There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 11
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἀδελφοὶ
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὶ
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
3 of 11
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Jeremiah 22:30Thus saith the LORD, Write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.Leviticus 20:20And if a man shall lie with his uncle's wife, he hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.
Historical Context
While the scenario is likely hypothetical, such situations could occur given ancient mortality rates and the cultural imperative to produce heirs. The book of Tobit (deuterocanonical) tells of Sarah, whose seven husbands died on their wedding nights before consummation (Tobit 3:7-8). The Sadducees' example would resonate with hearers familiar with tragic family stories.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we wrongly assume that eternal realities simply extend temporal patterns rather than transform them?
- When have you used hypothetical extremes to dismiss doctrines you found uncomfortable?
- What does this scenario reveal about ancient concerns regarding family continuity and heir-production?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
There were therefore seven brethren—The Sadducees construct a hypothetical scenario, though seven is likely hyperbolic for effect. The first took a wife, and died without children (ἀπέθανεν ἄτεκνος, apethanen ateknos)—literally 'died childless.' The adjective ἄτεκνος (ateknos) compounds ἀ- (without) and τέκνον (child).
This sets up their reductio ad absurdum argument: if levirate marriage continues through multiple brothers, resurrection creates an impossible marital situation. Their unstated premise: resurrection bodies must replicate earthly social structures exactly. They assume resurrection simply extends temporal existence rather than transforming it—a failure of theological imagination.