Luke 20:30
And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
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 #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεύτερος
the second
G1208
δεύτερος
the second
Strong's:
G1208
Word #:
4 of 10
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὑτὸς
he
G3778
οὑτὸς
he
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
8 of 10
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
Historical Context
The Sadducees controlled the Sanhedrin's majority and were known for their wealth, political power, and collaboration with Rome. They emphasized temple ritual and priestly prerogatives. Their rejection of resurrection stemmed partly from their realized eschatology—God's blessing was prosperity and political stability in the present, not hope for a future age.
Questions for Reflection
- How does materialistic theology tend to dismiss spiritual realities it cannot control or comprehend?
- When does rhetorical sophistication mask spiritual poverty?
- What assumptions about marriage and family are you tempted to project onto eternal realities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the second took her to wife, and he died childless (ἄτεκνος, ateknos)—The second brother fulfilled his levirate duty but also died without producing offspring. The Sadducees' scenario continues the pattern, building toward their rhetorical climax. Each brother's death childless triggers the next brother's obligation.
The repetition emphasizes the supposed absurdity they're constructing: with each successive brother, the resurrection 'problem' compounds. This verse advances their argument methodically, like a legal brief building its case. The Sadducees were known for their rhetorical skill—this question showcases their sophistication, even as it reveals their theological bankruptcy.