Luke 20:31
And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
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 #:
2 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τρίτος
the third
G5154
τρίτος
the third
Strong's:
G5154
Word #:
3 of 15
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
αὐτήν
her
G846
αὐτήν
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 15
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατέλιπον
and they left
G2641
κατέλιπον
and they left
Strong's:
G2641
Word #:
12 of 15
to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining
Historical Context
The number seven in Jewish thought often indicated completeness or fullness. By having all seven brothers marry her, the Sadducees maximize the supposed absurdity. Rabbinic literature records similar hypothetical debates (though none this elaborate), showing this type of reasoning was common in Second Temple Judaism.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we confuse earthly institutions (like marriage) with the essence of eternal existence?
- When have you dismissed a doctrine because it didn't fit your preconceived categories?
- What does the Sadducees' focus on legal puzzle-solving reveal about their spiritual priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also (ὡσαύτως καὶ οἱ ἑπτά, hōsautōs kai hoi hepta, 'likewise also the seven')—The tragic pattern completes: all seven brothers married the woman in succession, each fulfilling his duty, each dying without producing children. They left no children, and died (οὐκ ἀφῆκαν τέκνα, ouk aphēkan tekna)—the verb ἀφίημι (aphiēmi) means to leave behind or bequeath.
The repetition heightens the supposed dilemma: in resurrection, does she belong to all seven simultaneously? To none? To the first? The Sadducees assume this creates logical impossibility, therefore resurrection cannot exist. They mistake earthly institutions for eternal necessities, a category error Jesus will brilliantly expose.