Luke 20:32
Last of all the woman died also.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
High female mortality in childbirth meant many women died before their husbands. That this woman outlived seven husbands would be extraordinary but dramatizes the dilemma. Widows without children or living brothers-in-law often became destitute, dependent on charity—another reason levirate marriage was merciful legislation in its context.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this story highlight the vulnerability of childless widows in ancient patriarchal cultures?
- What does it mean that God's law protected the socially vulnerable through institutions like levirate marriage?
- How do we honor the purpose of biblical laws (protection, justice) without merely replicating their forms?
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Analysis & Commentary
Last of all the woman died also (ὕστερον πάντων ἀπέθανεν ἡ γυνή, hysteron pantōn apethanen hē gynē)—The adverb ὕστερον (hysteron) means 'afterward' or 'finally.' After outliving all seven brothers, the widow herself dies. The stage is now set for the Sadducees' question about resurrection.
This detail is crucial to their argument: if she died after all seven, none can claim priority based on ongoing marriage. The woman's death completes the scenario, removing any earthly resolution. The Sadducees will argue that resurrection creates irresolvable contradictions with Mosaic law—forcing Jesus to either deny Moses or deny resurrection.