Luke 20:33
Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
3 of 14
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἀναστάσει
the resurrection
G386
ἀναστάσει
the resurrection
Strong's:
G386
Word #:
4 of 14
a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor
τίνος
whose
G5101
τίνος
whose
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
5 of 14
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
αὐτὴν
her
G846
αὐτὴν
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 14
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
γίνεται
is she
G1096
γίνεται
is she
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
7 of 14
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἔσχον
had
G2192
ἔσχον
had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
12 of 14
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Historical Context
This type of reductio ad absurdum argument was common in Greco-Roman philosophical debate and rabbinic disputation. The Sadducees were demonstrating their intellectual prowess while attacking Pharisaic belief in resurrection. They assumed material existence was ultimate reality; transformation into a fundamentally different mode of being was inconceivable to their worldview.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we project earthly categories (marriage, ownership, identity) onto eternal realities inappropriately?
- When have your questions about doctrine revealed not genuine inquiry but attempts to discredit?
- What does the Sadducees' question reveal about their understanding of God's power and purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? (ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει τίνος αὐτῶν γίνεται γυνή, en tē anastasei tinos autōn ginetai gynē)—The Sadducees' rhetorical trap springs. They assume resurrection means resuming earthly relationships exactly as they were. For seven had her to wife (οἱ γὰρ ἑπτὰ ἔσχον αὐτὴν γυναῖκα, hoi gar hepta eschon autēn gynaika)—all seven were legitimately married to her according to Moses.
Their unstated conclusion: resurrection creates legal and moral impossibilities, contradicting Torah, therefore resurrection is false. But they've committed a category error—assuming resurrection merely extends mortality rather than transforming it. Jesus will answer not by resolving their legal puzzle within their framework but by exploding the framework itself.