Luke 20:35
But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καταξιωθέντες
they which shall be accounted worthy
G2661
καταξιωθέντες
they which shall be accounted worthy
Strong's:
G2661
Word #:
3 of 17
to deem entirely deserving
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνος
world
G165
αἰῶνος
world
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
ἐκείνου
that
G1565
ἐκείνου
that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
6 of 17
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
τυχεῖν
to obtain
G5177
τυχεῖν
to obtain
Strong's:
G5177
Word #:
7 of 17
akin to the base of g5088 through the idea of effecting; properly, to affect; or (specially), to hit or light upon (as a mark to be reached), i.e., (t
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀναστάσεως
the resurrection
G386
ἀναστάσεως
the resurrection
Strong's:
G386
Word #:
10 of 17
a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
2 Thessalonians 1:5Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:John 5:29And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.Matthew 12:32And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.Acts 24:15And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.Luke 21:36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.Acts 5:41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.Mark 12:24And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?Matthew 22:29Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
Historical Context
This teaching contradicted Jewish expectations of the age to come, where many assumed family structures would continue. Pharisees believed in resurrection but often conceived it as improved earthly existence. Jesus reveals resurrection as transformation into a qualitatively different mode of being, not merely extended life.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this teaching help us hold earthly relationships with proper looseness—loved but not idolized?
- What does it mean that the resurrection life is so transformed that marriage becomes obsolete?
- How should this reality shape the way married Christians prioritize their relationship to Christ versus their spouse?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead (οἱ δὲ καταξιωθέντες τοῦ αἰῶνος ἐκείνου τυχεῖν καὶ τῆς ἀναστάσεως τῆς ἐκ νεκρῶν, hoi de kataxiōthentes tou aiōnos ekeinou tychein kai tēs anastaseōs tēs ek nekrōn)—The verb καταξιόω (kataxioō) means 'to consider worthy,' not earned merit but God's gracious verdict. The age to come (αἰών ἐκεῖνος) operates by different principles than this age.
Neither marry, nor are given in marriage (οὔτε γαμοῦσιν οὔτε γαμίζονται)—In resurrection life, marriage has fulfilled its purpose. Procreation is unnecessary (there's no death to replace); companionship finds fuller expression in the communion of saints; and the marriage metaphor finds ultimate reality in Christ and the Church (Eph 5:31-32). Earthly marriage points beyond itself to union with God.