Luke 20:36
Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
Original Language Analysis
γάρ
for
G1063
γάρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
γάρ
for
G1063
γάρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
υἱοὶ
the children
G5207
υἱοὶ
the children
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
10 of 17
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
13 of 17
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀναστάσεως
of the resurrection
G386
ἀναστάσεως
of the resurrection
Strong's:
G386
Word #:
15 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
Cross References
Revelation 21:4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.Philippians 3:21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.Matthew 22:30For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.Revelation 20:6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.1 Corinthians 15:42So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:Revelation 22:9Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.Mark 12:25For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.1 Corinthians 15:26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
Historical Context
Angels in Jewish thought were immortal beings in God's direct presence. The Sadducees denied angels' existence (Acts 23:8), so Jesus's comparison would have been doubly challenging. Pharisaic literature described the righteous in the world to come as 'like ministering angels,' but Jesus goes further—resurrection is transformation, not just relocation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of immortality change your priorities and fears in this mortal life?
- What does it mean to be 'children of the resurrection'—how does resurrection define your identity now?
- How does being 'equal to angels' in immortality without becoming angels preserve human dignity and uniqueness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Neither can they die any more (οὐδὲ γὰρ ἀποθανεῖν ἔτι δύνανται, oude gar apothanein eti dynantai)—Death's abolition removes marriage's procreative necessity. For they are equal unto the angels (ἰσάγγελοι γάρ εἰσιν, isangeloi gar eisin)—the adjective ἰσάγγελος (isangelos, 'equal to angels') appears only here in the NT. Not that humans become angels (we remain image-bearers), but resurrection bodies share angels' immortality and direct communion with God.
They are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection (θεοῦ υἱοί εἰσιν τῆς ἀναστάσεως υἱοὶ ὄντες, theou hyioi eisin tēs anastaseōs hyioi ontes)—double sonship: children of God and children of resurrection. The resurrection itself has offspring—those who participate in it enter eternal family relationship with God that transcends all earthly kinship.