Mark 12:22
And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Childlessness in ancient Israel carried severe social stigma. Women's primary value in patriarchal society derived from producing male heirs to continue family lines and inherit property. Barrenness was often viewed as divine judgment (1 Samuel 1:6; Luke 1:25), though biblical narratives frequently challenged this view (Sarah, Rachel, Hannah, Elizabeth all were vindicated). The Sadducees' scenario of seven childless marriages would have struck ancient hearers as extraordinarily tragic—not only was the woman widowed repeatedly, but she failed in what society deemed her primary purpose. Yet Jesus' coming answer will revolutionize understanding of human identity and value beyond earthly roles and relationships.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the woman's complete childlessness reveal about the Sadducees using human tragedy to construct theological puzzles?
- How does Jesus' response to this scenario (vv. 24-25) transform our understanding of human identity beyond earthly relationships and roles?
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Analysis & Commentary
And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also (καὶ οἱ ἑπτὰ οὐκ ἀφῆκαν σπέρμα· ἔσχατον πάντων καὶ ἡ γυνὴ ἀπέθανεν). The Sadducees summarize: all seven brothers married the woman, none produced children, and finally she died. The phrase eschaton pantōn (ἔσχατον πάντων, "last of all") emphasizes the woman's death as the scenario's climax, setting up their coming question about resurrection relationships.
The woman's childlessness throughout seven marriages makes her situation especially tragic by ancient standards—barrenness was considered divine disfavor (though Scripture never blames her). Yet this childlessness is essential to the Sadducees' argument: had any brother produced offspring, that would resolve which marriage was 'real' in God's economy. Her complete childlessness makes all seven marriages apparently equal, creating the dilemma they'll exploit in verse 23.