Mark 12:23
In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The Sadducees' question reflects rabbinic debates about resurrection state. Jewish literature from the intertestamental period (2 Maccabees, 1 Enoch, 4 Ezra) discussed resurrection but lacked clear consensus on specifics. Some envisioned resurrection life as perfected earthly existence with marriage, procreation, eating, drinking. Others anticipated transformed existence beyond current biological functions. The Sadducees exploited this ambiguity, assuming resurrection meant reconstituted earthly life with all its complications. Jesus' answer establishes that resurrection isn't resuscitation (returning to mortal life) but transformation to immortal existence where earthly institutions serve their temporary purpose then give way to eternal realities. Marriage's earthly function (companionship, procreation, imaging Christ and church) finds fulfillment in direct communion with God.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the Sadducees' question reveal about the danger of imagining heaven as merely an improved version of earthly life?
- How does Jesus' coming answer about resurrection life being 'like angels' challenge materialistic expectations of eternity?
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Analysis & Commentary
In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife (ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει, ὅταν ἀναστῶσιν, τίνος αὐτῶν ἔσται γυνή; οἱ γὰρ ἑπτὰ ἔσχον αὐτὴν γυναῖκα). This is the trap's springing. The Sadducees present what they believe is an unanswerable dilemma: tinos autōn estai gynē (τίνος αὐτῶν ἔσται γυνή, "whose wife will she be")? Their question assumes resurrection life duplicates earthly marital relationships, creating impossible polygamy.
The phrase when they shall rise (ὅταν ἀναστῶσιν, hotan anastōsin) ironically uses resurrection terminology while denying resurrection's reality—they're speaking hypothetically about doctrine they reject. Their logic: if resurrection were true, this scenario proves it creates moral chaos (polygamy) or legal impossibility (multiple valid marriage claims). Therefore, resurrection must be false. Jesus will demolish this reasoning by revealing resurrection life transcends earthly categories.