Matthew 22:32
I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεὸς
God
G2316
Θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεὸς
God
G2316
Θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεὸς
God
G2316
Θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
12 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Ἰακώβ.
of Jacob
G2384
Ἰακώβ.
of Jacob
Strong's:
G2384
Word #:
13 of 21
jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεὸς
God
G2316
Θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
17 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Θεὸς
God
G2316
Θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
18 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Exodus 3:6Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.Acts 7:32Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.Hebrews 11:16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Historical Context
Jesus cites Torah (which Sadducees accepted) to prove resurrection. Exodus 3:6, spoken hundreds of years after the patriarchs' deaths, uses present tense—God currently is their God. Since God is the God of the living, the patriarchs must be alive, awaiting bodily resurrection. This shows resurrection is implicit even in passages not explicitly addressing it.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' argumentation model careful, faithful Scripture interpretation?
- What comfort does knowing God is 'God of the living' bring regarding deceased believers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' proof of resurrection—'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living'—quotes Exodus 3:6. The present tense 'I am' (not 'I was') indicates Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob still live in God's presence though physically dead. God's ongoing relationship with the patriarchs requires their continued existence, implying resurrection. This demonstrates Scripture's careful reading reveals profound truth.