Luke 20:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:31
31 And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, obedience, hope. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-47: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 20:31
31 And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
Analysis
And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also (ὡσαύτως καὶ οἱ ἑπτά, hōsautōs kai hoi hepta, 'likewise also the seven')—The tragic pattern completes: all seven brothers married the woman in succession, each fulfilling his duty, each dying without producing children. They left no children, and died (οὐκ ἀφῆκαν τέκνα, ouk aphēkan tekna)—the verb ἀφίημι (aphiēmi) means to leave behind or bequeath.
The repetition heightens the supposed dilemma: in resurrection, does she belong to all seven simultaneously? To none? To the first? The Sadducees assume this creates logical impossibility, therefore resurrection cannot exist. They mistake earthly institutions for eternal necessities, a category error Jesus will brilliantly expose.
Historical Context
The number seven in Jewish thought often indicated completeness or fullness. By having all seven brothers marry her, the Sadducees maximize the supposed absurdity. Rabbinic literature records similar hypothetical debates (though none this elaborate), showing this type of reasoning was common in Second Temple Judaism.
Reflection
- How do we confuse earthly institutions (like marriage) with the essence of eternal existence?
- When have you dismissed a doctrine because it didn't fit your preconceived categories?
- What does the Sadducees' focus on legal puzzle-solving reveal about their spiritual priorities?