Luke 20:34
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:34
34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, mercy, creation. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 20:34
34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:
Analysis
The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage (οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου γαμοῦσιν καὶ γαμίσκονται, hoi hyioi tou aiōnos toutou gamousin kai gamiskontai)—Jesus begins by distinguishing this age (αἰών, aiōn) from the age to come. The phrase 'children of this world/age' doesn't mean 'worldly people' but humans living in the present temporal order.
Marriage belongs to this age—it's a good, God-ordained institution for the present creation, serving procreation, companionship, and family structure. But Jesus will reveal it's not an eternal necessity. The verbs γαμέω (marry) and γαμίσκω (give in marriage) describe both male initiative and parental arrangement, the full pattern of matrimonial practice.
Historical Context
In Jewish and Greco-Roman society, marriage was the expected norm for adults—remaining single was rare and sometimes suspect. Marriage secured family alliances, economic stability, and legitimate heirs. Jesus's teaching that resurrection life transcends marriage would have been revolutionary to his hearers, contradicting assumptions about the eternality of family structures.
Reflection
- How does Jesus's teaching challenge the idolatry of marriage and family that pervades Christian culture?
- What does it mean that institutions you hold dear (marriage, family) are 'of this age' rather than eternal?
- How should Jesus's words comfort those who are single, widowed, or whose earthly marriages were painful?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 16:8, 17:27, Hebrews 13:4