Luke 20:35
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:35
35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, creation, covenant. 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 20:35
35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
Analysis
But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead (οἱ δὲ καταξιωθέντες τοῦ αἰῶνος ἐκείνου τυχεῖν καὶ τῆς ἀναστάσεως τῆς ἐκ νεκρῶν, hoi de kataxiōthentes tou aiōnos ekeinou tychein kai tēs anastaseōs tēs ek nekrōn)—The verb καταξιόω (kataxioō) means 'to consider worthy,' not earned merit but God's gracious verdict. The age to come (αἰών ἐκεῖνος) operates by different principles than this age.
Neither marry, nor are given in marriage (οὔτε γαμοῦσιν οὔτε γαμίζονται)—In resurrection life, marriage has fulfilled its purpose. Procreation is unnecessary (there's no death to replace); companionship finds fuller expression in the communion of saints; and the marriage metaphor finds ultimate reality in Christ and the Church (Eph 5:31-32). Earthly marriage points beyond itself to union with God.
Historical Context
This teaching contradicted Jewish expectations of the age to come, where many assumed family structures would continue. Pharisees believed in resurrection but often conceived it as improved earthly existence. Jesus reveals resurrection as transformation into a qualitatively different mode of being, not merely extended life.
Reflection
- How does this teaching help us hold earthly relationships with proper looseness—loved but not idolized?
- What does it mean that the resurrection life is so transformed that marriage becomes obsolete?
- How should this reality shape the way married Christians prioritize their relationship to Christ versus their spouse?
Word Studies
- Resurrection: ἀνάστασις (Anastasis) G386 - Resurrection, rising
Cross-References
- Resurrection: John 5:29, Acts 24:15
- Parallel theme: Luke 21:36, Matthew 12:32, 22:29, Mark 12:24, Acts 5:41, 2 Thessalonians 1:5