Luke 20:36
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:36
36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, love, 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 20:36
36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
Analysis
Neither can they die any more (οὐδὲ γὰρ ἀποθανεῖν ἔτι δύνανται, oude gar apothanein eti dynantai)—Death's abolition removes marriage's procreative necessity. For they are equal unto the angels (ἰσάγγελοι γάρ εἰσιν, isangeloi gar eisin)—the adjective ἰσάγγελος (isangelos, 'equal to angels') appears only here in the NT. Not that humans become angels (we remain image-bearers), but resurrection bodies share angels' immortality and direct communion with God.
They are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection (θεοῦ υἱοί εἰσιν τῆς ἀναστάσεως υἱοὶ ὄντες, theou hyioi eisin tēs anastaseōs hyioi ontes)—double sonship: children of God and children of resurrection. The resurrection itself has offspring—those who participate in it enter eternal family relationship with God that transcends all earthly kinship.
Historical Context
Angels in Jewish thought were immortal beings in God's direct presence. The Sadducees denied angels' existence (Acts 23:8), so Jesus's comparison would have been doubly challenging. Pharisaic literature described the righteous in the world to come as 'like ministering angels,' but Jesus goes further—resurrection is transformation, not just relocation.
Reflection
- How does the promise of immortality change your priorities and fears in this mortal life?
- What does it mean to be 'children of the resurrection'—how does resurrection define your identity now?
- How does being 'equal to angels' in immortality without becoming angels preserve human dignity and uniqueness?
Word Studies
- Resurrection: ἀνάστασις (Anastasis) G386 - Resurrection, rising
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Matthew 22:30, Mark 12:25, 1 Corinthians 15:42, Revelation 20:6
- References God: Revelation 21:4, 22:9
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 15:26, Philippians 3:21