Luke 20:37
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:37
37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, discipleship, faith. 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 guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 20:37
37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
Analysis
Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush (ὅτι δὲ ἐγείρονται οἱ νεκροί, καὶ Μωϋσῆς ἐμήνυσεν ἐπὶ τῆς βάτου, hoti de egeirontai hoi nekroi, kai Mōysēs emēnysen epi tēs batou)—Jesus proves resurrection from the Torah itself, the only Scripture Sadducees accepted. The verb μηνύω (mēnyō) means 'to disclose' or 'reveal.' At the burning bush (Exodus 3:6), Moses encountered God's self-revelation.
When he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—Present tense: 'I AM the God of Abraham,' not 'I WAS.' God identifies Himself by relationship to men long dead, implying those men still exist. God is the God of the living, not the dead—therefore Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob must be alive to God. Brilliant exegesis that defeats the Sadducees on their own textual ground.
Historical Context
The burning bush episode (Exodus 3) was foundational to Jewish identity—God's self-revelation to Moses, commissioning him to deliver Israel. That God calls Himself 'the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' (centuries after their deaths) became a classic proof-text for resurrection in later Jewish and Christian tradition. Jesus established this reading.
Reflection
- How does God's eternal presentness ('I AM') guarantee the resurrection of those who belong to Him?
- What does it mean that your identity is secure in being someone 'whose God is the LORD'?
- How does Jesus's exegetical method—drawing implications from God's nature—teach us to read Scripture?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References God: Genesis 17:7, 28:13, 28:21, 32:9, Exodus 3:15
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 33:16