Luke 20:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:38
38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of discipleship, fellowship, worship. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 20:38
38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
Analysis
Jesus declares: 'For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.' This statement follows Jesus' argument for resurrection from Exodus 3:6—God calling Himself 'God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' (v. 37) centuries after they died proves they still live. The phrase 'not a God of the dead' (Greek 'ouk estin theos nekrōn,' οὐκ ἔστιν θεὸς νεκρῶν) indicates God doesn't form covenants with those who cease to exist. 'All live unto him' (Greek 'pantes autō zōsin,' πάντες αὐτῷ ζῶσιν) means all are alive to God—from His perspective, the patriarchs live. This establishes both resurrection and immortality of the soul.
Historical Context
Sadducees denied resurrection (v. 27), accepting only the Torah (first five books) as Scripture, which they claimed didn't teach resurrection. Jesus brilliantly argued from Exodus—a Torah text Sadducees accepted—to prove resurrection. His argument's logic: God's present-tense identification as 'God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' implies ongoing relationship, which requires their continued existence. Jews buried patriarchs centuries before Moses' burning bush encounter, yet God speaks of relationship in present tense. Early church emphasized resurrection as Christianity's foundation (1 Corinthians 15). This text also supports immortality—believers' souls continue consciously existing after death, awaiting bodily resurrection.
Reflection
- How does Jesus' argument from Exodus 3:6 prove both the resurrection and the immortality of the soul?
- What does 'all live unto him' teach about God's perspective on death versus human perspective?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: 2 Corinthians 6:16, 13:4
- Parallel theme: John 14:19