Matthew 22:28
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Matthew 22:28
28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.
Chapter Context
Matthew 22 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, righteousness, wisdom. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
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 21-46: 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 Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 22:28
28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.
Analysis
Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? (ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει οὖν τίνος τῶν ἑπτὰ ἔσται γυνή;/en tē anastasei oun tinos tōn hepta estai gynē?) The Sadducees present their supposed reductio ad absurdum—if resurrection exists, this scenario creates impossible marital conflict. For they all had her (πάντες γὰρ ἔσχον αὐτήν/pantes gar eschon autēn) states the dilemma: seven equally valid marital claims, legal under Mosaic law.
The question assumes resurrection means simply resuming earthly existence with all its social structures, legal relationships, and physical processes intact. This materialistic conception cannot envision transformed existence transcending earthly categories. Jesus's response (verses 29-32) demolishes this assumption, revealing resurrection as radical transformation into angel-like existence where marriage doesn't exist, and proving resurrection from Scripture itself (Exodus 3:6). The Sadducees' clever trap exposes only their own ignorance of Scripture and God's power.
Historical Context
This question represents classic Sadducean apologetics against resurrection. Josephus, the Jewish historian, confirms Sadducees rejected resurrection and afterlife, believing 'souls die with the bodies' (Antiquities 18.1.4). Their materialistic theology focused exclusively on Torah's explicit statements, rejecting Pharisaic oral tradition and prophetic/wisdom literature that more clearly taught resurrection (Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:2, Job 19:25-27). The Sadducees' question had likely been used successfully against Pharisees in previous debates, making their confidence in trapping Jesus understandable. Jesus's response would have shocked both groups—He sides with Pharisaic resurrection belief while correcting both parties' misconceptions about its nature.
Reflection
- How does Jesus's answer to this question (verses 29-32) reveal resurrection as transformation rather than mere continuation of earthly life?
- What materialistic assumptions about heaven and eternity do Christians today unconsciously hold?
- How should the truth that there's no marriage in the resurrection shape our view of earthly marriage—its goodness, its limits, and its temporary nature?
Word Studies
- Resurrection: ἀνάστασις (Anastasis) G386 - Resurrection, rising