Luke 20:35 - But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage.
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What does "Luke 20:35" mean?
Luke 20:35, part of Jesus' response to a question from the Sadducees about resurrection, is often interpreted to mean that the earthly institutions of marriage and family will not exist in the same way in the resurrected life. Here's a breakdown of the verse and its common interpretations:
"Those who are considered worthy to attain to that age..." This refers to people whom God deems fit to be resurrected into eternal life in His presence. There's an implication here that not everyone will be resurrected into this blessed state.
"...and the resurrection from the dead..." This clarifies that it's specifically the resurrected state being discussed, not simply death.
"...neither marry, nor are given in marriage." This is the crux of the verse. It suggests that the institution of marriage, as we understand it on Earth, will not be part of the resurrected life.
Interpretations:
1. Different Purpose of Marriage: One popular interpretation posits that the primary purpose of marriage on Earth is procreation and companionship within the context of a fallen world. In the resurrected state, these needs or purposes may no longer exist. There won't be a need to "replenish the earth" (Genesis 1:28), and the intimate fellowship with God and other believers may fulfill the need for companionship.
2. Transformed Relationships: Some scholars believe that relationships will exist in the resurrected life, but they will be transformed beyond our current understanding of marriage. The bonds may be deeper and more spiritual, not defined by the earthly legal and social constructs of marriage.
3. Focus on God: The verse may emphasize that in the resurrected life, the focus will be entirely on God and the worship of Him. Earthly relationships, including marriage, may pale in comparison to the overwhelming presence and glory of God.
4. Angelic Existence: In the verses that follow (Luke 20:36), Jesus says that those who are resurrected "cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, since they are children of the resurrection." This comparison to angels could suggest a radically different mode of existence where marriage and procreation are irrelevant.
Things to Consider:
Context: It's important to understand the context of the verse. Jesus was responding to a trick question designed to discredit the belief in resurrection. His primary aim wasn't to give a complete theology of heaven, but to affirm the reality of resurrection and point out the limitations of the Sadducees' understanding.
Speculation vs. Doctrine: The exact nature of relationships in the resurrected life is a matter of some speculation within Christian theology. The Bible gives hints and glimpses, but doesn't provide a fully detailed picture.
Value of Marriage: It is important to note that this teaching does not diminish the value of marriage here on Earth. Marriage is a gift from God, meant to be enjoyed and honored.
In conclusion, Luke 20:35 suggests that marriage as we know it won't exist in the resurrected life, perhaps because its earthly purposes will no longer be necessary, or because relationships will be transformed into something greater. The focus will be on God and eternal life.
Luke 20:35 - But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage.
What does "Luke 20:35" mean?
Luke 20:35, part of Jesus' response to a question from the Sadducees about resurrection, is often interpreted to mean that the earthly institutions of marriage and family will not exist in the same way in the resurrected life. Here's a breakdown of the verse and its common interpretations:
"Those who are considered worthy to attain to that age..." This refers to people whom God deems fit to be resurrected into eternal life in His presence. There's an implication here that not everyone will be resurrected into this blessed state.
"...and the resurrection from the dead..." This clarifies that it's specifically the resurrected state being discussed, not simply death.
"...neither marry, nor are given in marriage." This is the crux of the verse. It suggests that the institution of marriage, as we understand it on Earth, will not be part of the resurrected life.
Interpretations:
1. Different Purpose of Marriage: One popular interpretation posits that the primary purpose of marriage on Earth is procreation and companionship within the context of a fallen world. In the resurrected state, these needs or purposes may no longer exist. There won't be a need to "replenish the earth" (Genesis 1:28), and the intimate fellowship with God and other believers may fulfill the need for companionship.
2. Transformed Relationships: Some scholars believe that relationships will exist in the resurrected life, but they will be transformed beyond our current understanding of marriage. The bonds may be deeper and more spiritual, not defined by the earthly legal and social constructs of marriage.
3. Focus on God: The verse may emphasize that in the resurrected life, the focus will be entirely on God and the worship of Him. Earthly relationships, including marriage, may pale in comparison to the overwhelming presence and glory of God.
4. Angelic Existence: In the verses that follow (Luke 20:36), Jesus says that those who are resurrected "cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, since they are children of the resurrection." This comparison to angels could suggest a radically different mode of existence where marriage and procreation are irrelevant.
Things to Consider:
Context: It's important to understand the context of the verse. Jesus was responding to a trick question designed to discredit the belief in resurrection. His primary aim wasn't to give a complete theology of heaven, but to affirm the reality of resurrection and point out the limitations of the Sadducees' understanding.
Speculation vs. Doctrine: The exact nature of relationships in the resurrected life is a matter of some speculation within Christian theology. The Bible gives hints and glimpses, but doesn't provide a fully detailed picture.
Value of Marriage: It is important to note that this teaching does not diminish the value of marriage here on Earth. Marriage is a gift from God, meant to be enjoyed and honored.
In conclusion, Luke 20:35 suggests that marriage as we know it won't exist in the resurrected life, perhaps because its earthly purposes will no longer be necessary, or because relationships will be transformed into something greater. The focus will be on God and eternal life.