Luke 20:35
What does Luke 20:35 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 20:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 20:35 means
Jesus then described the nature of those "accounted worthy to attain to that world, and the resurrection from the dead." He declared that they "neither marry, nor are given in marriage." This directly refutes the Sadducees' assumption that earthly marital relationships continue in the resurrection. In the eternal state, the procreative purpose of marriage (to raise seed) is no longer necessary. This speaks to a transformed existence, where human relationships are elevated and perfect, yet not bound by the former customs or needs of this present world. It points toward a higher, spiritual communion.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but they that are accounted worthy to attain to that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
KJV
King James Version · 1611But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but they that are accounted worthy to attain to that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But those to whom is given the reward of the world to come, and to come back from the dead, have no wives, and are not married;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but those accounted worthy to obtain that age, and the rising again that is out of the dead, neither marry, nor are they given in marriage;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But they that shall be accounted worthy of that world and of the resurrection from the dead shall neither be married nor take wives.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but they who are counted worthy to have part in that world, and the resurrection from among [the] dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage;
Context
This verse continues Jesus' explanation of resurrected life, directly contrasting it with earthly life by stating that marriage does not exist in the age to come. This provides a direct answer to the Sadducees' central dilemma, dissolving their imagined problem. This explanation of the transformed nature of resurrected beings immediately precedes Jesus' further clarification on why marriage is obsolete in the resurrection, relating it to their immortal state.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 12:24
Jesus said unto them, Is it not for this cause that ye err, that ye know not the scriptures, nor the power of God?
- Luke 21:36
But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
- Matthew 22:29
But Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
- Revelation 3:4
But thou hast a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments: and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy.
- Acts 5:41
They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.
- John 5:29
and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.
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