Devine Scripture

Mark 12:25

What does Mark 12:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 12:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 12:25 means

Jesus explains that in the resurrection, believers will neither marry nor be given in marriage; rather, they will exist \"as angels in heaven.\" This clarifies that the resurrected state transcends earthly marital relationships and their purposes, such as procreation. While not suggesting humans become angels, it emphasizes a new mode of existence where heavenly community and relationship with God are reordered. Bodily resurrection does not equate to a mere continuation of physical routines, but a transformation suitable for eternal life with God, free from earthly limitations and concerns.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as angels in heaven.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as angels in heaven.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

When they come back from the dead, they do not get married, but are like the angels in heaven.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for when they may rise out of the dead, they neither marry nor are they given in marriage, but are as messengers who are in the heavens.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For when they shall rise again from the dead, they shall neither marry, nor be married, but are as the angels in heaven.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For when they rise from among [the] dead they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as angels [who are] in the heavens.

Context

This verse offers Jesus's primary explanation of the nature of marital relationships in the resurrection, directly addressing the Sadducees' specific question. It provides critical insight into the transformed reality of resurrected bodies, which immediately leads to His broader theological argument for the resurrection from the Mosaic Law. This revelation shatters their earthly assumptions about the afterlife, providing a spiritual understanding that goes beyond their physical and legalistic framework.

v.24Jesus said unto them, Is it not for this cause that ye err, that ye know not the scriptures, nor the power of God?

v.25This passage

v.26But as touching the dead, that they are raised; have ye not read in the book of Moses, in the place concerning the Bush, how God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 John 3:2

    Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is.

  • Matthew 22:30

    For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as angels in heaven.

  • Luke 20:35

    but they that are accounted worthy to attain to that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

  • 1 Corinthians 15:42

    So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

  • Hebrews 12:22

    but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels,

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