What does Mark 12:25 mean?
The Old Testament speaks of the afterlife in general terms. The characters speak of going to Sheol after death without really defining it (Genesis 42:38; Job 14:13). David is convinced that he will see his dead son in the afterlife (2 Samuel 12:23). The Pharisees are convinced the resurrection is real. The Sadducees are equally convinced it isn't (or angels, for that matter: Acts 23:8). With so much ambiguity, the idea of marriage in heaven is especially murky."Marry" is from the Greek root word gameo and literally means to take a wife. To be "given in marriage" refers to the woman whose father approves of and allows the match. Given God's intent for marriage—one man, one woman, both of their lives—it's not ridiculous to assume there could be marriage in heaven. But remarrying after the death or divorce of a spouse makes the idea problematic. Even if we had multiple marriages that were perfectly biblical, which marriage would be honored in heaven?
There are several ways in which humans on earth are different from angels, but few relate to marriage. God announced the need to create Eve because "It is not good that the man should be alone" (Genesis 2:18). On earth, individual men need a companionship that is best—but not solely—provided for in marriage. The other reason for marriage is to raise children (Genesis 1:28). Neither the angels nor people in heaven have these needs. We will be reconciled to God and each other, so we won't need one specific companion. And God's plan for the multiplication and reconciliation of people will be complete.
The thought of an eternity without being married to one's earthly spouse is a scary proposition for many. It helps to realize that God created marriage as a metaphor for His relationship to us. In the Old Testament, He often compared the ideas of covenant, faithfulness, and adultery in marriage to His relationship with the Israelites, as in the book of Hosea. The New Testament speaks of the church as the bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7). Marriage is God's gift to us for companionship and partnership while raising families and working on the earth. In an eternal and sinless heaven, it is unneeded.
