Mark 12:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.

NIV: When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

NASB: For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.

CSB: For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like angels in heaven.

NLT: For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.

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.

Mark 12:18–27 describes the Pharisees' and Herodians' futile attack on Jesus' base of support. Earlier, they posed a political question, trying to force Him to choose between the Roman rulers and the Zealots (Mark 12:13–17). It didn't work. Now, the Sadducees pose a theological question that seems to present a choice between their own woodenly literal interpretation of Scripture and the Pharisees' broader beliefs. These religious leaders fail to understand that Jesus doesn't need to align with any of them. If He's on any side, it's God's. This riddle is also found in Matthew 22:23–33 and Luke 20:27–40.

This chapter contains lessons taught by Jesus in various circumstances. He explains the eventual destruction of traditional Judaism, the relationship between secular and sacred obligations, the nature of the resurrection, and the most important of God's commandments. Jesus also expounds on Messianic statements in the Old Testament. Jesus also condemns the glory-seeking shallowness of the scribes, and extolls the virtues of sincere, faith-based giving.

Days before, Jesus has entered Jerusalem, hailed as a hero by the people (Mark 11:1–11). While teaching in the temple courtyard, Jesus shows superior understanding of Scripture over the chief priests, scribes, and elders (Mark 12:27–33), the Pharisees and Herodians (Mark 12:13), the Sadducees (Mark 12:18), and the scribes again (Mark 12:35, 38). Sadly, even in the instance where a scribe does understand Scripture, that is no guarantee he will follow it to its logical conclusion: Jesus (Mark 12:28–34). In contrast, a humble widow exemplifies the faithfulness and piety the leaders lack (Mark 12:41–44). Jesus leaves the temple for the last time to teach the disciples on the Mount of Olives (Mark 13). In Mark 14, He prepares for the crucifixion.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.