Matthew 22:30 - Printer Friendly

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

NIV: At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

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

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

NKJV: For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.

The question raised by the Sadducees was meant to demonstrate the absurdity of a resurrection of the dead (Matthew 22:15–28). However, this challenge was based on completely wrong assumptions about the Scriptures and the power of God (Matthew 22:29). It's been said that we often learn the most important truths by asking "dumb" questions. In this case, at least, an off-target question opens the door for correction and learning.

In short, Jesus says, there isn't any contradiction or complication, at all. Resurrected human beings will be like angels in one respect: Men will not marry, and women will not be given in marriage. Marriage, the pairing of couples for life, will cease to exist there. As eternal beings, angels do not apparently reproduce, making marriage unnecessary. Humans will apparently exist in that non-married, non-reproducing status, as well. Jesus' answer also corrects the Sadducees' wrong idea that angels do not exist.

This gives a firm, if unexpected answer to the Sadducees: the wife married to seven consecutive brothers on earth will not be wife to any of them in heaven. He will not stop there, however. Christ will continue to show how the Sadducees' own preferred Scriptures make a clear case for life after death (Matthew 22:31–32).

It's important to note what Jesus does not say here, as it's often taken out of context and misquoted. Jesus does not say humans will become angels after death. Angels and humans are entirely different kinds of beings. Jesus only says people will be "like" angels, and only in this one way: not being married. Otherwise, people and angels will remain unique and distinct creations of God.

Matthew 22:23–33 contains another challenge for Jesus. This one comes from the Sadducees: a Jewish religious group that did not believe in an afterlife. Attempting to prove their view, they describe a hypothetical situation based on a requirement from the Law of Moses. A woman is married to seven brothers, one after another, as each dies and passes her on. Whose wife will she be in the resurrection? Jesus replies that the question is flawed: there is no marriage in the resurrection. He then references Scripture to show that the Lord is God of the living, including faithful patriarchs such as Abraham and Jacob. Parallel accounts are recorded in Mark 12:18–27 and Luke 20:27–40.

Continuing a dialogue with hostile religious leaders, Jesus tells a parable comparing the kingdom of heaven to a wedding feast which ends up being attended by those not initially invited. He answers trick questions about taxes, marriage, resurrection, and the Law of Moses. These responses are the source of common English idioms such as "render to Caesar…" and "many are called but few are chosen." Finally, Jesus asks how the Messiah can be both the son of David and the Lord of David. None can answer Him, so they stop challenging Him in public.

This chapter extends an exchange between Jesus and several groups of religious leaders in the temple. The previous chapter concluded with two parables about the failures of the religious leaders. This chapter begins with a third parable, about chosen guests who refuse to attend a wedding feast. Jesus then fields questions from several religious groups, who fail in their attempts to trip Him up. His wise and profound answers silence all of them. At this point, Jesus launches into a full-throated condemnation of the Pharisees in chapter 23.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.