Luke 20:34

KJV

And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} answering {G611} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, The children {G5207} of this {G5127} world {G165} marry {G1060}, and {G2532} are given in marriage {G1548}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said to them, “In this age, men and women marry;

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus answered, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage.

American Standard Version

And Jesus said unto them, The sons of this world marry, and are given in marriage:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Jesus begins His profound rebuttal to the Sadducees' challenge regarding the resurrection, setting the stage for a critical distinction between the present earthly existence and the nature of life in the age to come. He asserts that marriage, a fundamental institution for "the children of this world," is a characteristic of the temporal realm, thereby laying the groundwork for explaining why such customs will not persist in the resurrected state.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates Jesus' direct and authoritative response to the Sadducees' loaded question about the resurrection, found in [Luke 20:27-33](/luke/20-27-33 "Luke 20:27-33 - The Sadducees' Question"). The Sadducees, a Jewish sect that denied the resurrection, angels, and spirits, presented a hypothetical scenario based on the levirate marriage law (as outlined in [Deuteronomy 25:5-10](/deuteronomy/25-5-10 "Deuteronomy 25:5-10 - Levirate Marriage Law")), where a woman had successively married seven brothers who all died without issue. Their question, "Therefore in the resurrection, whose wife of them is she?" ([Luke 20:33](/luke/20-33 "Luke 20:33 - The Sadducees' Resurrection Question")), was intended to expose what they perceived as an absurdity in the resurrection doctrine, thereby discrediting it. Jesus' answer, beginning in [Luke 20:34](/luke/20-34 "Luke 20:34 - Jesus' Initial Response"), directly addresses their flawed premise by clarifying the nature of existence in the resurrected state, contrasting it sharply with the present age.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sadducees were a prominent Jewish religious and political party during the Second Temple period, primarily composed of the priestly aristocracy. Unlike the Pharisees, they accepted only the Pentateuch (the first five books of Moses) as divinely inspired Scripture and rejected many doctrines that had developed over time, including the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and the concept of an afterlife with divine retribution. Their challenge to Jesus was rooted in their theological skepticism and their adherence to a literal interpretation of the Mosaic Law, which they believed precluded the possibility of resurrection as understood by others. Levirate marriage was a specific cultural practice designed to ensure the continuation of a deceased brother's lineage and inheritance within the family, highlighting the importance of family and progeny in ancient Israelite society.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 20:34](/luke/20-34 "Luke 20:34 - The Nature of Earthly Life") contributes to several major themes within the broader narrative of Luke and the Gospels. Firstly, it underscores the **nature of earthly life** and its institutions, particularly marriage, as being designed for the present, mortal existence, fulfilling purposes such as procreation, companionship, and the ordering of society. Secondly, it establishes a foundational **distinction between the present age and the age to come**, a theme Jesus elaborates on in the subsequent verses ([Luke 20:35-36](/luke/20-35-36 "Luke 20:35-36 - Life in the Resurrection")). This distinction highlights that the biological necessities, customs, and social structures of this world do not necessarily apply to the transformed, eternal, and spiritual realm. Finally, the verse implicitly addresses the **Sadducees' theological error**, which stemmed from their failure to comprehend the transformative power of God and the true nature of the resurrection, a point explicitly made in the parallel account in [Matthew 22:29](/matthew/22-29 "Matthew 22:29 - Jesus Rebukes Sadducees for Ignorance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **children (Greek, _huiós'_):** From G5207, meaning "a 'son' (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship." In this context, "children of this world" (οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου) is an idiom referring to those who are characteristic of or belong to the present temporal system, living according to its norms and limitations. It denotes a spiritual affinity or belonging to the values and realities of the current age.
* **world (Greek, _aiṓn'_):** From G165, properly "an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world." Here, it refers to the present temporal age or epoch, characterized by mortality, human institutions, and the cycle of birth and death. Jesus uses this term to differentiate the current, finite existence from the eternal, resurrected state.
* **marry (Greek, _gaméō'_):** From G1060, meaning "to wed (of either sex)." This verb describes the act of entering into marriage, a covenant relationship established for procreation and companionship within the present "age." The inclusion of "and are given in marriage" (G1548 _ekgamískō_) in the passive voice emphasizes the societal custom and legal process of arranging marriages.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus answering said unto them":** This phrase emphasizes Jesus' authoritative and direct engagement with the Sadducees' challenge. His response is not a mere opinion but a definitive declaration from one who possesses divine insight and authority regarding both earthly and heavenly realities. It highlights the confrontational yet instructive nature of the dialogue.
* **"The children of this world":** This idiomatic expression refers to humanity in its present, mortal state, bound by the limitations and characteristics of the current temporal age. It encompasses all people living in the "now," whose lives are defined by the physical, social, and biological realities of this earthly existence, including the need for procreation and the establishment of families.
* **"marry, and are given in marriage":** This clause describes the institution of marriage as a defining characteristic of "this world" or "this age." It encompasses both the active choice to marry and the passive act of being given in marriage, reflecting the societal norms and practices surrounding matrimony in the ancient world. Jesus' statement here is not a judgment on marriage but an observation about its purpose and function within the present, temporal order, particularly its role in procreation and the continuation of human lineage.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several literary devices in this concise statement. **Contrast** is the most prominent, as the verse immediately sets up a stark distinction between "the children of this world" and those who belong to "that world" (the age to come), implicitly highlighting the differing realities of each. This contrast is central to His entire argument against the Sadducees. The phrase "the children of this world" is an **idiom**, a common Semitic expression (like "sons of light" or "sons of disobedience") that characterizes individuals by their dominant nature or allegiance to a particular sphere—in this case, the temporal, earthly realm. Furthermore, Jesus' response demonstrates a masterful **rhetorical strategy**. Instead of directly refuting the Sadducees' premise about the resurrection, He first establishes a foundational truth about the present age, thereby dismantling their flawed assumptions about the continuity of earthly customs in the eternal state. This indirect approach effectively disarms their argument by revealing their fundamental misunderstanding of God's power and the nature of the resurrection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:34 serves as a crucial theological pivot, establishing that marriage, while a sacred and divinely ordained institution for human society in this present age ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - Institution of Marriage")), is intrinsically linked to the temporal necessities of procreation and the continuation of humanity within a mortal framework. Jesus' teaching here clarifies that the purposes for which marriage was instituted in this world—such as companionship, mutual support, and the raising of children—are fulfilled within the confines of our earthly existence. In the resurrected state, where there is no death and believers are like angels, the biological and social imperatives that necessitate marriage no longer apply. This understanding encourages believers to hold a balanced perspective: valuing marriage as a divine gift for this life, while simultaneously fixing their ultimate hope and identity on the eternal realities of God's kingdom, which transcend all earthly institutions.

* [Matthew 22:29-30](/matthew/22-29-30 "Matthew 22:29-30 - No Marriage in the Resurrection")
* [1 Corinthians 7:29-31](/1_corinthians/7-29-31 "1 Corinthians 7:29-31 - The Present Form of This World Is Passing Away")
* [Revelation 21:4](/rev/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' words in Luke 20:34 offer a profound perspective on the temporary nature of many earthly institutions and relationships, including marriage, when viewed from an eternal vantage point. While marriage is a beautiful and divinely blessed covenant designed for this life, fulfilling crucial roles in human society and personal flourishing, Jesus teaches us that its purposes are confined to "this world." This truth invites us to re-evaluate our priorities, encouraging us to invest our ultimate hope and allegiance not in the transient structures of this age, but in the enduring realities of God's eternal kingdom. It challenges us to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that while we are called to faithfully steward our earthly relationships and responsibilities, our ultimate citizenship and destiny lie beyond this present world. This understanding should free us from the anxiety of clinging too tightly to what is temporary, enabling us to embrace the transformative power of the resurrection and the boundless possibilities of life with God in the age to come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the temporary nature of earthly institutions like marriage impact your perspective on your current relationships and priorities?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Sadducees, inadvertently limit God's power or the scope of His future plans by applying earthly logic to divine realities?**
* **How does the distinction between "this world" and the "age to come" shape your daily walk as a believer?**

### FAQ

**Does Jesus' statement mean that marriage is not important or sacred?**

Answer: No, Jesus' statement does not diminish the importance or sacredness of marriage in this life. Rather, it clarifies its purpose and duration. Marriage is a divine institution established by God in creation ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - Institution of Marriage")) for companionship, procreation, and the ordering of human society. It is a profound covenant that reflects God's faithfulness and love. Jesus' point is that the *purposes* for which marriage exists—such as continuing the human race and providing a framework for family life in a mortal world—will no longer be necessary in the resurrected state, where there is no death and believers live in a transformed, eternal reality. The spiritual union with God and with fellow believers in the new heavens and new earth will transcend the earthly forms of relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:34, while seemingly a straightforward statement about marriage, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' own person and work, particularly His resurrection. The "children of this world" are those who live under the dominion of death and the limitations of the fallen creation, where marriage serves the purpose of procreation to continue a mortal lineage. However, Jesus, by His resurrection, inaugurates the "age to come" and becomes the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). He is the prototype of the resurrected life, a life no longer subject to death or the need for earthly institutions like marriage. In Christ, believers are "children of the resurrection" ([Luke 20:36](/luke/20-36 "Luke 20:36 - Children of the Resurrection")), partakers of a new, eternal reality where the ultimate union is with God Himself. The Church, as the [Bride of Christ](/rev/21-9 "Revelation 21:9 - The Bride, the Wife of the Lamb"), anticipates a perfect, eternal communion with Him that transcends any earthly marital bond, fulfilling the deepest longings for intimacy and belonging. Thus, Jesus' words not only answer the Sadducees but also point to the radical transformation brought about by His redemptive work, ushering in a new creation where He is all in all ([Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ Is All, and in All")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 16:8

And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

Luke 17:27

They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Ephesians 5:31

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

1 Corinthians 7:2

Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

1 Corinthians 7:16

For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save [thy] husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save [thy] wife?