Luke 20:35

KJV

But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} they which shall be accounted worthy {G2661} to obtain {G5177} that {G1565} world {G165}, and {G2532} the resurrection {G386} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}, neither {G3777} marry {G1060}, nor {G3777} are given in marriage {G1548}:

Complete Jewish Bible

but those judged worthy of the age to come, and of resurrection from the dead, do not get married,

Berean Standard Bible

But those who are considered worthy to share in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jesus responds to the Sadducees' challenge regarding the resurrection, asserting that those deemed worthy to participate in the age to come and the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. This declaration profoundly redefines the nature of resurrected existence, emphasizing a transformed state of being where earthly institutions and biological necessities, particularly those related to procreation and lineage, no longer apply, thereby correcting the Sadducees' flawed, anthropocentric understanding of the afterlife.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Jesus's direct confrontation with the Sadducees, a prominent Jewish sect, as recorded in [Luke 20:27-40](/luke/20-27-40 "Luke 20:27-40 - Jesus and the Sadducees"). The Sadducees, known for their denial of the resurrection, angels, and spirits, attempt to trap Jesus with a hypothetical scenario based on the levirate marriage law found in [Deuteronomy 25:5-10](/deuteronomy/25-5-10 "Deuteronomy 25:5-10 - Levirate Marriage Law"). They present a case of a woman married sequentially to seven brothers, all of whom die without offspring, asking whose wife she would be in the resurrection. Jesus's response in [Luke 20:34-36](/luke/20-34-36 "Luke 20:34-36 - Marriage in the Resurrection") directly addresses their misconception, shifting the understanding of the afterlife from a mere continuation of earthly life to a radically transformed existence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sadducees were a priestly aristocratic group in first-century Judaism who adhered strictly to the written Torah (the Pentateuch) but rejected oral traditions and doctrines not explicitly found there, including the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and the immortality of the soul. Their challenge to Jesus was designed to expose what they considered the logical absurdities of resurrection belief by applying earthly social structures, specifically marriage and procreation, to the afterlife. The levirate marriage law itself was a cultural and legal institution in ancient Israel designed to preserve family lines and inheritances by requiring a brother to marry his deceased brother's widow if there were no children. Jesus's teaching directly counters their limited, earthbound worldview.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and broader New Testament theology. Firstly, it highlights **The Transformed Nature of Resurrection Life**, emphasizing that the resurrected state is fundamentally different from earthly existence, transcending the needs and customs of the present age. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Wisdom vs. Human Limitations**, revealing the Sadducees' error stemmed from their inability to comprehend God's power and the true meaning of Scripture, particularly concerning the afterlife, as Jesus later states in [Luke 20:38](/luke/20-38 "Luke 20:38 - God of the Living"). Finally, the phrase "they which shall be accounted worthy" introduces the theme of **God's Sovereign Judgment and Grace**, signifying that participation in the resurrection is not by human merit but by divine enablement and being deemed fit by God's standard, aligning with the broader New Testament teaching on [receiving eternal life through faith](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life"). The concept of a spiritual body, as described by Paul in [1 Corinthians 15:42-49](/1_corinthians/15-42-49 "1 Corinthians 15:42-49 - The Spiritual Body"), further illuminates the transformed nature of resurrected existence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **accounted worthy (Greek, _kataxióō_):** From G2661, meaning "to deem entirely deserving" or "to count worthy." This term does not imply human merit as the basis for salvation but rather God's sovereign assessment and grace. It refers to those whom God, in His divine wisdom and justice, determines are fit to participate in the resurrection and inherit the age to come. It speaks to a divine qualification rather than an earned status.
* **world (Greek, _aiṓn_):** From G165, properly an "age"; by extension, "perpetuity" or "the world." In this context, "that world" (ekeînos aiṓn) refers to a distinct eschatological era—the future age or the age to come—which is marked by God's full redemptive work and the resurrection. It signifies a radical break from the present age and its limitations, rather than merely a physical location.
* **resurrection (Greek, _anástasis_):** From G386, meaning "a standing up again" or "a resurrection from death." This is the central point of contention with the Sadducees. Jesus affirms the reality of a bodily resurrection, but clarifies its transformed nature, distinct from a mere resuscitation of earthly life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world,"**: This clause introduces a specific group of people—those whom God has deemed fit or qualified (not by human merit, but by divine grace and sovereign choice) to enter into the "age to come." This "world" or "age" is not merely a physical place but a new eschatological reality, a transformed state of existence inaugurated by God's redemptive work. "To obtain" implies receiving or participating in this future reality.
* **"and the resurrection from the dead,"**: This phrase clarifies the means by which one enters "that world"—through the resurrection. It directly addresses the Sadducees' denial of this doctrine, affirming that a literal resurrection from physical death is the pathway to the transformed existence. It links the "age to come" inextricably with the physical (though transformed) raising of the dead.
* **"neither marry, nor are given in marriage:"**: This is the core revelation regarding the nature of resurrected life. Jesus states that the institutions of marriage and procreation, which are essential for the continuation of humanity in the present age, will cease to exist in the age to come. This is because the necessities that drive marriage on earth (such as procreation, family lineage, and companionship in a fallen world) will no longer apply in a perfected, immortal state. This implies a complete transformation of human relationships and existence, where the primary focus shifts from earthly bonds to a direct, unmediated relationship with God and a perfected communion with fellow resurrected beings.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus's response in [Luke 20:35](/luke/20-35 "Luke 20:35 - Marriage in the Resurrection") masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as Jesus starkly differentiates the conditions of "this age" (the present, fallen world where marriage and procreation are necessary) from "that world" (the future, resurrected state where these institutions are obsolete). This contrast highlights the radical transformation awaiting believers. Furthermore, Jesus utilizes **Didacticism**, directly teaching and correcting the theological error of the Sadducees. His authoritative declaration serves as a clear instruction on the nature of the afterlife. There is also an element of **Eschatological Language**, with phrases like "that world" and "the resurrection from the dead" pointing to future, ultimate realities that transcend present human experience and understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:35 provides a profound theological insight into the nature of the resurrection and the eschatological age. It corrects the common misconception that the afterlife is merely an extension of earthly existence, affirming instead a radical transformation. The cessation of marriage in the resurrection underscores that the primary purpose of marriage—procreation and the perpetuation of the human race in a fallen world—will be fulfilled and transcended in a state of immortality where death no longer reigns. This implies a deeper, spiritual communion among believers, reflecting a perfected fellowship that no longer relies on earthly institutions. Our ultimate identity and relationships will be rooted in our union with God and our shared status as "children of God" ([Luke 20:36](/luke/20-36 "Luke 20:36 - Children of God in the Resurrection")), rather than in temporary earthly bonds.

* [Matthew 22:30](/matthew/22-30 "Matthew 22:30 - No Marriage in the Resurrection")
* [Mark 12:25](/mark/12-25 "Mark 12:25 - Like Angels in Heaven")
* [1 Corinthians 15:42-49](/1_corinthians/15-42-49 "1 Corinthians 15:42-49 - The Spiritual Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 20:35 offers immense comfort and clarity regarding our eternal future, while also challenging us to re-evaluate our present priorities. It assures believers that life after death is not a diminished or confusing continuation of earthly existence, but a glorious and perfected transformation. While earthly relationships, including marriage, are precious gifts from God to be cherished and honored in this life, this verse reminds us that they are temporary and serve a purpose within the confines of this present age. Our ultimate hope and joy lie in a spiritual communion with God and with one another in a perfected, immortal state. This truth encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in spiritual realities and our relationship with Christ, rather than being overly consumed by the temporary concerns or even the most cherished relationships of this world. It invites us to anticipate a future where the conditions requiring earthly institutions will be transcended, and our deepest longings for connection and belonging will be fully met in God's presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the transformed nature of resurrected life impact your current view of earthly relationships, including marriage?**
* **In what ways might focusing on "that world" (the age to come) help you prioritize spiritual realities over temporary concerns in "this world"?**
* **What comfort or challenge do you find in the idea that our ultimate identity in the resurrection is as "children of God" rather than defined by earthly roles?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that married couples will not know each other or have relationships in heaven?**

Answer: Not at all. Jesus's statement in [Luke 20:35](/luke/20-35 "Luke 20:35 - Marriage in the Resurrection") means that the *institution* of marriage as we know it on earth, with its legal, social, and procreative functions, will no longer exist in the resurrected state. It does not imply that personal recognition or loving relationships will cease. On the contrary, our relationships will likely be perfected and deepened, transcending the limitations and imperfections of earthly bonds. We will know and love one another in a way that is pure and complete, without the need for the specific framework of marriage. The focus shifts from exclusive, procreative unions to a broader, perfected communion as "children of God" ([Luke 20:36](/luke/20-36 "Luke 20:36 - Children of God in the Resurrection")).

**What does "accounted worthy" mean in the context of salvation? Does it imply salvation by works?**

Answer: The phrase "accounted worthy" (Greek: _kataxióō_) does not imply salvation by human merit or works. Rather, it signifies being deemed fit or qualified by God's divine standard and grace. It refers to those whom God, in His sovereign judgment, has chosen and enabled to participate in the resurrection and inherit the age to come. This worthiness is a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Christ, not something earned through human effort. It aligns with the New Testament teaching that salvation is by grace through faith ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")), and those who believe are "justified freely by his grace" ([Romans 3:24](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justified by Grace")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:35, while directly addressing the Sadducees' misunderstanding of the resurrection, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus is not merely the revealer of the resurrection's nature, but its very source and guarantee. He declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Our participation in "that world" and "the resurrection from the dead" is entirely dependent on our union with Him. In Christ, the old creation, with its need for procreation and earthly institutions like marriage, passes away, and all things are made new ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). The eternal communion we will experience in the resurrected state is a reflection of the perfect, eternal communion found within the Trinity, into which believers are invited through Christ. Our ultimate "marriage" is not to an earthly spouse, but to Christ Himself, as the Church is presented as the Bride of Christ ([Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") and [Ephesians 5:25-32](/ephesians/5-25-32 "Ephesians 5:25-32 - Christ and the Church as Bride and Groom")), a spiritual union that transcends all earthly bonds and fulfills all our deepest longings for intimacy and belonging.

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

2 Thessalonians 1:5

¶ [Which is] a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

Daniel 12:2

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.

Daniel 12:3

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

John 5:29

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Matthew 12:32

And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the [world] to come.

Luke 21:36

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Acts 24:15

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.