Luke 20:36

Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

Neither {G3777}{G1063} can {G1410} they die {G599} any more {G2089}: for {G1063} they are {G1526} equal unto the angels {G2465}; and {G2532} are {G1526} the children {G5207} of God {G2316}, being {G5607} the children {G5207} of the resurrection {G386}.

because they can no longer die. Being children of the Resurrection, they are like angels; indeed, they are children of God.

In fact, they can no longer die, because they are like the angels. And since they are sons of the resurrection, they are sons of God.

for neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' profound teaching on the resurrection, delivered in response to a challenging question posed by the Sadducees. The Sadducees, a Jewish sect, did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, angels, or spirits (Acts 23:8). They presented Jesus with a hypothetical scenario about a woman married to seven brothers, asking whose wife she would be in the resurrection (Luke 20:28-33). Jesus corrects their fundamental misunderstanding, revealing the nature of life in the age to come, which differs significantly from earthly existence.

Key Themes

  • Immortality and the Absence of Death: The primary statement is that resurrected believers "cannot die any more." This highlights the eternal and indestructible nature of resurrected life, a stark contrast to mortal existence.
  • Equality with Angels: Those who are resurrected are described as "equal unto the angels." This does not mean they become angels, but rather share certain characteristics with them, specifically in their immortal state and the absence of marriage and procreation, which are earthly institutions for the continuation of the human race (Luke 20:35).
  • Children of God: Resurrected believers are affirmed as "the children of God." This emphasizes their divine adoption and intimate relationship with the Father, a status fully realized and manifested in the resurrection. It speaks to a completed spiritual inheritance.
  • Children of the Resurrection: Being "the children of the resurrection" underscores that their identity and existence are fundamentally shaped by this transformative event. Their new life is defined by triumph over death through God's power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "equal unto the angels" translates the Greek word isangeloi (ἰσάγγελοι), which literally means "like angels" or "equal to angels." This term specifically points to a similarity in their non-dying state and freedom from earthly procreative needs, not a transformation into angelic beings. They retain their human identity, but in a glorified, immortal form. The designation "children of God" (huioi theou) and "children of the resurrection" (huioi tēs anastaseōs) powerfully conveys their new status and relationship, emphasizing divine parentage and the source of their eternal life.

Practical Application

Luke 20:36 offers immense hope and comfort to believers. It assures us that physical death is not the end, but a transition to an eternal, imperishable life. This verse challenges our earthly perspectives on relationships and existence, pointing to a future where life is fundamentally different and superior to our present reality. It reminds us of the profound transformation awaiting those who trust in Christ, a future marked by immortality, divine sonship, and a glorified existence free from the limitations and sorrows of this age. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our ultimate identity is as children of God, destined for resurrection.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Philippians 3:21

    Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

  • Revelation 21:4

    And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

  • Matthew 22:30

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

  • Revelation 20:6

    Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:42

    So also [is] the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

  • Romans 8:17

    ¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

  • Romans 8:23

    And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.

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