Mark 12:25

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} when {G3752} they shall rise {G450} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}, they neither {G3777} marry {G1060}, nor {G3777} are given in marriage {G1061}; but {G235} are {G1526} as {G5613} the angels {G32} which {G3588} are in {G1722} heaven {G3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For when people rise from the dead, neither men nor women marry -- they are like angels in heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as angels in heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 12:25, Jesus definitively answers the Sadducees' challenge regarding the resurrection, clarifying that the institution of marriage, as understood in earthly life, will not persist in the resurrected state. He reveals a transformed existence where human beings, upon rising from the dead, will live in a manner akin to angels in heaven, transcending the procreative and relational structures of the present age. This profound teaching underscores the radical difference between our current temporal reality and the eternal, spiritual reality of God's coming kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of Jesus' encounter with the Sadducees, recorded in [Mark 12:18-27](/mark/12-18-27 "Mark 12:18-27 - The Sadducees' Question About the Resurrection"). The Sadducees, a powerful Jewish sect that denied the resurrection of the dead, angels, and the spiritual realm, presented Jesus with a complex hypothetical scenario involving a woman married to seven brothers in succession under the law of [levirate marriage](/deuteronomy/25-5 "Deuteronomy 25:5 - Levirate Marriage Law"). Their intention was to expose what they perceived as an absurdity in the concept of resurrection, asking whose wife she would be in the afterlife. Jesus first rebukes their fundamental error, stating they "know not the scriptures, neither the power of God" ([Mark 12:24](/mark/12-24 "Mark 12:24 - Jesus Rebukes the Sadducees")). Verse 25 then directly addresses their specific dilemma by revealing the nature of resurrected life, followed by a theological argument from the Old Testament to prove the reality of resurrection ([Mark 12:26-27](/mark/12-26-27 "Mark 12:26-27 - God of the Living")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sadducees were an aristocratic priestly group primarily concerned with temple worship and the Mosaic Law, rejecting oral tradition and any doctrines not explicitly stated in the Pentateuch. Their denial of the resurrection, angels, and an afterlife set them apart from the Pharisees and the general Jewish populace, who largely affirmed these beliefs. Their question about marriage in the resurrection was designed to highlight what they saw as an inherent contradiction or impracticality in the resurrection doctrine, particularly concerning earthly social structures like marriage and family lineage. The concept of levirate marriage ([Deuteronomy 25:5-10](/deuteronomy/25-5-10 "Deuteronomy 25:5-10 - Law of Levirate Marriage")), intended to preserve a deceased man's name and inheritance, was a key component of their legalistic challenge, demonstrating their focus on earthly continuity rather than divine transformation.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 12:25 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it reveals the **transformed nature of resurrected life**, emphasizing that the eternal state is not merely an extension of earthly existence but a radical reordering of reality by God's power. Earthly institutions, including marriage, which serve specific purposes in this temporal world (such as procreation and companionship), will be superseded by a new, direct relationship with God and a different form of community in the eternal realm. Secondly, it highlights **God's boundless power and new creation**, directly countering the Sadducees' limited understanding of God's ability to transcend human limitations. The resurrected body, as further described by Paul in [1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1_corinthians/15-42-44 "1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - The Resurrection Body"), will be spiritual and glorious, not bound by the physical necessities of this life. Thirdly, the comparison to angels underscores a **non-procreative and non-marital existence** in heaven, clarifying that while humans will not *become* angels, they will share this particular characteristic. Finally, Jesus' entire response, beginning in [Mark 12:24](/mark/12-24 "Mark 12:24 - Jesus' Rebuke"), implicitly critiques a **misunderstanding of Scripture**, suggesting that a deeper, Spirit-led understanding of God's Word would have led the Sadducees to grasp the reality of the resurrection and the transformative power of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **marry (Greek, _gaméō_):** G1060, derived from _gamos_ (marriage). This verb refers to the act of wedding or taking a spouse, applicable to both men and women. Its negation here signifies the cessation of this earthly institution in the resurrected state.
* **given in marriage (Greek, _gamískō_):** G1061, also from _gamos_. This verb specifically refers to the act of giving a daughter (or son) in marriage, often by parents or guardians. Its inclusion alongside _gaméō_ emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the statement: neither the male nor female role, nor the societal act of arranging marriage, will exist.
* **angels (Greek, _ángelos_):** G32, meaning "messenger." In this context, it refers to celestial, spiritual beings who serve God. The comparison to angels is crucial, as it provides a concrete example of beings who exist in a non-procreative, non-marital state, illustrating the transformed nature of resurrected human existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For when they shall rise from the dead,"**: This opening clause establishes the premise of Jesus' statement: it pertains specifically to the state of human beings *after* the resurrection. It directly confronts the Sadducees' denial of resurrection, affirming its reality as the foundational context for understanding eternal life.
* **"they neither marry, nor are given in marriage;"**: This is the core answer to the Sadducees' hypothetical. Jesus explicitly states that the earthly institution of marriage, with its associated roles and customs, will not continue in the resurrected life. This implies a radical transformation of human relationships and purposes in the eternal realm, moving beyond the procreative and social functions marriage serves in this life.
* **"but are as the angels which are in heaven."**: This concluding clause provides the explanatory comparison. Resurrected humans will be "as" (Greek: _hōs_, indicating likeness or similarity, not identity) angels. The specific point of comparison is their non-marital and non-procreative state. Angels, as spiritual beings, do not marry or procreate, and in the resurrection, humans will share this characteristic, indicating a life focused on worship and fellowship with God rather than earthly family formation.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 12:25 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Simile**, evident in the phrase "but are as the angels." This comparison clarifies the nature of resurrected existence by likening it to the known characteristics of angels, specifically their non-marital state. It's crucial to note that this is a simile of *likeness in a specific aspect*, not an assertion that humans *become* angels. Additionally, the verse utilizes **Contrast** to highlight the radical difference between earthly life and resurrected life. The "neither...nor" construction ("neither marry, nor are given in marriage") sharply contrasts the present human condition with the future, transformed state, emphasizing what will no longer be present. This contrast underscores the divine power at work in the resurrection, creating a new reality that transcends human expectations and earthly limitations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 12:25 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of eschatological existence, revealing that God's future kingdom is not merely an extension of earthly life but a radical transformation. It teaches that while marriage is a sacred and God-ordained institution for this present age, serving purposes like companionship, procreation, and reflecting Christ's relationship with the church, it is ultimately a temporal covenant. In the eternal state, the ultimate relationship will be with God Himself, and the need for earthly institutions like marriage will be superseded by a direct, unmediated fellowship with the Creator and with all the redeemed. This perspective elevates our understanding of heaven from a mere continuation of earthly joys to a realm of spiritual perfection and divine communion.

* [Matthew 22:30](/matthew/22-30 "Matthew 22:30 - Parallel Account in Matthew")
* [Luke 20:34-36](/luke/20-34-36 "Luke 20:34-36 - Parallel Account in Luke")
* [1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1_corinthians/15-42-44 "1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - The Nature of the Resurrection Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though initially addressing a specific theological challenge, holds immense practical and spiritual implications for believers today. It calls us to cultivate an eternal perspective, recognizing that while our earthly relationships and institutions are precious and vital for this life, they are not the ultimate reality. Our deepest fulfillment and identity in the age to come will stem directly from our relationship with God, not from human bonds. For those who are married, this passage encourages a prioritization of spiritual growth and a recognition that the ultimate union is with Christ. For those who are single, widowed, or divorced, it offers profound comfort and liberation, assuring them that their eternal joy and completeness will not be dependent on earthly marital status. It reorients our hope towards the glorious, transformed life in God's presence, where every tear will be wiped away and all earthly longings will be fulfilled in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the transformed nature of resurrected life impact your view of present earthly relationships, particularly marriage?**
* **In what ways might prioritizing eternal realities over temporal ones change your daily decisions and priorities?**
* **How does the promise of a transformed existence, "as the angels," offer comfort or challenge your current understanding of heaven?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that marriage is bad or unimportant?**

Answer: No, not at all. Mark 12:25 does not diminish the value or sanctity of marriage in this present life. The Bible consistently presents marriage as a sacred, God-ordained institution ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - Institution of Marriage"), [Ephesians 5:22-33](/ephesians/5-22-33 "Ephesians 5:22-33 - Marriage as a Picture of Christ and the Church")). It serves vital purposes like companionship, procreation, and reflecting the covenantal love between Christ and His church. Jesus' statement simply clarifies that marriage is a temporal institution, designed for this earthly existence, and its specific functions (like procreation) will be superseded in the eternal, transformed reality of the resurrection.

**Will we recognize our loved ones in heaven if we aren't married?**

Answer: While Mark 12:25 states that marriage as an institution will not continue, it does not imply that personal relationships or recognition will cease. The Bible suggests a continuity of identity and recognition in the resurrected state. For example, the disciples recognized Jesus after His resurrection ([Luke 24:30-31](/luke/24-30-31 "Luke 24:30-31 - Disciples Recognize Jesus")). The transformation means that relationships will be perfected and purified, free from the limitations and imperfections of this life, and centered on our shared fellowship with God. Our love for one another will likely deepen and broaden, untainted by sin or earthly constraints, in a glorious communion with all believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 12:25 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly in His resurrection. Jesus Himself is the "firstfruits of those who are asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as Firstfruits")), providing the pattern and promise for our own resurrection. His resurrected body, though recognizable, was transformed, transcending earthly limitations and physical necessities, much like the state described in this verse. The new reality where marriage is superseded points to the ultimate union not between human spouses, but between Christ and His Church, His Bride ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church"), [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). In the new heavens and new earth, our deepest intimacy and fulfillment will be found in our direct, unmediated relationship with God through Christ, participating in the glorious fellowship of the Triune God. The transformed state of resurrected humanity, "as the angels," signifies a spiritualized existence wholly devoted to worship and communion with God, mirroring the perfect relationship that Christ, our resurrected Lord, enjoys with the Father. He is the one who inaugurates this new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), in whom all things are made new, including our very bodies and relationships, for His eternal glory.

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 20:35

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

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.

1 John 3:2

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Matthew 22:30

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

Hebrews 12:22

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

Hebrews 12:23

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

1 Corinthians 15:42

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