Mark 12:25

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

In Mark 12:25, Jesus provides a profound insight into the nature of the resurrected life, directly addressing a challenging question posed by the Sadducees. This verse clarifies that the institutions and relationships of earthly life, specifically marriage, do not continue in the same form in the eternal state.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' response to the Sadducees, a Jewish sect that denied the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and the spiritual realm. They sought to discredit Jesus and the concept of resurrection by presenting a hypothetical scenario: a woman who had been married to seven brothers in succession (following the levirate marriage law) and asking whose wife she would be in the resurrection (Mark 12:18-23). Jesus rebukes their misunderstanding, stating they err because they "know not the scriptures, neither the power of God" (Mark 12:24). Verse 25 then provides the direct answer to their dilemma.

Key Themes

  • The Transformed Nature of Resurrected Life: Jesus reveals that life after resurrection will be radically different from our earthly existence. Earthly institutions like marriage, which serve purposes such as procreation and companionship in this life, will not be necessary or present in the same way in the eternal state.
  • God's Power and New Creation: The Sadducees failed to grasp the boundless power of God to create a new reality. The resurrected life is not merely an extension of the present one but a glorious transformation (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).
  • As the Angels in Heaven: The comparison to angels (hos angeloi in Greek) indicates a non-procreative and non-marital existence. It does not mean humans become angels, but that they will share a similar characteristic regarding marriage and procreation. Angels are spiritual beings who do not marry or procreate (Hebrews 1:14).
  • Misunderstanding of Scripture: Jesus implies that a deeper understanding of God's word would have prevented the Sadducees' error. The Old Testament, particularly passages about God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, implicitly points to a continued existence beyond death (Mark 12:26-27).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "are as the angels" (Greek: hos angeloi) is crucial. The word "as" (hos) signifies a comparison of *likeness* or *similarity* in a particular aspect, not an identity. Resurrected humans will be like angels in that they neither marry nor are given in marriage, reflecting a spiritualized existence where such earthly bonds are superseded by a direct relationship with God and a different form of community.

Cross-References

Practical Application

This verse offers profound implications for believers today:

  • Eternal Perspective: It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God and our eternal destiny over temporary earthly arrangements. While marriage is a sacred and beautiful institution on earth, it is not the ultimate reality.
  • Comfort for the Grieving: For those who have lost a spouse, this teaching provides comfort that while earthly marital bonds will not continue in their present form, our relationships will be transformed in God's presence, where sorrow and longing will cease (Revelation 21:4). The focus shifts to the glorious fellowship with God and all believers.
  • Focus on God's Kingdom: Our ultimate fulfillment in eternity will come from our direct relationship with God, not from human relationships, however precious they are now. This passage helps correct a limited, human-centric view of heaven and eternal life.
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Cross-References

  • Luke 20:35 (9 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 12:22 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

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