Matthew 22:23

¶ The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,

The same {G1722}{G1565} day {G2250} came {G4334} to him {G846} the Sadducees {G4523}, which {G3588} say {G3004} that there is {G1511} no {G3361} resurrection {G386}, and {G2532} asked {G1905} him {G846},

That same day, some Tz'dukim came to him. They are the ones who say there is no such thing as resurrection, so they put to him a sh'eilah:

That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him.

On that day there came to him Sadducees, they that say that there is no resurrection: and they asked him,

Commentary

Matthew 22:23 introduces a significant encounter between Jesus Christ and a prominent Jewish religious group, the Sadducees. This verse sets the stage for a theological debate concerning one of the most fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith: the resurrection of the dead.

Context

This event occurs during Jesus's final week in Jerusalem, a period marked by intense scrutiny and challenges from various religious factions. Having just silenced the Pharisees and Herodians regarding the payment of taxes (Matthew 22:15-22), Jesus now faces the Sadducees. The Sadducees were a powerful, aristocratic, and priestly party within Judaism, often associated with the Temple establishment. Unlike the Pharisees, who believed in the resurrection, angels, and spirits, the Sadducees adhered strictly to the written Law of Moses (the Pentateuch) and rejected any doctrines not explicitly found there. Consequently, they denied the resurrection of the dead, believing that the soul ceased to exist at death.

Key Themes

  • Theological Opposition: The Sadducees' arrival underscores the consistent opposition Jesus faced from different religious leaders, each attempting to trap Him with difficult questions. Their challenge was not merely academic but an attempt to discredit His teachings and authority, especially concerning the afterlife.
  • Disbelief in Resurrection: The core of the Sadducean challenge, as stated in this verse, was their rejection of the resurrection. This belief system was a significant point of contention between them and other Jewish groups, and it fundamentally shaped their understanding of divine justice and future hope. Jesus's subsequent response (beginning in Matthew 22:29) directly addresses this theological blind spot, emphasizing God's power and the continuity of life beyond the grave.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek term for "Sadducees" (Saddoukaioi) is believed to derive from Zadok, the high priest during the time of David and Solomon. This connection highlights their aristocratic and priestly lineage. The word "resurrection" (Greek: anastasis) literally means "a standing up again," emphasizing the physical aspect of rising from the dead, which the Sadducees vehemently denied.

Significance and Application

Matthew 22:23 is more than just a historical account; it highlights the enduring importance of core Christian doctrines. The Sadducees' disbelief in the resurrection served as a direct challenge to God's omnipotence and His plan for humanity. For believers today, this passage reinforces the foundational truth of Christ's resurrection, which is central to the Christian faith and the hope of eternal life. It also serves as a reminder that genuine faith must embrace all of God's revealed truth, even those aspects that may seem difficult to comprehend, trusting in God's infinite power (Luke 1:37).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 4:1

    ¶ And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

  • Mark 12:18

    ¶ Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,

  • Mark 12:27

    He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.

  • Acts 23:6

    ¶ But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men [and] brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

  • Acts 23:8

    For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

  • Matthew 3:7

    ¶ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

  • Luke 20:27

    ¶ Then came to [him] certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,
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