Matthew 22:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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:

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 22:23 introduces a pivotal encounter between Jesus and the Sadducees, a prominent Jewish religious and political faction. This verse concisely sets the stage for a profound theological debate, highlighting the Sadducees' fundamental rejection of the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, a belief central to the emerging Christian faith and a point of significant contention within first-century Judaism. Their approach to Jesus was not merely an academic inquiry but a calculated attempt to challenge His authority and discredit His teachings by presenting a seemingly unanswerable dilemma rooted in their denial of future life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a highly confrontational section of Matthew's Gospel, specifically during Jesus's final week of ministry in Jerusalem, often referred to as Passion Week. Immediately preceding this encounter, Jesus deftly silenced the Pharisees and Herodians who attempted to trap Him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, demonstrating His divine wisdom and authority ([Matthew 22:15-22](/matthew/22-15-22 "Matthew 22:15-22 - Jesus and the Tribute Money")). The arrival of the Sadducees directly after this incident underscores the continuous and multi-faceted opposition Jesus faced from various Jewish religious leaders, each group seeking to undermine His credibility through their distinct theological or political lenses. This rapid succession of challenges highlights the escalating tension and the deliberate attempts to corner Jesus before His crucifixion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sadducees were a powerful, aristocratic, and priestly party within first-century Judaism, largely associated with the Temple establishment and the wealthy elite. Unlike the Pharisees, who believed in the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and spirits, the Sadducees adhered strictly to the written Law of Moses (the Pentateuch) and rejected any doctrines not explicitly found there, particularly oral traditions. Their denial of the resurrection stemmed from their interpretation of the Torah, believing that the soul ceased to exist at death and that there was no afterlife or future judgment beyond earthly consequences. This theological stance placed them in direct opposition to the burgeoning belief in resurrection among other Jewish groups and, crucially, to Jesus's own teachings, which consistently affirmed a future life and divine judgment, as seen in passages like [Matthew 16:27](/matthew/16-27 "Matthew 16:27 - The Son of Man Coming in Glory"). Their position was deeply intertwined with their socio-political power, as denying the resurrection removed the threat of a future reckoning, allowing them to maintain their comfortable status quo.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 22:23 introduces several key themes that permeate this section of Matthew's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Theological Opposition**, showcasing the diverse and persistent challenges Jesus faced from established religious authorities. Each group, from the Pharisees to the Sadducees, represented a distinct theological or political agenda, yet all shared a common goal: to discredit Jesus. Secondly, the verse explicitly introduces the theme of **Disbelief in Resurrection**, which forms the core of the Sadducees' challenge. Their denial of an afterlife and future resurrection was a foundational tenet of their theology, contrasting sharply with Jesus's teachings and the broader eschatological hopes of many Jews. This theological clash sets the stage for Jesus's powerful and definitive teaching on the resurrection, which not only refutes the Sadducees' premise but also affirms the continuity of life beyond the grave and God's power over death, a truth profoundly articulated by Jesus in [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"). Finally, the verse subtly touches upon the theme of **Divine Authority**, as the Sadducees' questioning of Jesus is ultimately a challenge to His authority to teach on matters of ultimate truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sadducees (Greek, _Saddoukaîos'_):** This term refers to a specific Jewish religious and political sect. The Strong's data indicates it likely derives from "Sadok," suggesting a connection to Zadok, the high priest during the time of David and Solomon. This lineage highlights their aristocratic and priestly background, which was integral to their power base and their conservative theological stance, particularly their adherence solely to the Pentateuch.
* **no (Greek, _mḗ'_):** This is a primary particle of qualified negation. Unlike _ou_ which expresses an absolute denial, _mḗ_ often implies a subjective or conditional negation, or a prohibition. In this context, it signifies the Sadducees' firm conviction and stated position that the resurrection does not exist, reflecting their active rejection of the doctrine rather than a mere absence of belief.
* **resurrection (Greek, _anástasis'_):** From _anístēmi_, meaning "to stand up again." The Strong's data defines it as "a standing up again, i.e. (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth)." Here, it is unequivocally used in its literal sense, referring to the physical rising of the dead, which the Sadducees denied. The figurative meaning of "moral recovery" is not applicable in this immediate context but highlights the broader semantic range of the term.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The same day came to him the Sadducees,"**: This phrase establishes the immediate temporal setting, linking this encounter directly to the preceding challenges Jesus faced on that specific day in Jerusalem. The Sadducees' "coming to him" (`prosérchomai`) implies a deliberate approach, not a casual encounter, indicating their intention to engage Jesus in a calculated theological dispute. Their arrival signifies the next wave of opposition Jesus confronts during His final week.
* **"which say that there is no resurrection,"**: This is the crucial descriptive clause, immediately identifying the defining theological characteristic of the Sadducees relevant to this confrontation. Their explicit denial of the resurrection (`mḗ anástasis`) is presented as a known and stated position, setting the precise theological battleground for the subsequent discourse. This statement underscores their core doctrinal difference from the Pharisees and, more importantly, from Jesus's own teachings.
* **"and asked him,"**: This concluding phrase indicates the Sadducees' purpose in approaching Jesus: to pose a question. Given their stated disbelief in the resurrection, the question they are about to ask (detailed in [Matthew 22:24-28](/matthew/22-24-28 "Matthew 22:24-28 - The Sadducees' Question About the Resurrection")) will undoubtedly be designed to expose what they perceive as the logical absurdities or inconsistencies of a belief in resurrection, thereby attempting to trap Jesus and discredit His authority.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 22:23 primarily employs **Exposition** and **Characterization**. The verse serves an expository function by directly informing the reader about the Sadducees' core theological tenet: their denial of the resurrection. This direct statement sets the premise for the ensuing debate without relying on indirect hints or narrative unfolding. Through this exposition, the verse also engages in **Characterization**, succinctly defining the Sadducees not just by their identity but by their defining theological position. This immediate characterization of their disbelief in the resurrection is crucial because it frames their subsequent question and highlights the fundamental theological chasm between them and Jesus. The concise nature of the verse, immediately following a previous confrontation, also contributes to a sense of **Rapid Succession** or **Pacing**, indicating the relentless and varied opposition Jesus faced.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 22:23 serves as a stark reminder of the foundational importance of the resurrection doctrine within biblical theology. The Sadducees' denial of an afterlife and future resurrection fundamentally misunderstands God's power and His covenant faithfulness. Their limited view, confined to the Mosaic Law as they interpreted it, fails to grasp the broader sweep of God's redemptive plan that culminates in the triumph over death. This encounter highlights that true faith embraces the full revelation of God, including His power to bring life from death, a truth that is not merely an abstract concept but the very hope of humanity. The Sadducees' error was not just intellectual but spiritual, stemming from a lack of understanding of both the Scriptures and the power of God, as Jesus later points out in [Matthew 22:29](/matthew/22-29 "Matthew 22:29 - Jesus Rebukes the Sadducees").

* [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - The Resurrection of the Dead")
* [Acts 23:8](/acts/23-8 "Acts 23:8 - Sadducees Deny Resurrection, Pharisees Affirm It")
* [Hebrews 11:19](/hebrews/11-19 "Hebrews 11:19 - Abraham's Faith in Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 22:23, though brief, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. The Sadducees' intellectual arrogance and their selective acceptance of Scripture led them to deny a core truth about God's power and His future plans. For us, this serves as a powerful caution against allowing our preconceived notions, intellectual biases, or worldly comfort to dictate our understanding of God's Word. Do we, like the Sadducees, limit God's power or dismiss truths that challenge our logic or comfort? This passage calls us to humble ourselves before the entirety of God's revelation, trusting in His omnipotence and His promises, even when they seem counter-intuitive or beyond our full comprehension. Our hope is anchored not in what we can logically deduce, but in the God who raises the dead.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my faith might I be tempted to limit God's power or dismiss truths that challenge my understanding?**
* **How does my belief in the resurrection of the dead impact my daily life, my hope for the future, and my perspective on suffering?**
* **Am I willing to allow the full counsel of God's Word to shape my beliefs, even when it contradicts prevailing cultural or intellectual norms?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Sadducees, and why did they deny the resurrection?**

Answer: The Sadducees were a prominent Jewish religious and political party in the time of Jesus, primarily composed of the wealthy aristocracy and priestly families associated with the Temple in Jerusalem. They distinguished themselves from other Jewish groups, like the Pharisees, by their strict adherence solely to the written Law of Moses (the Pentateuch) and their rejection of oral traditions. Their denial of the resurrection, as well as the existence of angels and spirits, stemmed from their belief that these doctrines were not explicitly taught in the Torah. They interpreted the Law to mean that all divine retribution and reward occurred in this life, thus negating the need for an afterlife or future resurrection. This theological stance was deeply intertwined with their desire to maintain the status quo and their political power, as a belief in future judgment could threaten their comfortable position. Jesus directly addresses their error in [Matthew 22:29](/matthew/22-29 "Matthew 22:29 - Jesus's Response to the Sadducees"), stating they erred because they knew neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 22:23, by highlighting the Sadducees' denial of the resurrection, powerfully sets the stage for the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of this doctrine. While the Sadducees could not conceive of a future bodily resurrection, Jesus Himself would become the living embodiment and ultimate proof of this truth. His own resurrection from the dead, just days after this encounter, shattered the Sadducees' theological framework and validated every word He spoke about life beyond the grave. As Paul emphatically declares in [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ's Resurrection as Firstfruits"), Christ is the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep," meaning His resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of all believers. The Sadducees' question about marriage in the afterlife (posed in subsequent verses) is rendered moot by the new reality inaugurated by Christ's triumph over death, where life is transformed, not merely continued (as seen in [Luke 20:34-36](/luke/20-34-36 "Luke 20:34-36 - Marriage in the Resurrection")). Thus, Matthew 22:23, though describing a moment of theological opposition, inadvertently points to the very heart of the Gospel: the Risen Christ, who is "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), offering eternal hope to all who believe.

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

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,