Matthew 22:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} in {G1722} the resurrection {G386} they neither {G3777} marry {G1060}, nor {G3777} are given in marriage {G1547}, but {G235} are {G1526} as {G5613} the angels {G32} of God {G2316} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For in the Resurrection, neither men nor women will marry; rather, they will be like angels in heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

In the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like the angels in heaven.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 22:30, Jesus directly refutes the Sadducees' flawed understanding of the resurrection, clarifying that in the resurrected state, human relationships, particularly marriage, will not continue as they do on Earth. Instead, those who are resurrected will exist in a manner akin to angels, characterized by a non-procreative, non-marital state, fully devoted to God in heaven, thereby emphasizing the transformed nature of eternal life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is Jesus' climactic response to a theological trap set by the Sadducees, as recorded in [Matthew 22:23-28](/matthew/22-23-28 "Matthew 22:23-28 - The Sadducees' Question About the Resurrection"). The Sadducees, a Jewish sect that denied the resurrection, angels, and spirits, posed a hypothetical scenario based on the levirate marriage law ([Deuteronomy 25:5](/deuteronomy/25-5 "Deuteronomy 25:5 - Levirate Marriage Law")). They described a woman who had been married sequentially to seven brothers, asking whose wife she would be in the resurrection. Their intent was to expose what they perceived as the absurdity of resurrection. Jesus first corrects their fundamental error by stating they "do not know the Scriptures or the power of God" ([Matthew 22:29](/matthew/22-29 "Matthew 22:29 - Jesus Rebukes the Sadducees")), then proceeds to explain the nature of the resurrected state, culminating in this verse. The immediate verses following ([Matthew 22:31-32](/matthew/22-31-32 "Matthew 22:31-32 - God of the Living")) further reinforce the reality of the resurrection by appealing to God's self-identification as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sadducees were a prominent Jewish aristocratic and priestly sect during the Second Temple period, primarily associated with the Temple cult. Unlike the Pharisees, they accepted only the written Torah (the Pentateuch) as authoritative, rejecting the oral law and, crucially, doctrines not explicitly found there, such as the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and the afterlife. Their challenge to Jesus stemmed from their literalistic interpretation of the Torah and their rejection of any concept of a transformed existence beyond earthly life. Levirate marriage was a specific Mosaic law designed to preserve a deceased man's lineage and inheritance within his family by requiring his brother to marry his widow and raise children in the deceased's name. This cultural practice, while central to their argument, was used by the Sadducees to highlight what they saw as an irreconcilable conflict between earthly customs and the concept of resurrection.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several key themes within the broader narrative of [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/1 "The Gospel According to Matthew") and biblical theology. Firstly, it clarifies the **nature of the resurrection**, emphasizing that eternal life is not merely a continuation of earthly existence but a transformed state, free from the limitations and purposes of our current physical and social structures. Secondly, it addresses the **purpose and temporality of earthly institutions**, particularly marriage. While marriage is divinely ordained and sacred for this life, Jesus reveals its purpose is fulfilled in the eschatological reality. Thirdly, the phrase "as the angels of God" introduces the theme of **angelic existence as a model for the resurrected state**, not implying transformation into angels, but highlighting a shared characteristic of non-procreative and non-marital being, dedicated wholly to God. Finally, Jesus' entire response underscores the **authority of Scripture and the power of God** ([Matthew 22:29](/matthew/22-29 "Matthew 22:29 - Jesus Rebukes the Sadducees")), rebuking the Sadducees for their theological ignorance and demonstrating His own divine wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **resurrection (Greek, _anástasis'_):** From ἀνίστημι, meaning "a standing up again." This term denotes a literal rising from death, referring to the bodily resurrection of individuals. In this context, Jesus is affirming the reality of a future bodily existence, directly countering the Sadducees' denial.
* **marry (Greek, _gaméō'_):** From γάμος, meaning "to wed (of either sex)." This word specifically refers to the act of entering into marriage, highlighting the earthly institution of marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman.
* **given in marriage (Greek, _ekgamízō'_):** From ἐκ and a form of γαμίσκω, meaning "to marry off a daughter." This term refers to the act of giving someone, typically a daughter, in marriage. Its inclusion alongside "marry" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the statement, covering both sides of the marital transaction.
* **angels (Greek, _ángelos'_):** From (probably derived from ἄγω), meaning "a messenger." This refers to celestial, spiritual beings who serve God. Jesus uses their non-marital, non-procreative nature as an analogy for the resurrected state of humans.
* **as (Greek, _hōs'_):** Probably adverb of comparative from ὅς, meaning "which how, i.e. in that manner." This crucial particle indicates a comparison or likeness, not an identity. Resurrected humans will be *like* angels in a specific aspect (non-marital), not *become* angels.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For in the resurrection they neither marry":** This clause directly addresses the Sadducees' premise, stating that the institution of marriage, as understood and practiced on Earth, ceases to exist in the resurrected state. The purpose of marriage—procreation, companionship, and the ordering of society—is tied to the temporal, earthly realm.
* **"nor are given in marriage":** This reinforces the previous statement by covering both active (marry) and passive (given in marriage) aspects of the marital covenant. It comprehensively declares the termination of marital relations in the afterlife, leaving no ambiguity.
* **"but are as the angels of God in heaven":** This crucial phrase provides the explanation for the cessation of marriage. It signifies that resurrected humans will share a specific characteristic with angels: their non-procreative and non-marital existence. This does not mean humans become angels, but rather that their glorified state will transcend the need for earthly institutions like marriage, allowing for a direct and unhindered relationship with God, similar to the angels' perpetual worship and service. The location "in heaven" further emphasizes the transformed, divine realm of this existence.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Matthew 22:30](/matthew/22-30 "Matthew 22:30 - Marriage in the Resurrection") is **Simile**. Jesus uses the phrase "as the angels of God" to draw a comparison between the state of resurrected humans and the nature of angels. This is not a statement of identity (humans become angels) but of likeness in a specific characteristic: their non-marital, non-procreative existence. The simile effectively clarifies a complex theological point by referencing a known spiritual reality. Furthermore, there is an element of **Contrast** at play, as Jesus contrasts the earthly, temporal nature of marriage with the eternal, transformed reality of the resurrection. This contrast highlights the radical difference between our present existence and the future state, challenging the Sadducees' limited, earthbound understanding of God's power and plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 22:30 profoundly shapes our understanding of eschatology and the nature of eternal life. It teaches that the resurrected state is not merely an extension of earthly existence but a transformed reality where the purposes and structures of this world, including marriage, are transcended. Marriage, while a sacred and beautiful institution ordained by God for this life, serves its purpose in a fallen world and points to a greater, eternal reality. In the resurrection, our relationship with God and with one another will be perfected, fulfilling the deepest longings that marriage on Earth only partially satisfies. This verse redirects our focus from the temporal to the eternal, emphasizing that the ultimate fellowship is with God Himself, a communion so complete that earthly relational structures are no longer necessary.

* [1 Corinthians 7:29-31](/1_corinthians/7-29-31 "1 Corinthians 7:29-31 - The Present Distress and the Transience of Earthly Things"): Paul echoes the temporary nature of earthly relationships and concerns in light of the "present distress" and the coming of the Lord.
* [1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1_corinthians/15-42-44 "1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - The Nature of the Resurrected Body"): Paul describes the resurrected body as "spiritual" and "glorious," distinct from the perishable earthly body, aligning with Jesus' teaching of a transformed existence.
* [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People"): This passage describes the new heaven and new earth where God Himself will dwell with His people, wiping away every tear, signifying a state of perfect communion where earthly needs and sorrows are no more.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers immense comfort and a reorientation of our earthly priorities. For those who have loved and lost spouses, it assures us that while the specific marital bond as we know it will not continue, the love and fellowship experienced in Christ will be perfected and deepened in ways we cannot yet fully comprehend. It frees us from the anxiety of earthly relationships defining our eternal joy, pointing instead to the ultimate, all-satisfying relationship with God. This truth encourages us to invest in eternal realities, to live with a heavenly perspective, and to understand that our deepest fulfillment comes from our union with Christ, not from any temporary earthly institution, however good. It calls us to live lives of worship and service, reflecting the angelic devotion to God, even now, as we anticipate our full glorification.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the transformed nature of resurrected life impact your view of earthly relationships, particularly marriage?**
* **In what ways might focusing on "being as the angels of God" (i.e., fully devoted to God) reorient your priorities and daily life?**
* **What comfort or challenge does this verse present to you regarding the future and the nature of eternity?**

### FAQ

**Does this mean married couples won't know each other in heaven, or that love between spouses ceases?**

Answer: Jesus' statement in [Matthew 22:30](/matthew/22-30 "Matthew 22:30 - Marriage in the Resurrection") means that the institution of marriage, as a legal and social covenant for procreation and companionship in this earthly life, will not continue in the resurrection. It does not imply that love, recognition, or fellowship between individuals will cease. On the contrary, the Bible suggests that our relationships will be perfected and glorified in heaven. The love we share on Earth, especially within marriage, is a reflection of God's love and will likely be deepened and transformed into a purer, more complete form of fellowship within the broader communion of saints, all centered on Christ. We will know and be known, but without the specific marital bond as we understand it now.

**Are we literally going to become angels in heaven?**

Answer: No, Jesus' phrase "but are as the angels of God in heaven" uses the word "as" (Greek: _hōs_) to denote a comparison, not an identity. We will not become angels. Instead, we will be *like* angels in specific characteristics, primarily their non-marital and non-procreative state, and perhaps their direct, unhindered communion with God and perpetual worship. We retain our human identity, but in a glorified, perfected, resurrected body, as described in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection of the Dead").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 22:30, while seemingly focused on the nature of marriage in the afterlife, ultimately points to the glory of Christ and the new creation He inaugurates. Jesus, as the resurrected Lord, embodies the very nature of this transformed existence. His own resurrected body, though physical, was glorified and no longer bound by earthly limitations, appearing and disappearing at will ([Luke 24:31](/luke/24-31 "Luke 24:31 - Jesus Vanishes")) and transcending the need for food in the same way ([Luke 24:42-43](/luke/24-42-43 "Luke 24:42-43 - Jesus Eats Fish")). The cessation of marriage in the resurrection points to the ultimate "marriage" – the spiritual union of Christ and His Church ([Ephesians 5:31-32](/ephesians/5-31-32 "Ephesians 5:31-32 - The Mystery of Christ and the Church"); [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). All earthly relationships, including marriage, are but shadows pointing to the perfect, eternal communion believers will share with Christ in the new heavens and new earth. In Him, all the deepest longings for intimacy, companionship, and belonging are fully and eternally satisfied, rendering the temporal institution of marriage obsolete in the face of the ultimate, divine union.

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 20:34

And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and 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.

Mark 12:24

And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

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.

Matthew 24:38

For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

John 5:28

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

John 5:29

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.