22:29 22:29

Matthew 22:30

22:31 22:31

Bible Versions

For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
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}.
For in the Resurrection, neither men nor women will marry; rather, they will be like angels in heaven.
In the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like the angels in heaven.
For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as angels in heaven.

Context of Matthew 22:30

This verse is part of Jesus' profound response to the Sadducees, a Jewish sect that denied the resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits. They attempted to trap Jesus with a hypothetical scenario involving a woman who had been married sequentially to seven brothers, according to the levirate marriage custom (Deuteronomy 25:5). Their question, detailed in Matthew 22:23-28, aimed to expose what they considered absurdities in the concept of resurrection. Jesus first corrects their fundamental misunderstanding of God's power and the Scriptures, then reveals the nature of the resurrected state.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Nature of the Resurrection: Jesus clarifies that the resurrected existence is fundamentally different from earthly life. It transcends the limitations and purposes of our present physical state.
  • Marriage in Eternity: The verse explicitly states that marriage, as we understand it on Earth, does not continue in the resurrection. This institution, designed by God for procreation and companionship in this temporal world, serves its purpose here but is not part of the eternal, perfected state.
  • "As the Angels of God": This phrase signifies a likeness, not a transformation into angelic beings. It means that in the resurrection, believers will share certain characteristics with angels, specifically their non-marital, non-procreative existence. Angels do not marry or procreate, and neither will resurrected humans. Their existence is fully devoted to God's service and worship.
  • Divine Power and Scripture: Jesus' answer also implicitly rebukes the Sadducees for not understanding the power of God or the Scriptures, which testify to the resurrection. This highlights the importance of truly comprehending God's character and His revealed word.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase "ὡς ἄγγελοι τοῦ θεοῦ" (hōs angeloi tou theou), translated "as the angels of God," emphasizes a comparison of nature or function, not an identity. It means "like" or "in the manner of" angels, particularly in their non-marital status and perhaps their direct, unhindered relationship with God. This clarifies that while our resurrected bodies will be glorious and spiritual (see 1 Corinthians 15:42-44), we do not become angelic beings, but retain our human identity perfected.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound comfort and reorients our perspective:

  • Comfort for Grief: For those who have lost spouses or loved ones, this verse assures us that while earthly relationships change, the eternal fellowship with God and fellow believers will be perfect and complete, transcending our current understanding of relationships.
  • Focus on Eternal Realities: It encourages believers to prioritize heavenly realities over earthly attachments. While marriage is a sacred and beautiful gift from God, it is temporary, pointing to the ultimate, eternal union with Christ.
  • Understanding the Afterlife: It helps us understand that the future state is not merely an extension of earthly life but a transformed existence, free from the needs and structures of this present world, fully centered on God.
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.

  • 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.
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