Matthew 22:31

But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,

But {G1161} as touching {G4012} the resurrection {G386} of the dead {G3498}, have ye {G314} not {G3756} read {G314} that which {G3588} was spoken {G4483} unto you {G5213} by {G5259} God {G2316}, saying {G3004},

And as for whether the dead are resurrected, haven't you read what God said to you,

But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what God said to you:

But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,

Commentary

Matthew 22:31 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' discourse with the Sadducees, a Jewish sect known for their denial of the resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits. This verse serves as Jesus' direct challenge to their theological error, setting the stage for His profound teaching on the reality of life after death.

Context

This verse is part of a larger exchange (Matthew 22:23-33) where the Sadducees attempt to trap Jesus with a hypothetical question about a woman who had seven husbands, based on the law of levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). They used this scenario to argue against the absurdity of a resurrection. Jesus first rebukes their fundamental misunderstanding, stating, "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God" (Matthew 22:29). Verse 31 then introduces His counter-argument, drawing directly from the very Scriptures the Sadducees claimed to upholdโ€”the Torah.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Reality of Resurrection: Jesus forcefully asserts the truth of the resurrection of the dead, a doctrine central to Christian faith and hope. He doesn't just affirm it, but provides irrefutable proof from the Old Testament.
  • Divine Authority of Scripture: The phrase "that which was spoken unto you by God" underscores the absolute authority and divine origin of the Old Testament. Jesus appeals to God's own words as ultimate truth, even when addressing those who selectively interpreted them.
  • God of the Living: Although the full quote appears in Matthew 22:32, this verse sets up the argument that God is the "God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." The implication is that if God identifies Himself with patriarchs long deceased, they must still be alive in some form to Him. This profound insight reveals God's eternal relationship with His people and His power over death.
  • Correction of Error: Jesus directly confronts the Sadducees' theological error, highlighting the danger of misinterpreting or denying clear biblical truth. Their limited understanding of God's power and His Word led them astray.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "resurrection of the dead" translates the Greek anastasis nekron, meaning "a standing up again of the dead." This term unequivocally points to a physical or spiritual revival after death. Jesus' use of "spoken unto you by God" (Greek: to rฤ“then hymin hypo tou theou) emphasizes that the words He is about to quote are not merely human writings but direct divine revelation, carrying ultimate weight and authority.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 22:31 offers profound comfort and reassurance regarding the afterlife. It reinforces the Christian hope in a future resurrection, mirroring Christ's own victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:20). This passage also serves as a vital reminder to diligently study and correctly interpret Scripture, allowing God's Word to shape our understanding of His power and His plans, rather than relying on human reason or limited perspectives. It encourages us to trust in God as the God of the living, who holds all life, past, present, and future, in His hands.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 12:3

    But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;

  • Matthew 21:16

    And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

  • Matthew 12:7

    But if ye had known what [this] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

  • Matthew 9:13

    But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

  • Matthew 21:42

    Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
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