Matthew 22:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 22:31 captures Jesus' direct and authoritative rebuttal to the Sadducees' denial of the resurrection, setting the stage for His profound theological argument. In this pivotal moment, Jesus challenges their limited understanding of Scripture and God's power, asserting that the very words of God, which they claimed to uphold, implicitly affirm the reality of life beyond death and the future resurrection of the dead. This verse underscores the divine origin and enduring truth of God's revelation, serving as a foundational premise for Christian hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a larger, intense exchange between Jesus and various Jewish factions in Jerusalem during His final week, as recorded in [Matthew 21-23](/matthew/21 "Matthew 21-23 - Jesus' Confrontations in Jerusalem"). Specifically, [Matthew 22:23-33](/matthew/22-23-33 "Matthew 22:23-33 - The Sadducees' Question About the Resurrection") details Jesus' encounter with the Sadducees, who approach Him with a hypothetical scenario about a woman married to seven brothers in succession, based on the levirate marriage law found in [Deuteronomy 25:5-10](/deuteronomy/25-5-10 "Deuteronomy 25:5-10 - Law of Levirate Marriage"). Their intention was to expose what they perceived as the absurdity of the resurrection, thereby discrediting Jesus. Jesus first addresses their fundamental error in [Matthew 22:29](/matthew/22-29 "Matthew 22:29 - Jesus Rebukes the Sadducees"), stating they "do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." Verse 31 then introduces His direct scriptural counter-argument, drawing from the very Torah that the Sadducees accepted as authoritative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sadducees were a prominent Jewish sect during the Second Temple period, primarily composed of aristocratic priests and wealthy landowners. Unlike the Pharisees, they rejected the oral law and only accepted the written Torah (the Pentateuch) as divinely inspired, denying the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and the immortality of the soul ([Acts 23:8](/acts/23-8 "Acts 23:8 - Sadducees Deny Resurrection")). Their theological stance was rooted in a literalistic interpretation of the Torah, which they believed did not explicitly teach resurrection. Jesus' challenge in [Matthew 22:31](/matthew/22-31 "Matthew 22:31 - Jesus' Challenge to the Sadducees") was therefore particularly potent, as He appealed to the very Scriptures they held sacred, demonstrating that even within their accepted canon, the truth of resurrection was implicitly present. This confrontation highlights the deep theological divisions within Judaism of the time and Jesus' unique authority in interpreting the Law.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **the reality of the resurrection of the dead**, a doctrine central to the Christian faith and hope, which Jesus later exemplifies through His own [resurrection from the dead](/matthew/28 "Matthew 28 - The Resurrection of Jesus"). Secondly, it underscores the **divine authority and enduring truth of Scripture**, particularly the Old Testament, as Jesus appeals to God's own words as the ultimate arbiter of truth, even when addressing those who selectively interpreted or denied parts of it. The phrase "that which was spoken unto you by God" emphasizes the absolute weight of divine revelation. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the concept of **God as the God of the living, not of the dead**, which Jesus explicitly states in the subsequent verse ([Matthew 22:32](/matthew/22-32 "Matthew 22:32 - God of the Living")). This reveals God's eternal relationship with His people, transcending physical death. Finally, the passage highlights Jesus' role in **correcting theological error**, demonstrating His authority to interpret and apply Scripture with perfect understanding, challenging the Sadducees' limited and flawed perspective.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **resurrection (Greek, _anástasis'_):** (G386) From a root meaning "to stand up again," this term refers to a standing up again, specifically a resurrection from death. In the context of Matthew 22:31, it denotes the physical or spiritual revival after death, directly countering the Sadducees' denial of this future event. Jesus uses this term to unequivocally assert the reality of a future state for the deceased.
* **dead (Greek, _nekrós'_):** (G3498) This word refers to one who is dead, either literally (a corpse) or figuratively. Here, it is used literally in conjunction with "resurrection" to specify the subjects of this future rising – those who have physically died. Its inclusion emphasizes the very point of contention with the Sadducees: the fate of those who have passed away.
* **spoken (Greek, _rhéō'_):** (G4483) This verb means "to utter, speak or say." When coupled with "by God," as it is here, it emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the words Jesus is about to quote. It highlights that the subsequent scripture is not merely human writing or tradition, but a direct revelation from God Himself, carrying ultimate weight and truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But as touching the resurrection of the dead,"**: Jesus immediately zeroes in on the core theological dispute with the Sadducees. The phrase "as touching" (Greek: _peri_) indicates that this is the subject "concerning" or "with respect to" which Jesus is to speak. By directly naming "the resurrection of the dead," Jesus confronts their central tenet head-on, preparing to dismantle their argument with scriptural proof.
* **"have ye not read"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question. Jesus is not asking if they are illiterate, but rather challenging their comprehension and application of the Scriptures they claim to know. It implies that the truth about the resurrection is plainly evident in their own sacred texts, had they read them with understanding and without prejudice. It serves as a gentle yet firm rebuke of their theological blindness.
* **"that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,"**: This clause establishes the absolute divine authority of the subsequent quotation. Jesus is not merely quoting a prophet or a human author, but "that which was spoken... by God" Himself. The Sadducees, who revered the Torah as God's direct word, are being confronted with the very source of their authority. This sets the stage for Jesus to quote from [Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "Exodus 3:6 - God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob"), demonstrating that even in the Pentateuch, God's ongoing relationship with the deceased patriarchs implies their continued existence and future resurrection.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 22:31 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to challenge the Sadducees' flawed understanding and expose their intellectual and spiritual deficiency. It implies that the truth is readily available in the Scriptures they claim to uphold, making their error inexcusable. There is also strong **Emphasis** placed on the divine origin of the words Jesus is about to quote ("that which was spoken unto you by God"). This serves to elevate the upcoming scriptural reference to an irrefutable, authoritative statement, directly from the ultimate source of truth, thereby disarming any potential counter-argument from the Sadducees who revered the Torah. Furthermore, a subtle **Irony** is present: the Sadducees, who prided themselves on their strict adherence to the written Torah, are shown by Jesus to have fundamentally misunderstood its deepest implications regarding life and death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 22:31 serves as a profound theological anchor for the doctrine of resurrection, asserting its reality not as a New Testament innovation, but as a truth implicitly woven into the earliest divine revelations. Jesus' argument highlights God's enduring covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that His relationship with His people transcends physical death. The very identity of God as "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" ([Matthew 22:32](/matthew/22-32 "Matthew 22:32 - God of the Living")) implies that these patriarchs are not utterly annihilated but continue to exist in some form, awaiting a future resurrection. This passage thus reinforces the biblical understanding of human existence beyond the grave and God's ultimate power over death, laying groundwork for the Christian hope in Christ's own resurrection and the future resurrection of all believers.

* [John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - The Resurrection of Life and Condemnation")
* [1 Corinthians 15:12-20](/1_corinthians/15-12-20 "1 Corinthians 15:12-20 - The Importance of Christ's Resurrection")
* [Luke 20:37-38](/luke/20-37-38 "Luke 20:37-38 - God of the Living")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 22:31 invites believers to reflect deeply on the profound implications of God's Word and His power. For us today, this verse provides immense comfort and a firm foundation for our hope in the afterlife. It reminds us that our God is not a God of the dead, but of the living, actively sustaining the existence of those who have passed into His presence. This truth should inspire confidence in God's sovereignty over life and death, alleviating fears of mortality and strengthening our assurance of a future resurrection. Furthermore, Jesus' rebuke to the Sadducees serves as a vital reminder for us to approach Scripture with humility, diligence, and a willingness to be taught by the Holy Spirit, rather than imposing our own preconceived notions or limited human logic. We must allow the full counsel of God's Word to shape our theology, trusting in His infinite power to accomplish what seems impossible to human reason.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' argument about the resurrection in Matthew 22:31-32 challenge any modern-day skepticism or denial of an afterlife?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Sadducees, sometimes "err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God" in our own understanding or application of biblical truth?**
* **How does the doctrine of the resurrection, affirmed by Jesus here, impact your daily living and your hope for the future?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Sadducees' denial of the resurrection such a significant point of contention for Jesus?**

Answer: The Sadducees' denial of the resurrection was a significant point of contention because it represented a fundamental misunderstanding of God's power and His covenantal relationship with humanity, as well as a limited interpretation of Scripture. For Jesus, the resurrection was not merely a theological concept but a cornerstone of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate demonstration of His power over sin and death. By denying the resurrection, the Sadducees effectively limited God's ability to act beyond the physical realm and undermined the hope of eternal life, which is central to the biblical narrative. Jesus' argument in [Matthew 22:31-32](/matthew/22-31-32 "Matthew 22:31-32 - Jesus Rebukes the Sadducees on the Resurrection") directly challenges this limitation, asserting that God's identity as the "God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" implies an ongoing, living relationship with these patriarchs, thus necessitating a future resurrection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 22:31, while addressing the Sadducees' error regarding the Old Testament, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus' argument for the resurrection, drawn from the very words of God to Moses, foreshadows His own triumphant victory over death. The "resurrection of the dead" that Jesus speaks of is not merely a theoretical concept but is embodied and guaranteed by His literal [resurrection from the grave](/matthew/28-6 "Matthew 28:6 - He is not here: for he is risen"). As the "firstfruits of those who are asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), Christ's resurrection validates the very truth He proclaimed to the Sadducees and ensures the future resurrection of all who believe in Him ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). He is the one who holds "the keys of death and Hades" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")), demonstrating that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is indeed the God of the living, and through Christ, all believers will share in His eternal life and future resurrection.

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

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?