Luke 20:38

For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

For {G1161} he is {G2076} not {G3756} a God {G2316} of the dead {G3498}, but {G235} of the living {G2198}: for {G1063} all {G3956} live {G2198} unto him {G846}.

Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living — to him all are alive.”

He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.”

Now he is not the God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

Commentary

Context of Luke 20:38

This powerful declaration by Jesus comes in response to a challenging question from the Sadducees, a Jewish sect that denied the resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits (Acts 23:8). They presented a hypothetical scenario based on the levirate marriage law (Deuteronomy 25:5), involving a woman married to seven brothers, attempting to expose what they saw as an absurdity in the concept of resurrection (Luke 20:27-33). Jesus first corrects their misunderstanding of the nature of life in the resurrection (Luke 20:34-36), stating there will be no marriage. He then proceeds to prove the resurrection directly from the books of Moses, which the Sadducees held as authoritative, by referencing God's declaration to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:6), "I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" (Luke 20:37).

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Reality of Resurrection: Jesus definitively affirms the resurrection of the dead, a core doctrine of Christian faith that the Sadducees denied.
  • God as the God of the Living: This verse highlights God's eternal nature and His active relationship with His people, extending beyond physical death. He is not a deity whose power or connection ceases when a person dies.
  • Continuity of Life "Unto Him": The phrase "for all live unto him" signifies that from God's perspective, those who have died physically are still alive in His presence and sight. Their existence and relationship with Him continue unbroken. This provides immense comfort and assurance regarding the eternal state of believers.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "all live unto him" (Greek: pantes gar autō zōsin) emphasizes a profound truth. It doesn't merely mean "all exist for Him" but rather "all are alive in relation to Him" or "all are alive in His eyes." This signifies that even those who have passed from this earthly life maintain an active, conscious existence in God's presence. Their life is not merely a memory but a continuing reality in the divine sphere.

Practical Application

Luke 20:38 offers profound comfort and hope for believers:

  • Assurance of Eternal Life: For those who trust in God, physical death is not an end but a transition. Our loved ones who have died in faith are not "dead" to God; they are alive with Him. This truth is central to the Christian understanding of eternal life through Christ.
  • Comfort in Grief: This verse provides solace for those grieving the loss of loved ones. It reminds us that our God is sovereign over death, and He maintains a living relationship with all who are His.
  • Perspective on Life and Death: It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that our existence is not bound by the limitations of this earthly life but is eternally connected to the living God.
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Cross-References

  • John 11:25 (12 votes)

    Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

  • John 11:26 (12 votes)

    And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

  • Colossians 3:3 (10 votes)

    For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

  • Colossians 3:4 (10 votes)

    When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

  • Romans 6:10 (9 votes)

    For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

  • Romans 6:11 (9 votes)

    Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  • John 14:19 (4 votes)

    Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.