And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.

LUKE 20:31KJV
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Luke 20:31 (KJV)

What does Luke 20:31 mean?

Luke 20:31 describes how the third brother, and then all seven brothers in turn, each married the same woman, but none of them had children with her, and each one died. This continues the story being told to Jesus about a woman who was widowed multiple times without leaving any offspring.

In this scene, some religious leaders (the Sadducees) are questioning Jesus. They are presenting a hypothetical situation based on the Jewish custom of levirate marriage, where a man would marry his brother’s widow if the brother died childless. Their question is meant to challenge Jesus about the resurrection, using this story to raise a puzzle about what happens after death.

Why Luke 20:31 matters

  • Luke 20:31 helps clarify the Sadducees' argument, showing the full extent of their scenario: all seven brothers marry the same woman and die childless, emphasizing the complexity of their question about resurrection.
  • This verse highlights the cultural practice of levirate marriage and the importance placed on producing heirs in Jewish society at the time.
  • By including that each brother died without children, the verse sets up the Sadducees’ challenge to Jesus about whose wife the woman would be in the resurrection, sharpening the focus of the debate.

Where else these words appear

“manner” Greek G5615 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
  • Mark 14:31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
  • 1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

“left” Greek G2641 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 4:13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:
  • Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
  • Acts 25:14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:

“third” Greek G5154 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • Luke 20:12 And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

“seven” Greek G2033 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 12:45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
  • Luke 20:29 There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.
  • Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.