Luke 20:33 (KJV)

What does Luke 20:33 mean?

Luke 20:33 presents a question about whose wife a woman will be in the resurrection, since she was married to seven brothers during her lifetime. The verse highlights a challenge posed to Jesus about the nature of life after death, specifically regarding marriage relationships.

In this scene, some religious leaders called Sadducees, who did not believe in resurrection, are questioning Jesus. They refer to a situation where a woman, following the custom of marrying her deceased husband's brother, ends up married to seven brothers in succession. Their question is meant to test Jesus and to make the idea of resurrection seem complicated or even absurd.

The Greek behind Luke 20:33

• ἀνάστασις (anastasis, G386): This word means "resurrection," referring to being raised from the dead. The Sadducees use it to challenge Jesus on what happens after death, since they themselves do not believe in resurrection.
• γυνή (gynē, G1135): This word means "wife" or "woman." The repeated use of this word in the question emphasizes the focus on marital status and identity in the afterlife.
• ἑπτά (hepta, G2033): This is the Greek word for "seven." The number is important because it makes the scenario seem especially complicated, highlighting the Sadducees' attempt to make resurrection look problematic.

Why Luke 20:33 matters

• Luke 20:33 shows how the Sadducees try to use a legal and family situation to challenge the idea of resurrection, revealing their skepticism and the kinds of questions people had about life after death.
• The verse sets up Jesus' response, which clarifies how resurrection life is different from earthly life, especially regarding marriage.
• This question helps readers see the kinds of debates happening among Jewish groups in Jesus' time, and how Jesus addresses misunderstandings about resurrection.