Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

LUKE 20:36KJV
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Luke 20:36 (KJV)

What does Luke 20:36 mean?

Luke 20:36 says that those who are raised in the resurrection will never die again, because they will be like angels and are God's children, being children of the resurrection. This verse teaches that resurrection life is different from earthly life, marked by immortality and a new relationship with God.

Jesus is speaking to the Sadducees, a group that denied resurrection, in response to their question about marriage after death. He explains that in the resurrection, people will not marry or die anymore, but will have a life like the angels—eternal and belonging to God in a special way.

The Greek behind Luke 20:36

  • ἰσάγγελοι (isangeloi, "equal unto the angels"): The Greek word used here means to be like or equal to angels, highlighting the idea of sharing in their immortal nature, not becoming angels, but being like them in not dying.
  • υἱοί (huioi, "children"): This word means "sons" or "children," emphasizing a close, family-like relationship with God, especially in the context of resurrection.
  • ἀνάστασις (anastasis, "resurrection"): This term refers to being raised from the dead, and here it marks a new kind of existence, not just a return to earthly life.

Why Luke 20:36 matters

  • Luke 20:36 clarifies that resurrection is not simply coming back to earthly life, but entering a new, undying existence.
  • The verse addresses a common misunderstanding about life after death, especially the idea that earthly relationships and conditions continue unchanged.
  • This teaching connects to the larger conversation where Jesus corrects the Sadducees' disbelief in resurrection, showing that God’s promises go beyond what people can imagine.

Where else these words appear

“resurrection” Greek G386 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 22:23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,
  • John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
  • Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

“Neither” Greek G3777 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
  • Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
  • Galatians 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

“more” Greek G2089 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
  • Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

“die” Greek G599 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 8:32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
  • John 11:16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
  • Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.