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.