The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,

MATTHEW 22:23KJV
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Matthew 22:23 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:23 mean?

Matthew 22:23 describes how, on the same day as earlier events, a group called the Sadducees—who do not believe in resurrection—approached Jesus with a question. This sets up an encounter where the Sadducees challenge Jesus on a topic they reject, aiming to test or trap him.

The verse introduces the Sadducees, a Jewish sect known for denying the resurrection of the dead, as they come to question Jesus. The timing (“the same day”) links this scene to previous confrontations with other religious leaders in the temple. The Sadducees’ disbelief in resurrection is important because it shapes the kind of question they will ask, and it highlights a key difference between them and other Jewish groups, like the Pharisees.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:23

  • ἀνάστασις (anastasis) — “resurrection”: This word refers to the idea of rising from the dead. The Sadducees’ denial of ἀνάστασις is central to their identity and to the challenge they bring to Jesus.
  • Σαδδουκαῖοι (Saddoukaioi) — “Sadducees”: Naming this group specifically signals a shift from earlier debates with Pharisees and scribes, and alerts the reader to a different theological dispute.
  • λέγουσιν (legousin) — “say”: The Greek here can carry the sense of a settled belief or ongoing claim, not just a one-time statement. It underlines that the Sadducees are known for consistently denying resurrection.

Why Matthew 22:23 matters

  • The verse clarifies that not all Jewish leaders in Jesus’ time agreed on core beliefs; the Sadducees’ denial of resurrection sets them apart from the Pharisees, who affirmed it.
  • By introducing the Sadducees’ question, Matthew prepares the reader for a discussion about resurrection, which is a major theme in Jesus’ teaching and in early Christian belief.
  • The timing (“the same day”) shows a pattern of repeated challenges to Jesus’ authority, highlighting the tension and scrutiny he faced in Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“Sadducees” Greek G4523 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Matthew 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
  • Acts 4:1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

“resurrection” Greek G386 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 22:28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.
  • 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:

“asked” Greek G1905 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
  • Mark 10:2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
  • Luke 9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

“came” Greek G4334 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Matthew 21:14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
  • Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.