Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.

MATTHEW 22:26KJV
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Matthew 22:26 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:26 mean?

Matthew 22:26 describes how, following the death of the first brother, the second brother, then the third, and so on up to the seventh, each married the same woman in turn. This verse is part of a story being told to illustrate a point about marriage and resurrection.

In this scene, the Sadducees are speaking to Jesus, presenting a hypothetical situation based on the law of Moses where a woman marries seven brothers in succession, each after the previous one dies. The verse is a brief summary showing that this pattern continued through all seven brothers, setting up their question about whose wife she would be in the resurrection.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:26

  • "Likewise" (ὡσαύτως, hōsautōs): This word means "in the same way" or "similarly," showing that what happened to the first brother also happened with each of the others.
  • "Unto the seventh" (ἕως τοῦ ἑβδόμου, heōs tou hebdomou): This phrase means "up to the seventh," emphasizing that all seven brothers went through the same sequence with the woman, not just a few.

Why Matthew 22:26 matters

  • Matthew 22:26 helps clarify that the scenario involved every one of the seven brothers, not just a couple, making the Sadducees' question about the afterlife more pointed.
  • The verse highlights the Sadducees' attempt to challenge Jesus with an extreme example, showing their skepticism about resurrection.
  • This detail sets up the context for Jesus’ teaching that follows, which addresses misunderstandings about life after death and the nature of resurrection.

Where else these words appear

“Likewise” Greek G3668 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 26:35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
  • Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

“second” Greek G1208 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
  • Acts 10:15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
  • Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

“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 20:31 And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
  • 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.

“seventh” 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 20:31 And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
  • 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.