For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

MATTHEW 22:30KJV
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Matthew 22:30 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:30 mean?

Matthew 22:30 says that in the resurrection, people will not marry or be given in marriage, but will be like the angels of God in heaven. This means that after being raised from the dead, human relationships will be different from earthly life, and marriage as we know it will not continue.

Jesus is speaking to the Sadducees, a group that denied the resurrection, during a debate in the Temple. They had asked a question about marriage after death to challenge the idea of resurrection. Jesus responds by explaining that resurrected life is not just a continuation of earthly customs; instead, people will exist in a new way, similar to angels, who do not marry.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:30

  • ἀναστάσει (anastasei, "resurrection"): This word refers to being raised to life after death. Jesus uses it to describe a future state where normal earthly patterns no longer apply.
  • γαμοῦσιν (gamousin, "marry") and ἐκγαμίζονται (ekgamizontai, "are given in marriage"): These words highlight both sides of marriage—actively marrying and being given in marriage—showing that neither will happen after the resurrection.
  • ὡς (hōs, "as/like"): This word draws a comparison between resurrected people and angels, emphasizing a different kind of existence rather than saying people become angels.

Why Matthew 22:30 matters

  • Matthew 22:30 clears up the misunderstanding that earthly relationships, especially marriage, will continue unchanged after the resurrection.
  • The verse emphasizes that resurrection life is fundamentally different from earthly life, challenging assumptions about continuity between the two.
  • By comparing resurrected people to angels, Jesus shifts the focus from earthly concerns to the transformed nature of life with God, which is a key point in his debate with the Sadducees.

Where else these words appear

“marriage” Greek G1547 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
  • Luke 17:27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

“marry” Greek G1060 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
  • Mark 12:25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

“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.