The Verse
King James Version (KJV): Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.
New International Version (NIV): Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?
English Standard Version (ESV): In the resurrection, therefore, of the seven, whose wife will she be? For they all had her.
Introduction
The question posed in Matthew 22:28 is part of a larger dialogue involving Jesus and the Sadducees, a group known for their denial of the resurrection. This verse presents a hypothetical scenario intended to challenge Jesus’ teachings about life after death. The Sadducees sought to undermine his authority, but in doing so, they provided an opportunity for profound teaching on the nature of resurrection and eternal life.
Historical Context
The Gospel of Matthew was written by the Apostle Matthew, a tax collector turned disciple of Jesus, around 70-85 AD. This verse is set in the context of a series of confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders of his day, who were seeking to trap him with difficult questions. The Sadducees, who only accepted the first five books of the Bible and denied the resurrection, challenged Jesus with a question about marriage in the afterlife.
Key Word Analysis
Resurrection: In Greek, ‘anastasis’, meaning a raising up, a coming back to life. This concept was contentious between different Jewish sects.
Wife: The Greek word ‘gynē’ can mean woman or wife, indicating a state of relational identity.
Seven: A number symbolizing completeness or perfection in Jewish thought, adding weight to the hypothetical scenario.
Spiritual Insight
This verse highlights a key truth about the nature of resurrection life. Jesus uses the Sadducees’ question to illustrate that the resurrection transcends earthly institutions like marriage. It points to a new order of existence where relationships are defined by God’s eternal kingdom rather than earthly conventions.
Life Application
Matthew 22:28 encourages us to reconsider our earthly attachments and values in light of eternity. It reminds us to live with an eternal perspective, valuing relationships and commitments not only for their earthly significance but as reflections of a greater, eternal reality.
What Jesus Might Say About This Verse
My child, remember that in My kingdom, life is renewed beyond earthly limits. Do not be anxious about temporal matters, for in the resurrection, all things are made new and perfect. Trust in the promise of eternal life and let your heart rest in Me.
Prayer Prompt
Heavenly Father, help me to focus on what truly matters: my relationship with You and the eternal hope found in Christ. May I live each day with the assurance of the resurrection, knowing that my future is secure in Your hands. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Why did the Sadducees ask about resurrection?
Ans: The Sadducees asked to challenge Jesus' teaching on life after death, which they did not believe in.
Ques: What was Jesus' response to the Sadducees?
Ans: Jesus explained that in the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage but will be like the angels in heaven.
Ques: What does this passage teach about marriage in heaven?
Ans: It suggests that earthly marriages do not continue in the same form in the afterlife, indicating a different relational existence.
Ques: How does this verse apply to modern believers?
Ans: It encourages believers to focus on eternal truths and live with an eternal perspective, valuing relationships in light of God's kingdom.
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