Understanding Luke 20:31

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

In this context, the Sadducees are presenting a hypothetical scenario to Jesus regarding the resurrection and the law of levirate marriage. Their question is designed to challenge the concept of resurrection, as they believed it to be a false doctrine. This verse demonstrates their persistence in illustrating the absurdity they perceived in resurrection through a convoluted example of a woman married to seven brothers.

Commentary Insights

The combined insights from public domain commentaries shed light on the complexities of this verse:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry emphasizes the Sadducees' intent to ridicule the resurrection, highlighting how their argument relies on an intricate application of the Mosaic law concerning marriage and the afterlife. They assumed that marriage would continue in the resurrection, which reflects their misunderstanding of the spiritual realm.

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Barnes notes that the Sadducees tried to present a logical dilemma to Jesus. He elucidates that their example was meant to demonstrate the impossibility of resurrection by illustrating a ridiculous case. Barnes illustrates the importance of understanding the nature of eternal life, which transcends earthly laws.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke discusses the verification of Jewish traditions that the Sadducees adhered to, pointing out their reliance on the Pentateuch. He notes that their entire argument fails to consider the spiritual truth of resurrection and divine power, which Jesus later addresses.

Cross-References for Luke 20:31

To further enrich understanding of this verse, the following Bible verse cross-references are pertinent:

• Genesis 38:8 - The law of levirate marriage.
• Matthew 22:28 - Parallel account of the Sadducees questioning Jesus.
• Mark 12:23 - Similar narrative highlighting the Sadducees' challenge.
• 1 Corinthians 15:12-22 - Teaching on resurrection.
• Hebrews 9:27 - The inseparability of death and judgment.
• John 11:25-26 - Jesus' declaration of being the resurrection and life.
• Revelation 20:12-14 - The last judgment and the resurrection of the dead.

Connections Between Bible Verses

The thematic Bible verse connections highlighted by this scripture center around the resurrection and life after death. The Sadducees misinterpret the law, not recognizing God’s ultimate authority over life, death, and resurrection.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

For those seeking a deeper understanding and analysis, there are various tools for Bible cross-referencing available:

• Bible concordances for thematic searches.
• Bible cross-reference guides that elaborate on specific verses.
• Online resources and books dedicated to cross-referencing Bible texts.

How to Use Bible Cross-References

Employing a Bible cross-reference system can be highly valuable for identifying connections between both the Old and New Testaments. Understanding the context and linking scriptures helps in grasping the broader message of inter-Biblical dialogue.

Conclusion

Luke 20:31 serves as a significant point in understanding the nature of resurrection and challenges posed by both skeptics and believers. Through comparative analysis with other scriptures, one uncovers the depth of meaning underlying biblical texts, enriching one’s study and faith journey.