Bible Verse Meaning: Luke 20:35
Verse Reference: Luke 20:35 - "But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage."
Summary of Insights
Luke 20:35 presents an important teaching concerning the resurrection and the nature of life in the age to come. Here are combined insights from public domain commentaries by Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke:
Understanding the Context
This verse is part of a wider discourse where Jesus responds to the Sadducees' questioning about marriage in the resurrection. The Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, posed a hypothetical scenario to disprove the concept of life after death. In this context, Jesus teaches that those considered worthy of resurrection will experience a different kind of existence, one not bound by earthly institutions like marriage.
Key Themes
- Worthy of the Resurrection: The term "accounted worthy" implies a condition or qualification based on one's faith and relationship with God. Both Matthew Henry and Albert Barnes emphasize that obtaining such worthiness is through belief in Christ.
- The Nature of Resurrection Life: Adam Clarke explains that in the resurrection life, earthly relationships, including marriage, become irrelevant. This suggests a transformation where spiritual union takes precedence over earthly bonds.
- Non-Comparison to Earthly Life: In this verse, Jesus indicates that life after resurrection transcends current earthly experiences. Henry points out that the joys of the life to come far exceed earthly joys.
Bible Cross-References
Luke 20:35 has several significant cross-references throughout the Scriptures that provide further understanding:
- Matthew 22:30: "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven."
- 1 Corinthians 15:51-52: "Behold, I tell you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump..."
- John 11:25-26: "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 8:18: "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
- Philippians 3:20-21: "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ..."
- Revelation 21:4: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying..."
- Hebrews 11:16: "But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city."
Thematic Connections
By examining Luke 20:35 alongside these references, we can see thematic connections that emphasize:
- Life beyond death and the nature of resurrection
- The idea of heavenly rewards being greater than earthly experiences
- Transformation in relationships upon resurrection
Comparative Bible Verse Analysis
This verse invites a comparative study of the Gospels, where similar teachings about resurrection and eternal life can be found. Analyzing these connections enriches understanding and reveals a more comprehensive picture of Biblical teachings on life after death.
Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing
For those interested in diving deeper into the connections between Bible verses, here are some tools and methods:
- Bible Concordance: A tool providing alphabetical listings of words and their occurrences in scripture.
- Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Resources that connect similar themes or concepts across different verses.
- Cross-Reference Bible Study: Methods to identify parallels and relationships between biblical texts.
- Bible Chain References: Systems that connect verses in a chain format to follow themes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Luke 20:35 serves as a pivotal teaching on the nature of resurrection and eternal life, encircled by rich theological implications and connections to various scripture. Engaging with this verse and its cross-references allows for a deeper appreciation of the promises of God in the context of life beyond this world.
