What does Luke 20:29 mean?

Explanation

Luke 20:29 discusses the hypothetical scenario that was presented to Jesus by the Sadducees.

The verse is part of a larger passage where Jesus is questioned about the concept of resurrection.

In this particular verse, the first of seven brothers marries and then dies without leaving any offspring.

According to the Levirate marriage law found in Deuteronomy 25:5-6, it was required that if a married man died without children, his brother should take the widow as his wife to produce offspring that could carry on the deceased brother’s name.

This verse sets the stage for a debate about the implications of resurrection and marital status in the afterlife.

Historical Context

The exchange between Jesus and the Sadducees in Luke 20:27-38 occurs during the final week of Jesus' life, often referred to as the Passion Week.

The Sadducees, a sect of Judaism that did not believe in the resurrection or an afterlife, posed a question to Jesus to trap Him or find a way to discredit His teachings.

At that time, it was a common practice for religious leaders to engage in debates and pose difficult questions to competing leaders or groups.

The Sadducees challenged Jesus with a case based on the law of Levirate marriage, expecting to stump Him or show the concept of resurrection as illogical.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, the discussion about the seven brothers and the question of resurrection is significant in several ways:

• It shows the differing beliefs of the religious groups of the time, namely the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, and the Pharisees, who believed in it.
• Jesus utilizes this scenario to clarify the nature of existence after resurrection, stating that earthly relationships do not carry over into the afterlife in the same way.
• The passage as a whole emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God, who is the God "of the living."

Some Jewish scholars may interpret the scenario differently, seeing the Levirate marriage law as a way to ensure social justice and care for widows, without necessarily drawing conclusions about the afterlife.

Practical Applications

While the primary concern of Luke 20:29 is a theological debate about the resurrection, the verse also touches on important practical applications:

• The Levirate marriage rule underscores the value of caring for those in the community who are vulnerable, such as widows.
• The passage shows the importance of understanding and upholding one's religious and societal duties but also knowing their limitations and context.
• In the larger debate about resurrection, Jesus points to the importance of focusing on God's transformative power and not being caught up in earthly details that may not apply in God's kingdom.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 25:5-6: The law of Levirate marriage which is the basis for the Sadducees' question to Jesus.
• Mark 12:19-23: Another account of the Sadducees questioning Jesus about the resurrection and the case of the seven brothers.
• Matthew 22:23-28: Matthew's version of the same event.
• Luke 20:34-36: Jesus' response to the Sadducees' question, explaining the nature of resurrected life.

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text of this verse are:

• "ἑπτά" (hepta): meaning "seven." It refers to the number of brothers in the scenario.
• "ἀδελφοί" (adelphoi): meaning "brothers." This term is used within the context of familial relationships.
• "πρῶτος" (protos): meaning "first." It indicates the sequential order of the brothers.
• "γυναῖκα" (gynaika): meaning "wife." It connotes marital relationship.
• "ἀπέθανεν" (apethanen): meaning "died." This term highlights the key event leading to the Levirate marriage situation.

Understanding the original language can help to grasp the precise meaning and emphasis of the text.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a brother marrying his deceased brother's widow is not unique to Judaism but is found in various cultures, indicating a mechanism to provide for widows and continue the family line.

For instance, similar practices are documented in the laws of Hammurabi and in certain Hindu traditions.

The religious implications in this passage, however, are more distinct as they pertain to the Jewish understanding of the afterlife and duty, rather than a general cultural practice.

Scientific Perspectives

While Luke 20:29 does not directly engage with scientific matters, modern scientific understanding of life after death is generally that of a cessation of consciousness after death, contrary to the concept of an afterlife.

The dialogue in Luke challenges scientific perspectives by affirming a belief in a continued existence after physical death, which is a matter of faith rather than empirical evidence.

commentaries

Commentaries on Luke 20:29 often focus on the intended trap set by the Sadducees and Jesus' skillful response.

William Barclay notes the Sadducees' denial of the resurrection and their attempt to make it look foolish.

John Calvin comments on the inappropriateness of the Sadducees' question, designed to entangle Jesus in theological dispute.

Calvin emphasizes Jesus' response as highlighting the error of comparing celestial with terrestrial conditions.

Matthew Henry's commentary reflects on the justice of the Levirate law, and Jesus' use of the scenario to illustrate the reality of resurrection life where earthly marital relationships are of no consequence.

Most commentators agree that the verse, and the surrounding passage, affirm Jesus' teaching on the resurrection’s certainty and nature, in contrast to the Sadducees' disbelief.