Matthew 22:23-28 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Sadducees Question on the Resurrection

Matthew 22:23-28 – Sadducees Question on the Resurrection

|| Mark 12:18-23; Luke 20:27-33

MT22:23 On that same day the Sadducees[1] approached Jesus. Not believing in the resurrection,[2] they asked Jesus, MT22:24 “Teacher, Moses said[3] that if a man should die without children his brother should take in marriage his woman and raise up his brother’s seed.[4] [Deuteronomy 25:5] MT22:25 Now we had seven brothers and the first one died without children and so his woman[5] was released to his brother. MT22:26 This happened also with the second, the third, and finally all seven brothers. MT22:27 In the end the woman died. MT22:28 Therefore, in the resurrection to which of the seven will the woman belong? For all seven had her.”

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[1] Sadducees: See the notes on Matthew 3:7.

[2] Resurrection: The Greek is ANASTASEI means again + stand. A synonym for it is raised up. Research the word resurrection. For a thorough considering see Where are the Dead?

[3] Moses said: The Sadducees only accepted the five books of Moses as inspired of God. They allude to Deuteronomy 25:5. Compare also Ruth 1:11; 3:13. This is called “brother-in-law marriage” and though it may seem quaint to a modern western world the need to preserve the family, tribe, and nation were obsessive to the Israelites. Jesus himself is the product of such a relationship (see the book of Ruth).

[4] Seed: The Greek is SPERMA.

[5] His woman: Or, “wife.” See notes elsewhere under wife.

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Preceding

Matthew 22:1-6 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of Invitation to a Marriage

Matthew 22:7-10 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Invitations after City’s Destruction

Matthew 22:11-13 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: King’s Inspection and Marriage Garments

Matthew 22:14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Many Invited – Few Chosen

Matthew 22:15-22 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Caesar’s Things and God’s Things