Luke 20:35

But they which shall be accompted worthy to obtaine that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marrie, nor are giuen in marriage. Luke 20:35 (KJV)

Luke 20:35 occurs within Jesus’ dialogue with the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection. They presented a hypothetical case of a woman who had married seven brothers in succession under the levirate law, asking whose wife she would be in the resurrection. Jesus uses the question to explain the nature of the resurrection and its implications.

Jesus states that those who are “accounted worthy” will obtain the world to come and the resurrection from the dead. The verse does not assert that only the worthy will be raised; rather, it describes the condition of those who are worthy. Scripture affirms that all people will be resurrected, but to different outcomes—”they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29 KJV) and “a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust” (Acts 24:15 KJV).

In the resurrection those who are worthy will neither marry nor be given in marriage. This indicates a profound difference between the present age and the future kingdom of God, suggesting that the institution of marriage as we know it will not exist in the same way in the resurrected state.

The absence of marriage does not imply a lack of relationships or love. Rather, believers will experience a deeper spiritual union with God and with one another, a relationship that surpasses earthly marriage.

The resurrection highlights the promise of eternal life and the transformation of believers into a glorious state. In that state believers will transcend the limitations and boundaries of earthly existence, including the need for procreation through marriage.

Luke 20:35 therefore underscores the concept of worthiness in obtaining eternal life and emphasizes the transformed, elevated existence awaiting believers—a spiritual union with God and each other. This verse invites us to contemplate the eternal nature of our faith and to prioritize our relationship with God in every aspect of life.