Matthew 22:31

But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,

Matthew 22:31 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of a debate between Jesus and the Sadducees, a Jewish sect that denied the resurrection. They had presented a hypothetical case of a woman married successively to seven brothers, each of whom died, hoping to trap Jesus. In reply, Jesus challenges their ignorance of Scripture: “have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God.” The phrase “spoken unto you” is striking—though God spoke these words to Moses at the burning bush, Jesus says they were spoken to the Sadducees themselves, showing that Scripture is God’s direct address to every reader.

Meaning

Jesus refers to Exodus 3:6, where God identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Although that passage does not explicitly describe an afterlife, Jesus uses it to show that God maintains a relationship with those patriarchs despite their physical death. The point is that God is not the God of the dead but of the living, indicating that the dead are still alive in His presence. This argument directly challenges the Sadducees’ denial of resurrection, affirming that life does not end at death but continues in communion with God.

Biblical connections

The Greek word for resurrection here is anastasis, meaning a raising up. Jesus treats the Old Testament as authoritative and as the very word of God, grounding the doctrine of resurrection in the Pentateuch—the very books the Sadducees accepted. The phrase “have ye not read” is a common rabbinic challenge, urging careful attention to Scripture. This verse sets up the quotation that follows, where God identifies Himself as the God of the patriarchs, implying that they are alive to Him.

Application

This verse calls readers to take God’s word seriously and to let it shape their understanding of life, death, and eternity. Ignorance of Scripture leads to error, while knowledge of it leads to truth. The resurrection is not an optional or secondary doctrine but a central truth of the faith, rooted in the very words of God. Jesus’ rebuke of the Sadducees reminds believers to examine the Scriptures for themselves and to see that the resurrection is clearly taught.

Reflection

Jesus’ words assure believers that God’s relationship with His people transcends death. The God who spoke to Moses is the same God who speaks to every reader of Scripture, and His promises are binding. This verse invites confidence in the resurrection hope, knowing that those who belong to God remain alive in His presence.