Book of Luke - Chapter 20 - Verse 34
Meaning
When Jesus said, "The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage," he was highlighting the temporal nature of marriage in this world. He was pointing out that marriage and the act of getting married are common practices among people in this world. However, he was also implying that in the kingdom of God, things may be different. Jesus often used parables and metaphors to teach spiritual truths, and in this case, he may have been suggesting that the earthly institution of marriage is not the ultimate goal or focus of our lives. Instead, he may have been emphasizing the importance of spiritual values, relationships, and priorities over material concerns. By making this statement, Jesus may have been encouraging his followers to seek a deeper, more meaningful connection with God and others, rather than getting caught up in worldly pursuits.
Theological Overview
In Luke 20:34, Jesus responds to a question posed by the Sadducees about marriage in the afterlife. His statement, "The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage," is an acknowledgment of the cultural practice of marriage in the physical world. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights Jesus' distinction between the earthly realm, where marriage is a common institution, and the spiritual realm, where relationships will be different and marriage may not exist as it does on earth. This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of earthly relationships and the focus on eternal matters in the kingdom of God. Additionally, a word study of "marry" and "given in marriage" reveals that these terms refer to the act of entering into a marital union and the process by which individuals are joined together in marriage, respectively. Overall, this verse conveys a deeper spiritual truth about the significance of relationships in the context of eternity.