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Book of Mark - Chapter 12 - Verse 26

12:26
And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?

Meaning

This verse from the book of Mark in the New Testament references a passage from the book of Exodus in the Old Testament where God spoke to Moses from a burning bush. When God identified himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, it was to demonstrate that God is not the God of the dead but of the living. This statement reaffirms the belief in life after death and the resurrection of the dead. By citing this passage, Jesus is highlighting the eternal nature of God and the promise of resurrection for believers. It serves as a reminder of the power and authority of God over life and death, offering hope and comfort to those who trust in Him. This verse emphasizes the continuity of God's relationship with His people throughout generations and reaffirms the belief in the resurrection of the dead, a central tenet of Christian faith.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of this verse is that Jesus is using the concept of the resurrection of the dead to demonstrate the truth of the afterlife. By referring back to an Old Testament story in which God declares himself as the God of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Jesus is implying that these patriarchs are not dead and gone forever, but in fact, they are still alive in the presence of God. This verse can be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus' own resurrection and the promise of eternal life for believers. The reference to God speaking from the burning bush in the book of Moses also underscores the authority and power of God's word, affirming the reality of resurrection and the continuity of life beyond physical death. The word study of the phrase "I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" reveals the significance of God identifying himself as the God who continues to be in a relationship with his people even after they have passed away, emphasizing the eternal nature of his covenant with them.

American Standard Version

But as touching the dead, that they are raised; have ye not read in the book of Moses, in [the place concerning] the Bush, how God spake unto him, saying, I [am] the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
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