Book of Matthew - Chapter 22 - Verse 25

In this verse, the Bible recounts a specific situation that serves as context for a question posed to Jesus by the Sadducees regarding the resurrection. The verse describes a scenario where there were seven brothers, and the first one married a wife but died without having any children. According to the practice of levirate marriage in Jewish culture, if a man died childless, it was the duty of his brother to marry the widowed sister-in-law and have children with her to continue the deceased brother's lineage. This practice was not only a cultural tradition but also held legal and religious significance in the Old Testament. The verse sets the stage for the subsequent discussion between Jesus and the Sadducees about the concept of resurrection and life after death. By understanding the cultural and historical context of this verse, readers can gain deeper insight into the complexities of Jewish customs and beliefs during the time of Jesus.

In this verse, the term 'brethren' refers to a group of seven brothers. The situation described is known as levirate marriage, a custom practiced in ancient Israel where if a man died without producing an heir, his brother was obligated to marry his widow and produce offspring to carry on the deceased brother's lineage. This custom was important in maintaining family lines and ensuring the continuation of familial inheritance. The verse highlights the importance of family ties and responsibilities in ancient Jewish culture. The word 'deceased' in this context refers to the first brother passing away after marrying a wife but not having any children. The term 'issue' indicates offspring or descendants. The concept of inheritance and family lineage was significant in biblical times, and this verse illustrates the complexities of familial relationships and responsibilities within the cultural and theological context of the time.