Book of Matthew - Chapter 22 - Verse 28
Meaning
When looking at the verse "Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her," we see a question posed to Jesus by the Sadducees in an attempt to trip Him up with a hypothetical scenario. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection, so they asked Jesus about a woman who had been married to seven brothers, in accordance with Jewish law regarding marriage to a deceased sibling's widow. They wanted to know whose wife she would be in the afterlife. Jesus used this question to teach about the nature of marriage in the resurrection, explaining that there will be no marriage as we know it in heaven. Instead, believers will be like angels and live in a perfect union with God. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of focusing on spiritual matters and the eternal life to come rather than getting caught up in earthly concerns such as marriage.
Theological Overview
Upon exploring the theological interpretation of the verse, "Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her," there is a focus on the concept of marriage and the afterlife. Some theologians suggest that this question posed to Jesus by the Sadducees is an attempt to challenge the belief in resurrection. The word "resurrection" itself holds significant theological implications, pointing to the belief in life after death. Additionally, the mention of marriage in relation to the resurrection raises questions about the nature of relationships in eternity, whether they will mirror earthly unions or be transformed in some way. Word studies on phrases like "whose wife shall she be" delve into the intricacies of marriage laws and customs during biblical times, shedding light on the cultural context behind the question. Overall, this verse prompts contemplation on the nature of life after death, the continuity of relationships, and the theological implications of resurrection.