Matthew 22:31-32
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Jesus points out that God isn't just referring to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as if they were long gone; He calls Himself "the God of Abraham," implying an ongoing, present relationship. This means God is the God of the living, and therefore, these patriarchs must still exist in some way.
And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Sadducees, who rejected the idea of a resurrection, have just tried to trap Jesus with a hypothetical marriage scenario in the afterlife. Jesus now turns the tables, revealing their fundamental misunderstanding of Scripture and God's power. He prepares to use a passage from Moses, which the Sadducees held as authoritative, to demonstrate that the resurrection is not only possible but a clear teaching within their own accepted texts.
Ever felt like you're arguing a point, but the other person isn't even listening to your source material? Jesus faces this, but uses a brilliant strategy.
The Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, specifically challenged Jesus using the Law of Moses, a text they held in high regard. Jesus, instead of dismissing their chosen text, brilliantly turns their own argument back on them. He doesn't bring in the prophets or other writings they might disregard. He meets them where they are, using the very part of Scripture they acknowledged as authoritative to dismantle their disbelief.
This shows us a powerful principle: when engaging with those who hold different beliefs, it's often more effective to find common ground and use their own accepted frameworks to explore truth, rather than immediately dismissing their starting point.
What does it mean for God to be 'your God'? It's more than just a title; it's a relationship that transcends even death.
Jesus' core argument hinges on the phrase 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' The crucial point is the present tense 'I am.' God is speaking this long after these patriarchs had died. If they were truly and completely dead – annihilated – God couldn't rightly claim to be their God in an ongoing, living sense.
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Why do people get stuck in disbelief? Jesus points to two key blind spots: not truly knowing the Scriptures or God's immense power.
Jesus directly confronts the Sadducees' error by stating they 'err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.' This is a profound diagnosis for all disbelief:
This teaches us that faith isn't foolishness; it's an acknowledgment of divine reality that transcends our limited earthly perspective. When we encounter things that seem impossible, we must remember both the truth of God's Word and the limitless scope of His power.
Understand the original words
anastasis · Greek Noun
The theological concept referring to the future bodily raising of believers and unbelievers from the dead to face judgment or enter eternal life, inaugurated by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
theos · Greek Noun
The supreme, eternal, self-existent Creator and Sustainer of the universe who enters into covenant relationships with His people.
zōn · Greek Adjective/Participle
Existing, having life, or being animate; in a theological context, it refers to those who are in a restored relationship with God and possess eternal life.
Jesus directly confronts the Sadducees' disbelief in the resurrection by using an argument from the Torah, the very part of Scripture they claimed to respect. This highlights how deeply ingrained their theological differences were, and Jesus' skill in using their own authoritative texts against them.
c. 1500 BC - 400 BC
Composition of the Pentateuch
The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, including Exodus, were written or compiled. The Sadducees held these books in high regard.
c. 300 BC - 150 BC
Formation of Sadducee and Pharisee Sects
Distinct Jewish religious factions emerged. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection or the existence of spirits, while the Pharisees did.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Judea
Jesus is teaching and debating with religious leaders, including the Sadducees, in the final years of his earthly ministry.
AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and resurrected, a central event that the Sadducees' denial of the resurrection directly opposes.
This is the foundational verse Jesus uses in his argument. It shows God's enduring relationship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, implying their continued existence beyond death.
Hebrews 11:16This passage explains that God is not ashamed to be called the God of believers because He has prepared a city for them, further reinforcing the idea of a future, heavenly dwelling place and continued existence.
Luke 20:38This verse is a parallel account where Luke records Jesus saying 'for all live to him,' directly supporting the argument that God's relationship implies life, not cessation, for those He claims as His own.
Acts 26:8Paul echoes Jesus' point, asking, 'Why is it thought incredible by you that God does raise the dead?' This highlights the broader biblical theme that resurrection should not be seen as impossible, given God's power.
bensonMatthew 22:31: "But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,"
Matthew 22:31-32 . But as touching the resurrection of the dead — Or the future state, (see on Matthew 22:23 ,) have ye not read that which was spoken by God — Namely, in the books of Moses, for which the Sadducees had a peculiar value; but which Christ here shows they did not understand; but were as ignorant of them as they were of the power of God. They had drawn thei…
calvinMatthew 22:23-33: "The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,"
- The same day came to him the Sadducees, who say that there is no resurrection, and interrogated him, 24. Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, not having a child, [64] his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed to his brother. 25. Now there were amongst us seven brothers, and the first, having married a wife, died, and, having no seed, left his wife to his brother…
Jesus points out that God isn't just referring to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as if they were long gone; He calls Himself "the God of Abraham," implying an ongoing, present relationship. This means God is the God of the living, and therefore, these patriarchs must still exist in some way.
The Sadducees, who rejected the idea of a resurrection, have just tried to trap Jesus with a hypothetical marriage scenario in the afterlife. Jesus now turns the tables, revealing their fundamental misunderstanding of Scripture and God's power. He prepares to use a passage from Moses, which the Sadducees held as authoritative, to demonstrate that the resurrection is not only possible but a clear teaching within their own accepted texts.
The Sadducees, who rejected the idea of a resurrection, have just tried to trap Jesus with a hypothetical marriage scenario in the afterlife. Jesus now turns the tables, revealing their fundamental misunderstanding of Scripture and God's power. He prepares to use a passage from Moses, which the Sadducees held as authoritative, to demonstrate that the resurrection is not only possible but a clear teaching within their own accepted texts.
"And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.”" — Jesus points out that God isn't just referring to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as if they were long gone; He calls Himself "the God of Abraham," implying an ongoing, present relationship. This means G…
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Last reviewed October 2026
