This is a scriptural commentary submitted by a volunteer or a volunteer translator. It’s not an official view of the 2001 Translation project. We are not a religion and we do not establish doctrine. These commentaries reflect a variety of views and some disagree with each other. Anyone can submit a commentary (see requirements).
At Matthew 22:30, Jesus said:
‘In the resurrection, they won’t marry or be given in marriage, for they’ll be like the messengers in the heavens.’
This scripture is often quoted to show that those who are resurrected won’t marry (as Jesus said). However, does this apply to everyone who is resurrected? We can’t say for sure.
Notice that Luke’s parallel account (Luke 20:34-36) tells us this:
‘Though the sons of this age marry and are given in marriage;
Those who have been found worthy of that age and the resurrection from the dead won’t marry or be given in marriage, nor can they die anymore. For they’ll have the power of the angels, since, as sons of the resurrection, they [will also be] sons of God.’
So from this, are we to assume that children won’t be born after the resurrection?
If you believe that the prophecy found in Isaiah 65 is talking about this same period, then the answer appears to be that they will. Isaiah 65:23 says:
‘My elected won’t labor for nothing,
Nor will they produce children for a curse;
Since their seed and all their descendants
Will then be blessings from God.’
Therefore, what Jesus really meant when he replied to the Sadducees is still unclear and open to interpretation.
Are the words genuine?
Since his words about this are found in three of the four Gospel accounts, we are sure that they are authentic, not spurious additions.