Are as the angels - That is, as the angels in respect to connections and relations. What those connections and relations may be we know not, but this passage teaches that the special relation of "marriage" will not exist. It does not affirm, however, that there will be no recollection of former marriages, or no recognition of each other as having existed in this tender relation.

For when they shall rise from the dead,.... These seven brethren, and the woman; and so any, and every other:

they neither marry, nor are given marriage: there will be no such natural relation subsisting, nor any need of any:

but are as the angels which are in heaven; See Gill on Matthew 22:30.

For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.

12:18-27 Then come unto him the Sadducees. For notes on this interview with the Sadducees, see Mt 22:23-33. Compare Lu 20:27-40.

12:25 When they rise from the dead, neither men marry nor women are given in marriage.

Margin from the dead

Lit. from amongst; cf., Phil 3:11 Here it is the first resurrection. See Scofield Note: "1Cor 15:52".

Margin angels

See Scofield Note: "Heb 1:4".

25. For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage-"neither can they die any more" (Lu 20:36). Marriage is ordained to perpetuate the human family; but as there will be no breaches by death in the future state, this ordinance will cease.

but are as the angels which are in heaven-In Luke (Lu 20:36) it is "equal unto the angels." But as the subject is death and resurrection, we are not warranted to extend the equality here taught beyond the one point-the immortality of their nature. A beautiful clause is added in Luke (Lu 20:36)-"and are the children of God"-not in respect of character, which is not here spoken of, but of nature-"being the children of the resurrection," as rising to an undecaying existence (Ro 8:21, 23), and so being the children of their Father's immortality (1Ti 6:16).

12:18-27 A right knowledge of the Scripture, as the fountain whence all revealed religion now flows, and the foundation on which it is built, is the best preservative against error. Christ put aside the objection of the Sadducees, who were the scoffing infidels of that day, by setting the doctrine of the future state in a true light. The relation between husband and wife, though appointed in the earthly paradise, will not be known in the heavenly one. It is no wonder if we confuse ourselves with foolish errors, when we form our ideas of the world of spirits by the affairs of this world of sense. It is absurd to think that the living God should be the portion and happiness of a man if he is for ever dead; and therefore it is certain that Abraham's soul exists and acts, though now for a time separate from the body. Those that deny the resurrection greatly err, and ought to be told so. Let us seek to pass through this dying world, with a joyful hope of eternal happiness, and of a glorious resurrection.