Are People Married in Heaven — In Biblical Context
Jesus taught that in the resurrection, people 'neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.' Earthly marriage points to a greater reality — the eternal union of Christ and His church.
Jesus taught that in the resurrection, people 'neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.' Earthly marriage points to a greater reality — the eternal union of Christ and His church.
"In the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven." — Matthew 22:30 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
The Sadducees tested Jesus with a scenario of a woman married to seven brothers successively: 'In the resurrection whose wife shall she be?' (Matthew 22:28). Jesus answered, 'Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven' (22:29-30). This doesn't mean relationships cease or that spouses won't know each other — it means the institution of marriage as we know it is transformed. Marriage on earth serves purposes (companionship, procreation, illustrating Christ and the church) that will be fulfilled in greater ways in eternity. Paul wrote, 'This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church' (Ephesians 5:32) — earthly marriage is a shadow of the ultimate union. In heaven, believers will experience a deeper, more perfect love than any earthly marriage could provide. The 'marriage supper of the Lamb' (Revelation 19:9) celebrates the ultimate wedding — Christ and His bride, the church. Earthly marriage is beautiful, but it points to something even more glorious.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 22:30, sits inside Matthew 22. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"In the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven."
Supporting Passages
"This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church."
"Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb."
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