Luke 20:35 King James Version (KJV)

But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

Context:

The context of this verse comes from a conversation between Jesus and the Sadducees. The Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, were testing Jesus by asking Him about a hypothetical situation in which a woman had been married to several brothers who had all died. They asked whose wife she would be in the afterlife. Jesus responds by telling them that those who are worthy to obtain the world to come, and the resurrection from the dead, will neither marry nor be given in marriage.

Meaning:

The verse speaks to the nature of the afterlife and the resurrection. In this world, marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman, but in the afterlife, it will not be necessary as we will be united with God in a different manner. The verse emphasizes the eternal nature of the spiritual realm and the transformation that occurs after death.

Symbolism:

In this verse, marriage symbolizes the earthly and temporal relationships and responsibilities that we have in this life. It represents the limitations and constraints of the physical world. The absence of marriage in the afterlife symbolizes the freedom from these earthly limitations and the complete union with God. It suggests that in the spiritual realm, our focus will be on God and the fulfillment of His purposes for us, rather than the commitments and obligations of this world.

Themes:

The themes of the verse include the concept of worthiness, the transformation of the self in the afterlife, and the eternal nature of the spiritual realm. Jesus is teaching that the criteria for entering the world to come and obtaining the resurrection from the dead involve more than just earthly accomplishments or status. It requires spiritual readiness and a heart that is aligned with God's will. The verse also emphasizes the idea of a spiritual resurrection, in which our beings are transformed into a higher state of existence, free from the limitations of the flesh.

The verse also addresses the idea of eternal life and the nature of existence after death. It teaches that the afterlife is a continuation of life but in a different form, free from the earthly constraints and limitations.

In the broader context of the Bible, this verse aligns with other teachings about the afterlife, such as in Revelation 21:4, which describes a new heaven and a new earth, and the absence of tears, death, or mourning. It also aligns with the teachings about the eternal nature of the soul and the promise of resurrection, as taught by Jesus throughout the Gospels.

In conclusion, Luke 20:35 speaks to the transformation and freedom that await us in the afterlife. It emphasizes the eternal nature of the spiritual realm and the culmination of our union with God. The verse invites us to contemplate the nature of our existence beyond this earthly life and to strive for spiritual readiness and worthiness to obtain the world to come and the resurrection from the dead.