Luke 20:35-36 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection."

This passage is part of a dialogue between Jesus and the Sadducees, who were a sect of Jews that did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. In this conversation, the Sadducees present a hypothetical scenario of a woman who had been married to seven brothers, all of whom died. They asked Jesus whose wife she would be in the resurrection. Jesus responds by explaining that in the resurrection, people will not marry or be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like angels and be the children of God.

One of the key themes in this passage is the concept of the resurrection and the afterlife. Jesus is affirming the reality of the resurrection and explaining what it will be like for those who are counted worthy to obtain that world. This teaching is intended to reassure and encourage believers, reminding them that their hope is not limited to this present life but extends to the eternal life promised by God.

The passage also touches on the nature of relationships in the afterlife. In stating that people will not marry or be given in marriage, Jesus is not denying the value of marriage or the love between spouses, but rather emphasizing that the nature of human relationships will be transformed in the resurrection. Instead of the earthly institution of marriage, there will be a new, elevated form of relationship characterized by equality and unity with God and other believers.

The symbolism in this verse is significant. The mention of being "equal unto the angels" signifies the exalted state of those who are resurrected. Angels are often depicted as celestial beings in the Bible, serving God and carrying out His will. By likening the resurrected believers to angels, Jesus is highlighting their elevated status and closeness to God in the afterlife.

Furthermore, the phrase "children of God" carries profound symbolism. In the Bible, being a child of God signifies being part of His family and inheriting the blessings and privileges that come with that relationship. By describing the resurrected as "children of God, being the children of the resurrection," Jesus is underscoring the intimate and eternal connection between believers and their Heavenly Father in the afterlife.

The context of this passage is important for understanding its significance. The dialogue with the Sadducees occurs in the larger context of Jesus' ministry and teachings as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often spoke about the kingdom of God, the reality of the resurrection, and the hope of eternal life for those who believe in Him. By engaging with the Sadducees on this topic, Jesus is reaffirming the foundational truth of the resurrection and addressing misconceptions or doubts about it.

In conclusion, Luke 20:35-36 is a powerful and comforting passage that illuminates the hope and promise of the resurrection for believers. It underscores the transformative nature of the afterlife, the elevated status of the resurrected, and the intimate relationship with God that awaits them. This verse speaks to the eternal hope that Christians have in Jesus Christ and the assurance of a glorious future in His presence.