Will We Still Be Married in Heaven?

Theology
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I’ve always heard that we won’t be married any longer in heaven. I was thinking about this again because my pastor mentioned it in a recent sermon. This comes from Jesus’ words in Luke 20:

Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage." Luke 20:34-35

To be honest, while this thought may give some people hope and encouragement, it actually makes me sad. I’ve been blessed to have a wonderful husband who I’ve known since I was barely out of my teen years, and I’ve loved being married to him for over a decade. It’s the greatest gift and I’m really thankful.

I’ve heard all the arguments that we are Jesus’ bride and that will be so much better than earthly marriage, etc. I absolutely believe being with Jesus when he makes all things right will be better than our earthly minds can fathom, but I still find it difficult to believe I won’t mind not being married to my husband.

Does anyone feel similarly? Or has anyone heard any different theological perspectives on this?

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I think we really have to go with what Jesus says on the subject.

“The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him, saying: "Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise offspring for his brother.

Now there were with us seven brothers. The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother. Likewise, the second, the third, and even the seventh. Last of all, the woman also died. Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her.”

Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.” Matthew 22:23-30

I think that is understandable. I’ve been married for 20 years. However, I think you can find comfort in this. Yes, we will know and recognize our loved ones in heaven. This belief is supported by biblical passages showing individuals recognizing each other in the afterlife, such as Moses and Elijah during the Transfiguration, and the rich man and Lazarus in Jesus’ parable. Furthermore, scriptures like 1 Corinthians 13:12 suggest that our knowledge of one another will be more complete and direct than it is on Earth.

As for you being sad?

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

I do not think we need to worry. However, I also do not believe that we can totally imagine Heaven in our worldly terms because of this passage.

“But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9

I’m not sure that we can even understand what lies ahead; however, it will be far better than what we leave.

Peter

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It’s completely natural to feel a sense of sorrow at the thought of that earthly bond changing. Scripture does teach that in the resurrection, marriage as we know it won’t continue (Luke 20:34–35), but it also promises that what’s to come is not a loss but a fulfillment.

In heaven, our relationships will be perfectly whole, not diminished. There won’t be less love, only more, fully purified, without sin or separation. You won’t forget your husband or stop loving him. Rather, your bond will be caught up in the fullness of Christ’s glory, transformed by the perfect unity we’ll share in His presence.

Until then, cherish your marriage as a gift for this life. And take comfort knowing that the God who gave you this joy has something even greater ahead.

1 Like
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Mat_22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

We may still have our memories before the eternal state and recognize each other, but that does not seem to constitute a marriage as we know it here.

5

Thank you for this response. I love that verse about Jesus wiping away every tear. That bolsters me in many difficult circumstances.

I agree that heaven will be beyond what we can currently imagine. If God’s gifts are so wonderful here on earth, even with sin and darkness clouding them, they will be that much more wonderful in heaven!

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This verse does make me wonder about those who are already married. It clearly says no one will enter into new marriages, but what about those who are already married? Perhaps it is implied here that marriage in general as we know it will be dissolved, but it’s interesting that it doesn’t specifically say this.

7

It’s all in the contract ‘Til death do you part’

which for me was a goal. Marriage was the worst decision I ever made. It robbed me of 20 years of life, millions of dollars, and now I face life in prison so she could have ALL the money. I have to go with Paul’s advice and just avoid marriage all together. I waited til I was 34 and still mucked it up,

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Using our imagination based on the idea of a perfect nature: it’s like on the way home, God gives you a companion of the opposite sex. But once you arrive home, you find that you have many other brothers and sisters, and your relationship with everyone is the same.