Definition: In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 16:23. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about Jesus’s impending death. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a woman named Mary who was betrothed to Jesus. It speaks to the idea of pre-knowing something terrible that will happen – his death. Let's unpack it word by word: "In the resurrection therefore..." : This tells us we’re talking about the time when Jesus returns from the dead. It's a significant event, marking the end of suffering and the beginning of a new era. "...when they shall rise..." : This refers to Jesus’s physical rising from the dead. "...whose wife shall she be of them?" : This is the core of the verse. It's asking: “Who will be the wife of Jesus?” The word "wife" here means partner . "For the seven had her to wife." : This is the crucial part. It’s saying that seven men – likely his disciples – had already been betrothed to Mary, and they were planning to marry her. What it Means Figuratively (and historically): The verse isn't about a literal marriage. It’s a metaphor rooted in Jewish tradition: Seven Men: Traditionally, the seven men who had promised to marry Mary were considered to be God’s chosen people – the Israelites – and they represented the entire Jewish community. “Her to wife” : This signifies that Jesus was destined to become one of these seven men. It means he would be partnered with Mary, becoming a husband to her. Important Context - Why it’s significant: This verse is deeply connected to the events leading up to Jesus's crucifixion. It highlights the idea that Jesus was already being foretold and that his death was inevitable. It shows God’s plan for Jesus to become human and sacrifice himself. In short, this verse speaks about a future event – Jesus's resurrection – where he will be paired with Mary in a way that signifies his ultimate sacrifice and the beginning of new life. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss its historical significance? Answer any specific questions you might have about this verse?