en_tn/mat/22/31.md

Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins asking a question to show that people who have died will live again. He is scolding the Sadducees by asking this question. He is not looking for an answer.

have you not read

This is the beginning of a question that end with the words "the God of Jacob" in verse 32. Jesus asks this question to remind the religious leaders of what they know from scripture. If this rhetorical question is translated as a statement, the question mark in verse 32 would be changed to a period. Alternate translation: "you have read" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)

what was spoken to you by God

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what God spoke to you" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)