There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.

There were then seven brethren: and the first, having taken a wife, died childless;

'There were, then, seven brothers, and the first having taken a wife, died childless,

Now there were seven brothers, and the first had a wife and came to his end, having no children;

Well, there were once seven brothers; of whom the eldest, after taking a wife, died childless.

There were therefore seven brethren - See on Matthew 22:23-33 (note).

There were therefore seven brethren,.... In the place where these Sadducees dwelt; or, however, that were known by them; at least they supposed such a case, and it might be fact:
and the first took a wife, and died without children; son or daughter, and so had none to keep up his name, and to possess his inheritance.