Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Matthew 22:25

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

Mystically; by these seven brethren are understood the wicked, who could not bring forth the fruit of righteousness in the earth through all the seven ages of the world, during which this earth has being, for afterwards this earth also shall pass away, through which all those seven passed away unfruitful.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Having presented the law, they propose the case: now there were with us seven brethren, and the first, having married a wife, died, and not having issue, left his wife to his brother, etc. It is possible that such a case actually occurred, or that they made it up. Yet according to Augustine, by the seven brothers are signified evil men, who in seven ages die without fruit. The Apostle, Romans 6:21: what fruit had you then (or have you had) in those things of which you are now ashamed? …

Commentary on Matthew ↗