Matthew 8:22

But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

But {G1161} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Follow {G190} me {G3427}; and {G2532} let {G863} the dead {G3498} bury {G2290} their {G1438} dead {G3498}.

But Yeshua replied, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."

But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

But Jesus saith unto him, Follow me; and leave the dead to bury their own dead.

Commentary

Context of Matthew 8:22

Matthew 8:22 occurs during a series of interactions where Jesus calls various individuals to discipleship, highlighting the radical commitment required to follow Him. This specific verse is Jesus's response to a potential disciple who first requested permission to go and bury his father (Matthew 8:21). In ancient Jewish culture, burying one's parents was a sacred and paramount duty, a deep expression of honor and piety. To delay or neglect this duty was considered unthinkable. Jesus's challenging statement here, therefore, cuts across deeply ingrained cultural and familial obligations, underscoring the absolute priority of the Kingdom of God. A parallel account of this encounter is found in Luke 9:59-60.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Urgency of Discipleship: Jesus's command "Follow me" demands immediate and unwavering commitment. There is no time for delay when the call to serve God's kingdom is given.
  • Spiritual Priorities Over Worldly Obligations: The core message is that the demands of following Jesus supersede even the most sacred social, familial, or traditional duties. The kingdom of God takes precedence over all earthly concerns.
  • The Cost of Following Jesus: This verse starkly illustrates that genuine discipleship often requires radical sacrifice and a willingness to forsake conventional responsibilities for the sake of Christ's mission. It speaks to the absolute surrender required, echoing themes found in passages about the cost of discipleship.
  • Spiritual Death vs. Physical Death: Jesus contrasts those who are spiritually alive (His true followers) with those who are spiritually dead or unresponsive to God's call.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "let the dead bury their dead" is a striking and memorable paradox. In the original Greek, the word used for "dead" is nektros. Jesus uses this word in two distinct senses:

  • The first "dead" refers to those who are spiritually dead—individuals who are unregenerate, unresponsive to God's truth, and focused on worldly affairs. These are the ones who can attend to the conventional duties of society, including burying the physically deceased.
  • The second "dead" refers to the physically deceased—the literal corpses awaiting burial.

Jesus's statement implies that those who are spiritually alive (His disciples) have a higher, more urgent calling that transcends the duties of the world. They are to prioritize the proclamation of the gospel and the work of the Kingdom, leaving the responsibilities of the world to those who are spiritually inert. This highlights the radical nature of Jesus's call to spiritual life in Christ.

Practical Application

Matthew 8:22 challenges believers today to examine their own priorities. While it does not negate the importance of family or social responsibilities, it powerfully emphasizes that nothing—no cultural expectation, no personal comfort, no worldly obligation—should take precedence over our commitment to follow Jesus and participate in His mission. It calls for:

  • Radical Obedience: A willingness to obey Jesus's call immediately and without reservation, even when it conflicts with societal norms or personal desires.
  • Spiritual Discernment: The ability to distinguish between what is merely good and what is eternally significant, prioritizing the latter.
  • Kingdom Focus: A life centered on advancing God's kingdom and spreading the gospel, understanding that this is the most vital work we can undertake.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true discipleship often requires a counter-cultural mindset and an unwavering focus on Christ above all else.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 15:32

    It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

  • Colossians 2:13

    ¶ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

  • Ephesians 5:14

    Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

  • Ephesians 2:1

    ¶ And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;

  • Ephesians 2:5

    Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

  • John 1:43

    ¶ The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

  • 1 Timothy 5:6

    But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
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