Matthew 8:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 8:22 presents one of Jesus's most challenging and paradoxical statements, uttered in response to a potential disciple's request to first bury his father. Jesus's command, "Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead," radically reorients priorities, asserting the absolute supremacy of discipleship and the Kingdom of God over even the most sacred familial and cultural obligations, highlighting the immediate and transformative call to spiritual life and mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Matthew's Gospel (chapters 8-9) that showcases Jesus's authority through a series of miracles and teachings, demonstrating His power over sickness, nature, and even death. Immediately preceding this encounter, Jesus had just healed a leper, the centurion's servant, and Peter's mother-in-law, followed by a summary of His healing ministry. The verses directly before [Matthew 8:21](/matthew/8-21 "Matthew 8:21 - The Disciple's Request") describe another potential disciple's desire to follow Jesus, but with a condition—to first say goodbye to his family. This sets the stage for the even more radical demand made of the disciple in [Matthew 8:22](/matthew/8-22 "Matthew 8:22 - The Call to Immediate Discipleship"), emphasizing the immediate and unconditional nature of true discipleship. This pericope serves as a powerful contrast to the earlier demonstrations of physical healing, shifting focus to the spiritual demands of following Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, burying one's parents was considered a paramount duty, a sacred act of filial piety and respect, often taking precedence over almost all other obligations. It was not merely a social custom but a religious imperative, deeply intertwined with the Fifth Commandment to honor one's father and mother. To neglect this duty would be unthinkable and a grave dishonor. The phrase "bury my father" could imply either an immediate need to attend a funeral or, more likely, a desire to remain with his aging father until his natural death, potentially a long-term commitment. Jesus's statement, therefore, directly challenges a deeply ingrained cultural and religious norm, highlighting the radical nature of His call. The parallel account in [Luke 9:59-60](/luke/9-59-60 "Luke 9:59-60 - The Call to Discipleship") reinforces this cultural tension.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew and the broader New Testament. It underscores the **urgency of the Kingdom of God** and the **absolute priority of following Jesus**, demanding an immediate and unwavering commitment that transcends all earthly ties and obligations, even those considered sacred. It introduces the profound concept of **spiritual death versus physical death**, distinguishing between those who are spiritually alive and responsive to God's call and those who are spiritually inert or "dead" to divine truth. This distinction is foundational to understanding the new life offered in Christ, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - From Death to Life"). The passage also highlights the **cost of discipleship**, demonstrating that true adherence to Christ often requires radical sacrifice and a willingness to forsake conventional responsibilities for the sake of the Gospel, echoing Jesus's teachings on taking up one's cross in [Matthew 16:24-26](/matthew/16-24-26 "Matthew 16:24-26 - Taking Up the Cross").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jesus (Greek, _Iēsoûs'_):** The name of our Lord, derived from the Hebrew "Jehoshua," meaning "Yahweh saves." His presence and command fundamentally alter the traditional understanding of duty and priority, as He embodies the very mission to which His followers are called.
* **Follow (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** Literally "to be in the same way with," implying accompaniment, specifically as a disciple. This word signifies not just physical proximity but a commitment to adopt Jesus's lifestyle, teachings, and mission. It denotes a radical change of direction and allegiance.
* **Dead (Greek, _nekrós'_):** This word is used twice in the verse, creating a profound paradox. In its first instance, it refers to those who are "dead" in a spiritual sense—unresponsive to God's call, unregenerate, and focused on worldly affairs. In its second instance, it refers to the physically deceased, literal corpses awaiting burial. The juxtaposition highlights the stark difference between spiritual vitality and spiritual inertness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jesus said unto him,"**: This introduces Jesus's direct and authoritative response, marking a pivotal moment where divine wisdom confronts human expectation. The "but" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a strong contrast to the disciple's request.
* **"Follow me;"**: This is a direct, imperative command, the core of Jesus's call to discipleship. It demands immediate and unconditional obedience, placing Jesus's person and mission at the absolute center of the follower's life.
* **"and let the dead bury their dead."**: This is the striking, paradoxical statement. Jesus instructs the disciple to leave the task of burying the physically deceased ("their dead") to those who are spiritually unresponsive or "dead" to God's call. It implies that the spiritually alive (His disciples) have a higher, more urgent calling that transcends conventional earthly duties.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Matthew 8:22 is **Paradox**, specifically a **Chiasm** within the phrase "let the dead bury their dead." The statement is inherently contradictory on the surface, forcing the listener to seek a deeper, spiritual meaning. Jesus uses the word "dead" in two distinct senses: first, referring to those who are spiritually lifeless, and second, to those who are physically deceased. This creates a powerful contrast between spiritual vitality and spiritual inertness. The use of **Hyperbole** is also evident, as Jesus's command is an extreme statement designed to shock and emphasize the absolute priority of the Kingdom. It is not a literal prohibition against burying the dead, but a dramatic illustration of the radical commitment required for discipleship. The entire statement functions as a **Metaphor** for the spiritual state and priorities of individuals, distinguishing between those who are engaged in the eternal work of God and those who are consumed by temporal concerns.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 8:22 profoundly articulates the radical nature of Christian discipleship, demanding an allegiance to Christ that supersedes all other loyalties, even those considered sacred. It underscores the urgency of the Gospel mission, implying that the spiritual harvest is ripe and requires immediate laborers, leaving the concerns of the "spiritually dead" world to themselves. This passage challenges believers to discern between what is merely good and what is eternally significant, prioritizing the latter with unwavering commitment. It is a stark reminder that following Jesus often entails a counter-cultural posture, where the values and priorities of the Kingdom of God stand in stark contrast to the world's expectations.

* [Luke 14:26](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - Hating Family for Christ")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Counting All Things Loss for Christ")
* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 8:22 serves as a powerful and enduring challenge to every believer, prompting a deep examination of our ultimate loyalties and priorities. While it does not negate our familial responsibilities or the importance of honoring our parents, it unequivocally asserts that nothing—no cultural expectation, no personal comfort, no worldly obligation—should ever take precedence over our immediate and unwavering commitment to follow Jesus and participate in His mission. This verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our lives, where the advancement of God's Kingdom becomes our supreme pursuit. It compels us to ask if we are truly living as those who are spiritually alive, prioritizing eternal matters over temporal ones, or if we are allowing the "dead" concerns of the world to dictate our actions and allegiances. True discipleship demands a willingness to step out of cultural norms and personal comfort zones, embracing the urgency of the Gospel with wholehearted devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "dead" things in my life (cultural expectations, personal comforts, worldly ambitions) might be hindering my immediate and full obedience to Jesus's call?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to re-evaluate my priorities to ensure that following Jesus is truly my absolute first allegiance?**
* **How can I practically demonstrate a more radical, counter-cultural commitment to Christ's mission in my daily life, even when it conflicts with societal norms?**

### FAQ
**Does Jesus mean we should literally abandon our family duties, like burying our parents?**

Answer: No, Jesus is not advocating for the abandonment of all family responsibilities or disrespect for the dead. Instead, He is using a powerful, paradoxical statement to emphasize the absolute and immediate priority of the Kingdom of God and the call to discipleship. In ancient Jewish culture, burying one's parents was a sacred duty, but Jesus's teaching here highlights that the spiritual urgency of following Him and proclaiming the Gospel transcends even such deeply ingrained cultural and familial obligations. The phrase "let the dead bury their dead" distinguishes between those who are spiritually alive (His true followers) and those who are spiritually dead or unresponsive to God's call, implying that worldly responsibilities can be left to those who are not engaged in the urgent work of the Kingdom. This is a call to radical commitment, not a literal command to neglect all earthly duties.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 8:22, though a demanding statement, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Christ. Jesus, the one who calls us to "Follow me," is Himself the embodiment of radical obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on a cross. He is the one who conquered both physical and spiritual death, offering true life to those who were "dead in trespasses and sins" ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sins")). His command to "let the dead bury their dead" is not a harsh dismissal but an invitation to participate in a new reality—a spiritual resurrection. Through His atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection, Jesus has established a new Kingdom where spiritual life reigns supreme over the decay of this world. He calls His disciples to be heralds of this new life, prioritizing the eternal over the temporal, just as He Himself did. The call to follow Him is a call to share in His mission of bringing light to those in darkness and life to those who are spiritually dead, a mission that culminates in the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). Therefore, the radical commitment demanded in Matthew 8:22 is a participation in Christ's own radical commitment to redeem humanity from the grip of spiritual death.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.