New Testament
Matthew 8:22
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But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."
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But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
What Matthew 8:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is responding to a man who wants to follow Him but first wishes to bury his father. Jesus' statement, "let the dead bury their own dead," emphasizes the urgency and priority of following Him over traditional obligations. The 'dead' here symbolizes those who are spiritually unresponsive or lost, while the 'dead' that need burying refers to those who are physically deceased. Jesus is teaching that the call to discipleship requires immediate action and commitment, even if it means setting aside cultural or familial duties. This radical call to follow Him suggests that spiritual matters take precedence over earthly concerns. It challenges potential followers to consider the cost of discipleship and the importance of prioritizing their relationship with Him above all else. Jesus is not dismissing the importance of family but is highlighting the necessity of making a decisive choice to follow Him wholeheartedly.
How to apply Matthew 8:22 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate our priorities. Are we placing our relationship with Jesus above all else? It challenges us to act on our faith without delay, reminding us that following Christ may require us to set aside other commitments.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jesus mean by 'let the dead bury their own dead'?
In Matthew 8:22, Jesus uses the phrase 'let the dead bury their own dead' to illustrate the urgency of following Him. The 'dead' refers to those who are spiritually unresponsive, while the 'dead' needing burial refers to the physically deceased. Jesus is emphasizing that spiritual commitment to Him should take precedence over traditional family obligations.
Why did Jesus respond so harshly to the man wanting to bury his father?
Jesus' response may seem harsh, but it underscores the radical nature of discipleship. He is teaching that following Him requires immediate and total commitment, even if it means setting aside cultural or familial duties. This challenges potential followers to prioritize their relationship with Him above all earthly concerns.
How can I apply Matthew 8:22 to my life today?
Matthew 8:22 encourages us to evaluate our priorities and consider whether we are placing our relationship with Jesus above all else. It challenges us to act on our faith without delay, reminding us that true discipleship may require us to set aside other commitments and make a decisive choice to follow Him wholeheartedly.
Does Jesus disregard family obligations in this verse?
While it may seem that Jesus disregards family obligations, He is actually emphasizing the importance of prioritizing spiritual commitments. Jesus is not dismissing the value of family but is challenging His followers to recognize that their relationship with Him must come first, even if it means re-evaluating their earthly responsibilities.
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