New Testament
Matthew 8:22
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus is responding to a man who wants to follow Him but first wishes to bury his father.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."
But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.
The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
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