Matthew 8:21
And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Original Language Analysis
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
of his
G846
αὐτῷ
of his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
αὐτῷ
of his
G846
αὐτῷ
of his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἀπελθεῖν
to go
G565
ἀπελθεῖν
to go
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
12 of 17
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 19:29And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.Haggai 1:2Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house should be built.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, caring for parents and ensuring proper burial was a sacred duty. Delaying other commitments for this purpose would be considered honorable and pious. Jesus' radical response therefore shocked His hearers, demonstrating that kingdom demands supersede even the most sacred family obligations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' teaching that discipleship supersedes family obligations relate to the fifth commandment to honor parents?
- What legitimate but lesser responsibilities might you be allowing to delay wholehearted obedience to Christ's call?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The disciple's request to 'first go and bury my father' likely doesn't mean his father had just died (in which case he'd be at the burial, not following Jesus), but rather asking to delay discipleship until after his father's eventual death and burial—possibly years away. This request, though seemingly reasonable and honoring to parents, places family obligation above immediate response to Christ's call. Jesus' shocking reply reveals that following Him takes precedence even over legitimate family responsibilities.