Matthew 8:22
But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 15
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
Ἀκολούθει
Follow
G190
Ἀκολούθει
Follow
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 15:32It 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 2:13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;Ephesians 5:14Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.Ephesians 2:1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;Ephesians 2:5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)John 1:43The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.1 Timothy 5:6But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
Historical Context
This harsh-sounding statement shocked hearers in a culture that valued family honor and proper burial rites. Yet Jesus consistently taught that kingdom priorities supersede earthly loyalties (Luke 14:26). The disciple's calling was to proclaim life to the spiritually dead, not attend to burial of the physically dead.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this passage teach about the absolute priority and urgency of following Christ's call?
- How do you distinguish between faithfulness to legitimate responsibilities and using them as excuses to delay whole-hearted discipleship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command 'let the dead bury their dead' uses 'dead' in two senses: the spiritually dead (unbelievers) can care for the physically dead, but the disciple must prioritize spiritual life and kingdom work. This doesn't advocate irresponsibility but establishes hierarchy—Christ's call takes absolute priority over even legitimate earthly obligations. The call to 'follow me' is present, urgent, demanding immediate response without delay for earthly concerns, however pressing they may seem.