Matthew 8:22

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

Matthew 8:22 in Other Translations

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

22 And Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead."

22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead. ”

22 Jesus refused. "First things first. Your business is life, not death. Follow me. Pursue life."

22 But Jesus told him, "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead."

Matthew 8:22 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 8:22

But Jesus said unto him, follow thou me
Christ would not excuse him on this account, but insists on what he had before called him to; to attend upon him, and give himself up to the ministry of the word: which was done, partly to shew, that a greater regard ought to be had to him, than to the nearest relation and friend whatever; and partly, on account of the dignity of the Gospel ministry, which greatly exceeds any such services; as also to signify, of what little account were the traditions of the elders with him; wherefore he says,

let the dead bury the dead.
Our Lord is not to be understood, as speaking against, or disrespectfully of burying the dead; his words suppose it ought to be done: only it was not proper, that this person should be concerned in it at this time, who was called to an higher employment; and therefore should leave this to be done by persons, whom it better became. And however strange and odd such a phrase may sound in the ears of some, of one dead man's burying another, it was easily understood by a Jew; with whom it is common to say, (tmk bwvx ajwxh) , "that a sinner is counted as ^F7 dead, and that ungodly persons, even while they are alive", (Mytm Nyywrq) , are "called dead" ^F8. And in this sense is the word used, in the former part of this phrase; and Christ's meaning is, let such who are dead in trespasses and sins, and to all that is spiritually good, bury those who are dead in a natural or corporal sense. It is likely the deceased was an unregenerate man; however, it is plainly suggested, that many of the relations were; and there were enough of them to take care of this service: and therefore, there was no need why he should neglect the ministry of the Gospel to attend that; but, ought to leave it to persons who were fitter for it.

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FOOTNOTES:

F7 Tzeror Hammor, fol. 6. 2.
F8 T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 18. 2. Jarchi in Gen. 11. 32. Baal Hatturim, in Deut. xvii. 6. Tzeror Hammor, fol. 58. 3. Midrash Kohelet. fol. 78. 2. Caphtor, fol. 79. 1, 2. & 84. 1.

Matthew 8:22 In-Context

20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

21 Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

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

23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.

24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.

Cross References

• 1. S Matthew 4:19