Devine Scripture

Matthew 8:22

What does Matthew 8:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 8:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 8:22 means

Jesus gives a challenging and seemingly harsh command: "Follow me; and leave the dead to bury their own dead." This does not imply disrespect for the dead or family obligations but rather emphasizes the supreme priority of spiritual matters and the urgent call of the Kingdom. It means to let those who are spiritually dead concern themselves with earthly matters, while those called to divine service must prioritize their mission above all else, including even fundamental social customs.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Jesus saith unto him, Follow me; and leave the dead to bury their own dead.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Jesus saith unto him, Follow me; and leave the dead to bury their own dead.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Jesus said to him, Come after me; and let the dead take care of their dead.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jesus said to him, `Follow me, and suffer the dead to bury their own dead.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Jesus said to him: Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus said to him, Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.

Context

This verse contains Jesus' radical response to the disciple's request, building on the previous verse. It underscores the absolute priority of following Jesus and the urgency of the Kingdom's call, providing a powerful teaching on the demanding nature of true discipleship. This teaching happens just before Jesus gets into the boat, leading into His demonstration of authority over nature.

v.21And another of the disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

v.22This passage

v.23And when he was entered into a boat, his disciples followed him.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Timothy 5:6

    But she that giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth.

  • Colossians 2:13

    And you, being dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, you, I say, did he make alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses;

  • Matthew 4:18

    And walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers.

  • Ephesians 2:5

    even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace have ye been saved),

  • Ephesians 2:1

    And youdid he make alive, when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins,

  • John 1:43

    On the morrow he was minded to go forth into Galilee, and he findeth Philip: and Jesus saith unto him, Follow me.

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