What does Luke 9:60 mean?

Explanation

This verse occurs during a dialogue between Jesus and a man who expresses a desire to follow Jesus but requests to first return home to bury his father.

Jesus' response, "Let the dead bury their dead," is often interpreted to mean that spiritual matters, such as proclaiming the kingdom of God, should take precedence over customary social obligations, even those as significant as burying one's father.

The "dead" who are to bury their own dead may refer to the spiritually dead, the people who have not yet embraced the message and mission of Jesus.

Essentially, the verse suggests that the call to follow Jesus and the urgency of the Gospel message take priority over all else.

Historical Context

The verse is situated within the context of Jesus' ministry in the first century.

In Jewish culture, burial of the dead was a highly important religious duty, one of the most significant and immediate obligations a person had.

Saying "Let the dead bury their dead" would have been a surprising and challenging statement to Jesus' contemporaries, essentially asking the potential disciple to rethink his commitments in light of the pressing nature of Jesus' mission.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is seen to illustrate the radical nature of discipleship in Christianity.

From a traditional standpoint, it underscores the necessity of putting Christ before all else.

Some commentators suggest it indicates the urgency of the Gospel that requires immediate and undivided attention.

In contrast, liberation theologians might interpret it as a call to prioritize spiritual liberation and the fight for justice, even above cultural norms.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this teaching can challenge individuals to consider their priorities, encouraging them to put their spiritual commitments before social or familial obligations when they are in conflict.

It can serve as a call to focus on the transformative work of their faith and to evaluate whether they are allowing lesser things to take precedence over their core calling.

Cross-References

• Matthew 8:21-22: "And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

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

• Luke 14:26: "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple."

Language Study

The original Greek words used in the verse are key to understanding its precise meaning.

The Greek verb "thapsatō" translates to "let him bury," indicating permission rather than a command.

"Nekrous," the word for "dead," is used twice but may distinguish between physically dead and spiritually dead, depending on interpretation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This concept of prioritizing spiritual duties over familial ones has parallels in other ancient cultures and religions.

In some strands of Buddhism, for example, becoming a monastic might involve renouncing familial ties to pursue a life dedicated to spiritual practice.

Hindu traditions also have the concept of "sannyasa," where one renounces worldly and materialistic pursuits and leaves home to live a life dedicated to spiritual goals.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse may intersect with studies on decision-making processes, where individuals prioritize different aspects of their lives based on their belief systems.

Research on the psychology of religion could explore how such teachings impact personal and social behavior and how they might be in tension with evolutionary or socio-biological imperatives that emphasize familial commitments.

Commentaries

Classical biblical commentaries often uphold this verse as emphasizing the cost of discipleship, pointing to the forsaking of one's personal desires and duties for the sake of following Christ.

Modern commentaries may delve into the psychological and social difficulties this demand creates for believers in balancing religious convictions with familial responsibilities.

Many scholars note the tension this teaching creates and the radical reordering of social structures it implies.