What does Matthew 8:22 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 8:22 is a verse that presents a dialogue between Jesus and one of his followers. In this exchange, Jesus says to the disciple, "Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead." On the surface, this verse can appear harsh or confusing, implying a disregard for familial obligations or the dead.

In a deeper sense, however, it expresses a radical call to prioritize spiritual over earthly matters.

Jesus uses the phrase "let the dead bury their dead" metaphorically, suggesting that those who are spiritually "dead" (unresponsive to the spiritual life and call of God) should tend to the mundane responsibilities of life, including funerary customs.

Meanwhile, individuals who are spiritually "alive," or receptive to Jesus’ call, are exhorted to follow Him and focus on their spiritual journey and mission.

Historical Context

The historical context of this verse is found in the Gospel of Matthew, which was written primarily for a Jewish audience and revolves around the theme of Jesus as the promised Messiah and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

During the time of Jesus, Jewish customs around death and burial were taken very seriously, and failing to properly care for one's deceased relatives was considered dishonorable.

Jesus’ statement was a radical departure from social norms and emphasized the immediate and uncompromising nature of discipleship.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse illustrates several key insights:

• Radical Discipleship: It underscores the commitment Jesus required from his followers, where the kingdom of God is to be given precedence over every other commitment, even filial ones.
• Spiritual Rebirth: It points to a reordering of values under the kingdom of God, reflecting a notion of spiritual rebirth as more significant than physical life or death.
• Divine Vocation: The passage emphasizes the urgency of responding to God’s call without delay, suggesting that the call to follow Christ is transcendent and imperative.

Different theological viewpoints might interpret this verse to varying degrees of literalness, with some framing it as hyperbolic language meant to emphasize a point, and others seeing it as a literal command with real implications for the life of a follower of Christ.

Practical Applications

In practical life, this verse invites reflection on where one places their priorities. It can be applied as a call to:

• Prioritize spiritual growth and tasks that further the mission of the church over day-to-day concerns.
• Recognize the urgency to respond to God’s call and engage in work that has eternal significance.
• Re-evaluate traditional values or societal expectations when they conflict with Christian discipleship.

Cross-References

• Luke 9:60: “Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.”
• Philippians 3:7-8: "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ."
• Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the phrase "let the dead bury their dead" uses the word "νεκρός" (nekros) for "dead." The first occurrence refers to those who are spiritually inactive, while the second usage likely refers to the physically dead.

The imperative "follow" is translated from "ἀκολούθει" (akolouthei), expressing an urgent call to discipleship.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In contrast to Jesus' statement, many ancient societies, including the Egyptians and Greeks, had intricate burial practices and considered care for the dead a critical familial and religious duty.

The concept of forsaking these duties would have been countercultural and even shocking against these backdrops. In other religious interpretations, the focus may be more on balance between spiritual and earthly responsibilities, rather than the stark prioritization that Jesus suggests.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse is not directly related to any specific scientific concepts.

However, psychosocial studies on human behavior may provide insights into the psychological impact of such a radical prioritization of one's value system and the effects it can have on social structures and individual well-being.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have various interpretations of Matthew 8:22.

Some emphasize the cost of discipleship that Jesus demands, indicating that the call to follow Him may come with significant personal sacrifice. Others point out the use of hyperbole, a common rhetorical device in Jewish teaching, to underscore the importance of spiritual over physical concerns.

Some modern commentaries suggest understanding the statement in light of the immediacy of Jesus' mission and its transformative impact on societal norms and individual behavior.