Buzz
And how you can apply these words to your life
The phrase “Let the dead bury the dead,” spoken by Jesus Christ in Luke 9:60 and Matthew 8:22, carries deep spiritual meaning. In this article, we’ll explore what this statement truly means across various Bible translations—and offer practical insights on living according to its message.
What Is the Meaning Behind “Let the Dead Bury the Dead”?
Jesus’ words, “Let the dead bury the dead,” found in Luke 9:60 and Matthew 8:22, speak to the spiritual state of those who don’t follow Him. He’s urging His followers to prioritize their faith and mission over worldly attachments, leaving the spiritually indifferent to manage their own concerns.
How to Apply It
What did Jesus mean when He said, “Let the dead bury the dead?”
“Let the dead bury the dead” is a symbolic reference to those who lack spiritual life. Jesus didn’t literally suggest that the physically dead should bury others. Instead, He used this metaphor to emphasize that those who aren’t spiritually awakened—non-believers—should tend to worldly matters, while His followers stay focused on their divine calling.
The phrase highlights the urgency of committing to Jesus without delay. In biblical times, funerals were time-sensitive. But when Jesus said, “Let the dead bury the dead,” He was urging followers to set aside worldly responsibilities and respond to God's call immediately.
- In short, whatever God calls you to do should take precedence—no delays, no distractions.
What is the origin of “let the dead bury the dead?”
“Let the dead bury the dead” is a Biblical quote from Jesus. Found in Luke 9:59–60 and Matthew 8:21–22, Jesus invites a man to spread the gospel. The man replies, “Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.” Jesus answers, “Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.”
- This powerful message reminds the man that following Jesus surpasses even the solemn duty of burying one’s parent.
- “The dead” refers to those spiritually disconnected from God. Jesus urges the man to prioritize his walk with the Lord over the concerns of those who don’t follow Him.
- Some believe the man’s father wasn’t dead yet—he simply wished to stay with him until his passing. Regardless, Jesus challenges the man to put Him above all else, even family ties.
Different Bible Translations of “Let the Dead Bury the Dead”
Various Bible versions phrase this passage uniquely while keeping the same message. Though the essence remains the same, each translation expresses “Let the dead bury the dead” a bit differently. Below are several well-known translations and their renderings of this verse:
- New International Version: “Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’”
- New Living Translation: “But Jesus told him, ‘Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.’”
- English Standard Version: “And Jesus said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’”
- King James Bible: “Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.”
- New King James Version: “Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.’”
- New American Standard Bible: “But He said to him, ‘Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.’”
- Christian Standard Bible: “But he told him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.’”
- American Standard Version: “But he said unto him, Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but go thou and publish abroad the kingdom of God.”
- International Standard Version: “But he told him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead. But you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’”
- World English Bible: “But Jesus said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce God’s Kingdom.’”
- The Complete Jewish Bible: “Yeshua said, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God!’”
Living Out the Meaning of “Let the Dead Bury the Dead”
Make Jesus your highest priority. This biblical passage encourages believers to place God's calling above all else. When Jesus instructed the man not to delay by burying his father, He was showing that discipleship must come before personal duties.
- When you feel the Lord prompting you, respond quickly. This scripture is a clear call to place Christ’s mission at the center of your life—even if that means reordering your commitments.
Release anything that distracts from your faith. In Luke 9:59-60 and Matthew 8:21-22, Jesus asked a man to prioritize preaching over burying his father. This message challenges Christians to put faith above even the most meaningful worldly ties.
- To serve God, placing others before yourself is a powerful step. Some ways to do this include:
- Spending your free time volunteering for those in need.
- Using your unique gifts—like singing or painting—to glorify God.
- Forgiving those who wrong you and living with humility.
- Choosing church over comfort—like getting up early to worship instead of sleeping in.
Set aside time daily for Jesus. Though Jesus’ words in Luke 9:59-60 and Matthew 8:21-22 might seem strong, they serve as a powerful push for Christians to prioritize their faith. With life’s many distractions—work, relationships, and leisure—it’s easy to drift from spiritual focus. The message of “Let the dead bury the dead” calls believers back to nurturing their connection with Christ.
- Start with small, intentional acts to grow closer to Jesus. Try saying a morning prayer or reading a Bible verse as you begin your day. You can also tune into Christian podcasts or radio during daily routines.
- Struggling to stay consistent? That’s okay. Consider scheduling time to worship and asking a trusted friend or church member to help you stay committed and encouraged.
Devote your whole heart to Christ. The phrase “Let the dead bury the dead” is a challenge to commit fully to Jesus. In the scripture, the man’s desire to delay his discipleship shows partial commitment, but Jesus urges him—and all believers—to give everything, not just part of themselves.
- If surrendering fully feels difficult, explore biblical practices for dedicating yourself to God, or seek guidance from a church leader to help you grow in your faith journey.
