King James Version

What Does Matthew 8:21 Mean?

Matthew 8:21 in the King James Version says “And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 8:21 · KJV


Context

19

And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

20

And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

21

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

22

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

23

And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The disciple's request to 'first go and bury my father' likely doesn't mean his father had just died (in which case he'd be at the burial, not following Jesus), but rather asking to delay discipleship until after his father's eventual death and burial—possibly years away. This request, though seemingly reasonable and honoring to parents, places family obligation above immediate response to Christ's call. Jesus' shocking reply reveals that following Him takes precedence even over legitimate family responsibilities.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In Jewish culture, caring for parents and ensuring proper burial was a sacred duty. Delaying other commitments for this purpose would be considered honorable and pious. Jesus' radical response therefore shocked His hearers, demonstrating that kingdom demands supersede even the most sacred family obligations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' teaching that discipleship supersedes family obligations relate to the fifth commandment to honor parents?
  2. What legitimate but lesser responsibilities might you be allowing to delay wholehearted obedience to Christ's call?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Ἕτερος1 of 17

another

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

δὲ2 of 17

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τῶν3 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθητῶν4 of 17

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτῷ5 of 17

of his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἶπεν6 of 17

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ7 of 17

of his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Κύριε8 of 17

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐπίτρεψόν9 of 17

suffer

G2010

to turn over (transfer), i.e., allow

μοι10 of 17

me

G3427

to me

πρῶτον11 of 17

first

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

ἀπελθεῖν12 of 17

to go

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

καὶ13 of 17

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

θάψαι14 of 17

bury

G2290

to celebrate funeral rites, i.e., inter

τὸν15 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατέρα16 of 17

father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

μου17 of 17

my

G3450

of me


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 8:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 8:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study