Luke 9:60
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.”

Berean Standard Bible
But Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead. You, however, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

Berean Literal Bible
And He said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but you, having gone forth, declare 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.”

NASB 1995
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.”

NASB 1977
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.”

Legacy 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.”

Amplified Bible
But He said to him, “Allow the [spiritually] dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and spread the news about 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.”

Holman 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.

Contemporary English Version
Jesus answered, "Let the dead take care of the dead, while you go and tell about God's kingdom."

English Revised Version
But he said unto him, Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but go thou and publish abroad the kingdom of God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Jesus told him, "Let the dead bury their own dead. You must go everywhere and tell about the kingdom of God."

Good News Translation
Jesus answered, "Let the dead bury their own dead. You go and proclaim 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."

Majority Standard Bible
But Jesus told him, ?Let the dead bury their own dead. You, however, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.?

NET Bible
But Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."

New Heart English Bible
But Jesus said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce the Kingdom of God."

Webster's Bible Translation
Jesus said to him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

Weymouth New Testament
"Leave the dead," Jesus rejoined, "to bury their own dead; but you must go and announce far and wide the coming of 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.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Jesus said to him, “Permit the dead to bury their own dead, and you, having gone away, publish the Kingdom of God.”

Berean Literal Bible
And He said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but you, having gone forth, declare the kingdom of God."

Young's Literal Translation
and Jesus said to him, 'Suffer the dead to bury their own dead, and thou, having gone away, publish the reign of God.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jesus said to him, Permit the dead to inter their own dead; and thou, having gone, announce the kingdom of God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Jesus said to him: Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou, and preach the kingdom of God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Jesus said to him: “Let the dead bury their dead. But you go and announce the kingdom of God.”

New American Bible
But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

New Revised Standard Version
But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Jesus said to him, Let the dead bury their own dead; but you go and preach the kingdom of God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Yeshua said to him, “Let the dead bury their dead and you go announce the Kingdom of God.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Jesus said: Let the dead bury their own dead; but do you go and publish abroad the kingdom of God.

Godbey New Testament
And Jesus said to him, Let the dead bury their dead; but thou having gone away proclaim the kingdom of God.

Haweis New Testament
And Jesus said unto him, Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but go thou, preach the kingdom of God.

Mace New Testament
Jesus said to him, let the dead bury their dead; but do you go and preach the kingdom of God.

Weymouth New Testament
"Leave the dead," Jesus rejoined, "to bury their own dead; but you must go and announce far and wide the coming of the Kingdom of God."

Worrell New Testament
And He said, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but, going, publish abroad the Kingdom of God."

Worsley New Testament
but Jesus said unto him, Leave the dead to bury their dead; but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Cost of Discipleship
59Then He said to another man, “Follow Me.” The man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60But Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead. You, however, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61Still another said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family.”…

Cross References
Matthew 8:22
But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Matthew 10:37
Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me;

Matthew 19:29
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for the sake of My name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.

Luke 14:26
“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.

John 12:25-26
Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. / If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

Mark 10:29-30
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for My sake and for the gospel / will fail to receive a hundredfold in the present age—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, along with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.

Matthew 16:24-25
Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. / For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Luke 18:29-30
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God / will fail to receive many times more in this age—and in the age to come, eternal life.”

1 Kings 19:20-21
So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.

Deuteronomy 33:9
He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant.

Philippians 3:7-8
But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. / More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

2 Corinthians 5:15
And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again.

Colossians 3:2-3
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. / For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Romans 8:13
For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

1 Corinthians 7:29-31
What I am saying, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; / those who weep, as if they did not; those who are joyful, as if they were not; those who make a purchase, as if they had nothing; / and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away.


Treasury of Scripture

Jesus said to him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go you and preach the kingdom of God.

Let.

Luke 15:32
It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

Ephesians 2:1,5
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; …

1 Timothy 5:6
But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

but.

John 21:15-17
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs…

1 Corinthians 9:16
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

2 Corinthians 5:16-18
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more…

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Luke 9
1. Jesus sends his apostles to work miracles, and to preach.
7. Herod desires to see Jesus.
10. The apostles return.
12. Jesus feeds five thousand;
18. inquires what opinion the world had of him; foretells his passion;
23. proposes to all the pattern of his patience.
28. The transfiguration.
37. He heals the lunatic;
43. again forewarns his disciples of his passion;
46. commends humility;
51. bids them to show mildness toward all, without desire of revenge.
57. Many would follow him, but upon conditions.














But Jesus told him,
In this passage, Jesus is addressing a potential disciple who expresses a desire to follow Him but first wants to bury his father. This interaction highlights the radical demands of discipleship. Jesus often used direct and challenging language to emphasize the cost of following Him, as seen in other passages like Matthew 10:37-39, where He speaks about the necessity of prioritizing Him above family.

“Let the dead bury their own dead.
This phrase is a powerful metaphor. The "dead" here can be understood in two ways: the physically dead and the spiritually dead. Jesus is emphasizing that those who are spiritually dead, those not following Him, can take care of worldly matters. This statement underscores the urgency and priority of spiritual life over earthly concerns. In Jewish culture, burial was a significant duty, often taking precedence over other obligations, which makes Jesus' statement even more striking. It challenges cultural norms and calls for a reevaluation of priorities in light of the kingdom of God.

You, however, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Jesus redirects the man's focus from earthly duties to the divine mission of spreading the gospel. The "kingdom of God" is a central theme in Jesus' teaching, representing God's reign and the fulfillment of His promises. This call to proclaim the kingdom is a call to active discipleship, emphasizing the urgency of the gospel message. It aligns with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations. The directive to "go" indicates movement and action, suggesting that following Jesus requires leaving behind former priorities and embracing a new purpose.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing a potential disciple, emphasizing the urgency and priority of proclaiming the kingdom of God.

2. The Potential Disciple
An unnamed individual who expresses a desire to follow Jesus but first wants to bury his father, representing a common cultural and familial obligation.

3. The Dead
Refers to both the physically dead and, metaphorically, to those who are spiritually dead, highlighting a distinction between earthly and spiritual priorities.

4. The Kingdom of God
The central theme of Jesus' ministry, representing God's sovereign rule and the call to live under His authority.
Teaching Points
Prioritizing the Kingdom
Jesus calls His followers to prioritize the kingdom of God above all earthly obligations, even those that are culturally significant.

Understanding Spiritual Life and Death
The passage challenges us to discern between physical and spiritual realities, urging us to focus on spiritual life and the mission of the gospel.

The Urgency of the Gospel
The call to "proclaim the kingdom of God" is urgent and requires immediate action, reflecting the importance of the gospel message.

Cultural and Familial Obligations
While cultural and familial duties are important, they should not supersede our commitment to Christ and His mission.

Living with Eternal Perspective
Believers are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to God's kingdom.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[Jesus] told
Εἶπεν (Eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

him,
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

“Let
Ἄφες (Aphes)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 863: From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

dead
νεκροὺς (nekrous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3498: (a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse. From an apparently primary nekus; dead.

bury
θάψαι (thapsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2290: To bury. A primary verb; to celebrate funeral rites, i.e. Inter.

their own
ἑαυτῶν (heautōn)
Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

dead.
νεκρούς (nekrous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3498: (a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse. From an apparently primary nekus; dead.

You,
σὺ (sy)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

however,
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

go
ἀπελθὼν (apelthōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 565: From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.

[and] proclaim
διάγγελλε (diangelle)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1229: From dia and the base of aggelos; to herald thoroughly.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kingdom
βασιλείαν (basileian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932: From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.

of God.”
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


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Luke 9:59
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