This phrase is a quotation of Jesus from the Bible. It is mentioned within the gospels Matthew and Luke 9:60 when one of Jesus’s followers asks Jesus if it is possible to go and bury his father. Jesus instructs the disciple it is not a good idea to do that, and he should allow the dead to go to the grave, and the disciple is to continue to fulfill his spiritual tasks.
However, Jesus told him to Follow me, Let the deceased be buried their dead. -Matthew 8:22
Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:60
Many people may think that this is a sinister act by Jesus. But Biblical scholars view this differently. They believe that the disciple was trying to leave his spiritual obligations to care for his elderly father. Jesus declared that the disciple’s father was dead spiritually and others would take care of him. The disciple was required to remain in the faith he was called to.
Bible allows the dead to bury the dead. While this does not mean that the man could not be buried by his father, however, it could seem harsh. One possible explanation may be that Jesus would have his disciples place God first, even before the family.
What Does Let the Dead Bury the Dead Mean?
The expression “let die the dead be buried is at the very least two widely accepted definitions. Therefore, when you hear people use the expression or see it written on a page, you need to consider the context where it’s being used to comprehend the meaning.
The first reason is that the phrase can be used to communicate the idea that God or one’s spiritual or religious duties should be prioritized over all other considerations. This is exactly how many biblical scholars understand the Bible verse–verses–from which the expression was derived (find out more information in the following section).
Furthermore, it could be used to communicate the idea that what’s happened in the past and that what’s been done is done, and it is important not to delve into or dwell on past issues and conflicts which are gone and laid to rest. For some, this is thought of as an interpretation of the Bible quotations, while others believe it is the actual purpose implied by these Bible verses.
Examples of Let The Dead Bury Their Dead
Two men employ the idiom to discuss their church responsibilities in the following dialogue.
Robert: Marty, you haven’t been to church for many years.
Marty Martin: I’m aware. I want to go out today, but I must do some work-related things. I’m certain God knows.
Robert, Perhaps it is; however, Jesus did declare, “Let the dead bury the dead.” It’s possible that God would like you to place your responsibilities to him first before your other obligations.
Marty, I think you’re right. Ok, I’ll go to church with you the next day.
Bible verse: Let die to bury their dead. The second dialogue features two students talking about a test that is coming up.
Josh Says: You must do some research. What is it that you do to your mind constantly?
Jeff is a good friend. I’m always thinking of the story of all the earthquake victims, and I want to assist them.
Josh Josh: Let the dead be buried with the dead. There’s no way to assist them, and you must be able to pass this test to graduate.
For more information and assistance, visit the following websites.
What did Jesus mean when He said to let the dead bury the …
https://billygraham.org/answer/what-did-jesus-mean-when-he-said-to-let-the-dead-bury-the-dead/
What did Jesus mean when He said “Let the dead bury the …
https://www.gotquestions.org/let-dead-bury-dead.html
Why Did Jesus Say “Let the Dead Bury Their Dead”? – Bible …
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/why-did-jesus-say-let-the-dead-bury-their-dead.html
What Does Let the Dead Bury the Dead Mean? – The Word …
https://thewordcounter.com/what-does-let-the-dead-bury-the-dead-mean/
What Did Jesus Mean ‘Let the Dead Bury the Dead’?
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/jesus-christ/was-jesus-being-insensitive-when-he-said-let-the-dead-bury-the-dead.html
Let the dead bury the dead – Idioms by The Free Dictionary
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/let+the+dead+bury+the+dead
In To Kill a Mockingbird, what does “let the dead bury … – Wyzant
https://www.wyzant.com/resources/answers/678738/in-to-kill-a-mockingbird-what-does-let-the-dead-bury-the-dead-mean
What does Matthew 8:22 mean by “let … – United Church of God
https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/bible-questions-and-answers/what-does-matthew-822-mean-by-let-the-dead-bury-their
What did Jesus mean, ‘Let the dead bury their dead?’ – Quora
https://www.quora.com/What-did-Jesus-mean-Let-the-dead-bury-their-dead
In To Kill a Mockingbird, what does “let the dead bury the dead …
https://literature.stackexchange.com/questions/2739/in-to-kill-a-mockingbird-what-does-let-the-dead-bury-the-dead-mean/2740
Context Matters: Leave the Dead to Bury Their Own Dead
https://www.knowableword.com/2020/02/28/context-matters-leave-the-dead-to-bury-their-own-dead/
Let the dead bury the dead | Vocabulary | EnglishClub
https://www.englishclub.com/ref/esl/Sayings/Quizzes/Death/Let_the_dead_bury_the_dead_869.php
Let the Dead Bury their Dead | AHRC
https://www.ancient-hebrew.org/teachings/let-the-dead-bury-their-dead.htm
What Does Jesus Mean When He Says, ‘Let The Dead Bury …
https://www.christiantoday.com/article/what-does-jesus-mean-when-he-says-let-the-dead-bury-their-own-dead/105323.htm
Luke 9:60 But Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury … – Bible Hub
https://biblehub.com/luke/9-60.htm
Let the dead bury their dead, Thus saith the Lord! – Vanguard …
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/04/let-the-dead-bury-their-dead-thus-saith-the-lord/
What Did Jesus Mean When He said “Let the Dead … – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hyykc_uuLpM
Who says, “let the dead bury the dead”? What does he mean?
https://www.gradesaver.com/to-kill-a-mockingbird/q-and-a/who-says-let-the-dead-bury-the-dead-what-does-he-mean-336307
Help: what does ” Let the dead bury the dead” mean?
https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/threads/help-what-does-let-the-dead-bury-the-dead-mean.32064/
“Let the Dead Bury their Dead” – Meaning | Biblical Christianity
https://biblical-christianity.com/let-the-dead-bury-their-dead-meaning
Let the Dead Bury the Dead -What is the True Meaning?
https://faithfoundedonfact.com/let-dead-bury-the-dead-meaning/
What Let The Dead Bury The Dead Means On 13 Reasons Why
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/08/240476/let-the-dead-bury-the-dead-meaning-13-reasons-why-season-3
What Did Jesus Mean When He said … – Real Truth Real Quick –
http://realtruthrealquick.com/what-does-jesus-mean-when-he-says-let-the-dead-bury-their-own-dead-in-matthew-822/
In To Kill a Mockingbird, what does Heck Tate mean when he …
https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-does-heck-tate-mean-when-he-says-let-dead-472991
What did Jesus mean when He said ‘Let the dead bury the …
https://ebible.com/questions/952-what-did-jesus-mean-when-he-said-let-the-dead-bury-the-dead