New International Version“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come.
New Living TranslationAnd he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren’t worthy of the honor.
English Standard VersionThen he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy.
Berean Standard BibleThen he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited were not worthy.
Berean Literal BibleThen he says to his servants, 'Indeed the wedding feast is ready, but those having been invited were not worthy.
King James BibleThen saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
New King James VersionThen he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.
New American Standard BibleThen he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.
NASB 1995“Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.
NASB 1977“Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.
Legacy Standard BibleThen he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were called were not worthy.
Amplified BibleThen he said to his servants, ‘The wedding [feast] is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.
Christian Standard Bible“Then he told his servants, ‘The banquet is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.
Holman Christian Standard Bible“Then he told his slaves, The banquet is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.
American Standard VersionThen saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they that were bidden were not worthy.
Contemporary English VersionThen he said to the servants, "It is time for the wedding banquet, and the invited guests don't deserve to come.
English Revised VersionThen saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they that were bidden were not worthy.
GOD'S WORD® Translation"Then the king said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited don't deserve the honor.
Good News TranslationThen he called his servants and said to them, 'My wedding feast is ready, but the people I invited did not deserve it.
International Standard Version"Then he told his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.
NET BibleThen he said to his slaves, 'The wedding is ready, but the ones who had been invited were not worthy.
New Heart English Bible"Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited weren't worthy.
Webster's Bible TranslationThen he saith to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they who were invited were not worthy.
Weymouth New TestamentThen he said to his servants, "'The wedding banquet is ready, but those who were invited were unworthy of it. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited were not worthy.
World English Bible“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited weren’t worthy. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthen he says to his servants, The wedding feast indeed is ready, and those called were not worthy,
Berean Literal BibleThen he says to his servants, 'Indeed the wedding feast is ready, but those having been invited were not worthy.
Young's Literal Translation then saith he to his servants, The marriage-feast indeed is ready, and those called were not worthy,
Smith's Literal TranslationThen says he to his servants, Truly the nuptial feast is prepared, and those called were not worthy. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen he saith to his servants: The marriage indeed is ready; but they that were invited were not worthy.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen he said to his servants: ‘The wedding, indeed, has been prepared. But those who were invited were not worthy.
New American BibleThen he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come.
New Revised Standard VersionThen he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen he said to his servants, Now the marriage-feast is ready, and those who were invited were unworthy.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishThen he said to his servants, 'The wedding feast is ready, and those who were invited were not worthy.' NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThen he said to his servants: The marriage feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.
Godbey New TestamentThen he says to his servants, The wedding is ready, but those having been invited were not worthy.
Haweis New Testament
Then he said to his servants, The wedding entertainment indeed is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy:
Mace New Testament
then he said to his servants, the feast is ready, but they who were invited were very unworthy.
Weymouth New Testament
Then he said to his servants, "'The wedding banquet is ready, but those who were invited were unworthy of it.
Worrell New Testament
Then he says to his servants, 'The marriage feast, indeed is ready; but those who had been invited were not worthy;
Worsley New Testament
Then saith he to his servants, The feast is ready, but they that were invited were not worthyof it:
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Parable of the Banquet… 7The king was enraged, and he sent his troops to destroy those murderers and burn their city. 8Thenhe saidtohisservants,‘Thewedding banquetisready,butthoseI invitedwerenotworthy.9Go therefore to the crossroads and invite to the banquet as many as you can find.’…
Cross References Luke 14:21-24The servant returned and reported all this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ / ‘Sir,’ the servant replied, ‘what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’ / So the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. ...
Revelation 19:7-9Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. / She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints. / Then the angel told me to write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
Isaiah 55:1-3“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! / Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. / Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.
Romans 11:20-22That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. / For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either. / Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.
Acts 13:46Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
John 1:11-12He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. / But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—
Romans 9:30-33What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; / but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. / Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, ...
Isaiah 65:1-2“I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. To a nation that did not call My name, I said, ‘Here I am! Here I am!’ / All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate people who walk in the wrong path, who follow their own imaginations,
Matthew 21:43Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.
Acts 18:6But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
Hosea 2:23And I will sow her as My own in the land, and I will have compassion on ‘No Compassion.’ I will say to those called ‘Not My People,’ ‘You are My people,’ and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”
Romans 10:19-21I ask instead, did Israel not understand? First, Moses says: “I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation without understanding.” / And Isaiah boldly says: “I was found by those who did not seek Me; I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me.” / But as for Israel he says: “All day long I have held out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”
Luke 13:28-30There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves are thrown out. / People will come from east and west and north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. / And indeed, some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.”
Isaiah 49:6He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Matthew 8:11-12I say to you that many will come from the east and the west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. / But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Treasury of Scripture Then said he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. The wedding. Matthew 22:4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen andmy fatlingsare killed, and all thingsare ready: come unto the marriage. but. Matthew 10:11-13,37,38 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence… Luke 20:35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Jump to Previous AstBanquetBiddenBondmenDeserveEnoughFeastGoodGuestsIndeedInvitedMarriage-FeastReadyServantsSlavesUnworthyWeddingWeren'tWorthyJump to Next AstBanquetBiddenBondmenDeserveEnoughFeastGoodGuestsIndeedInvitedMarriage-FeastReadyServantsSlavesUnworthyWeddingWeren'tWorthyMatthew 22 1.The parable of the marriage of the king's son.9.The vocation of the Gentiles.12.The punishment of him who lacked a wedding garment.15.Tribute ought to be paid to Caesar.23.Jesus confutes the Sadducees for the resurrection;34.answers which is the first and great commandment;41.and puzzles the Pharisees by a question about the Messiah.Then he said to his servantsIn the context of the parable, the "he" refers to the king, symbolizing God the Father. The "servants" represent the prophets and messengers of God throughout history, including John the Baptist and the apostles. This phrase highlights the role of God's messengers in delivering His invitations and messages to humanity. Historically, servants in a royal context were trusted individuals who carried out the king's commands, emphasizing the importance and urgency of their mission. The wedding banquet is ready
The wedding banquet symbolizes the Kingdom of Heaven, a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings. In Jewish culture, a wedding feast was a significant and joyous occasion, often lasting several days, representing the ultimate celebration and union. This phrase indicates that God's Kingdom is prepared and available, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promises and the readiness of His salvation plan. The imagery of a banquet is also used inIsaiah 25:6, where a feast is prepared for all peoples, pointing to the inclusivity of God's invitation. But those I invited were not worthy
The initial invitees represent the Jewish people, particularly the religious leaders who rejected Jesus as the Messiah. The concept of worthiness here is not about inherent value but about the response to God's invitation. Despite being chosen and given the first opportunity, their rejection of Jesus and His message rendered them unworthy. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's chosen people failing to recognize and accept His provision, as seen in the rejection of prophets throughout the Old Testament. The idea of worthiness is further explored inRevelation 3:4, where worthiness is linked to faithfulness and acceptance of God's call. Persons / Places / Events 1. The KingRepresents God the Father, who is preparing a wedding banquet for His Son. 2. The ServantsSymbolize the prophets and messengers of God who are sent to invite people to the kingdom. 3. The Wedding BanquetRepresents the kingdom of heaven and the celebration of the union between Christ and His Church. 4. The Invited GuestsInitially, these are the Jewish people who were the first to receive God's invitation through the covenants. 5. The UnworthyThose who rejected the invitation, symbolizing those who refuse God's call and are deemed unworthy due to their rejection. Teaching Points God's Invitation is Gracious and OpenThe invitation to the wedding banquet is a symbol of God's grace extended to all. We must recognize the privilege of being invited and respond with gratitude and acceptance. Rejection Has ConsequencesThe original invitees were deemed unworthy because they rejected the invitation. This serves as a warning that rejecting God's call leads to spiritual consequences. The Kingdom is InclusiveThe invitation extends beyond the initial group to include all who are willing to come. This highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel message. Readiness and WorthinessBeing ready for the kingdom involves accepting God's invitation and living in a manner worthy of the calling we have received. Urgency of the GospelThe servants are sent out quickly to gather guests, emphasizing the urgency of responding to God's call and sharing the Gospel with others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Matthew 22:8?
2.How does Matthew 22:8 illustrate God's invitation to all for salvation?
3.What can we learn about God's expectations from Matthew 22:8?
4.How does Matthew 22:8 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19?
5.In what ways can we invite others to God's "wedding banquet" today?
6.How does Matthew 22:8 challenge our understanding of who is "worthy"?
7.Why did the king declare the invited guests unworthy in Matthew 22:8?
8.How does Matthew 22:8 reflect God's judgment on Israel?
9.What does Matthew 22:8 reveal about God's expectations for His people?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 22?
11.Who will accept the invitation to the great banquet?
12.What does 'Many are called, few are chosen' mean?
13.What activities will we engage in Heaven?
14.Who will accept the king's wedding invitation?What Does Matthew 22:8 Mean Then he said to his servants- A decisive moment follows the guests’ rejection of the king’s invitation. The command shifts to the “servants,” picturing all who carry God’s message (Matthew 28:19–20;2 Corinthians 5:20). - The king does not withdraw or rethink the celebration; instead, He mobilizes His messengers. This echoes Jesus’ words inLuke 10:2, where He sends laborers into the harvest despite opposition. - The servants’ role underlines obedience. Like the wedding attendants inJohn 2:5, they act at the king’s word, not their own initiative.
The wedding banquet is ready- Readiness speaks of final preparation: everything is set for joyful fellowship with the Son (Revelation 19:7–9). - God’s kingdom is not speculative. “Everything is now ready” (Luke 14:17); Christ’s atonement and resurrection have accomplished what is needed (Hebrews 10:10, 12). - Nothing more must be added by human effort. The emphasis is on God’s completed provision, mirrored inEphesians 2:8–9—salvation is by grace, not works. - A prepared feast also signifies abundance and celebration (Isaiah 25:6). The king’s generosity contrasts sharply with the invited guests’ indifference.
But those I invited were not worthy- Worthiness is defined by response, not pedigree. The original invitees represent religious leaders and the nation that rejected Jesus (John 1:11;Matthew 21:43). - Their refusal exposes hardened hearts;Acts 13:46 states, “Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.” - Scripture links worthiness to humble faith: “Whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:38). - Rejecting the invitation carries consequences.Hebrews 2:3 warns, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” Judgment follows, as the parable continues (Matthew 22:7). - The king’s verdict makes space for new guests. Grace moves outward to “the highways”—all peoples (Romans 10:12–13).
summaryMatthew 22:8 reveals three truths: the King commands His messengers, the kingdom feast is fully prepared through Christ, and worthiness hinges on accepting God’s invitation. Rejection leads to exclusion; humble faith opens the door to the banquet. The verse urges us to heed the call, share it boldly, and rejoice that everything needed for our place at the table is already finished. Verse 8. - Then saith he. This is supposed to take place after the destruction of the murderers and their city; and, indeed, the final rejection of the Jews and the substitution of the Gentiles were consummated by the overthrow of Jerusalem and the Hebrew polity. The wedding is ready. God's great design is not frustrated by the neglect of those first invited, only the guests are changed. Not worthy. Their unworthiness was proved by their rejection of the gracious call, as the worthiness of those subsequently called consisted in their acceptance thereof. The passage is well illustrated by the language of Paul and Barnabas ( Acts 13:46, 47).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Thenτότε(tote)Adverb
Strong's 5119:Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.he saidλέγει(legei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.toτοῖς(tois)Article - Dative 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.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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.servants,δούλοις(doulois)Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1401:(a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.‘TheὉ(Ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.wedding banquetγάμος(gamos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1062:A marriage, wedding, wedding-ceremony; plur: a wedding-feast. Of uncertain affinity; nuptials.isἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.ready,ἕτοιμός(hetoimos)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2092:Ready, prepared. From an old noun heteos; adjusted, i.e. Ready.butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.thoseοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative 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.I invitedκεκλημένοι(keklēmenoi)Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2564:(a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.wereἦσαν(ēsan)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.notοὐκ(ouk)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.worthy.ἄξιοι(axioi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 514:Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 22:8 Then he said to his servants 'The (Matt. Mat Mt) |
