Matthew 22:11

KJV

And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when {G1525} the king {G935} came in {G1525} to see {G2300} the guests {G345}, he saw {G1492} there {G1563} a man {G444} which had {G1746} not {G3756} on {G1746} a wedding {G1062} garment {G1742}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Now when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who wasn't dressed for a wedding; so he asked him,

Berean Standard Bible

But when the king came in to see the guests, he spotted a man who was not dressed in wedding clothes.

American Standard Version

But when the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 22:11 is a pivotal moment within the [Parable of the Wedding Feast](/matthew/22-1-14 "The Parable of the Wedding Feast in Matthew 22"), where the King, representing God, scrutinizes the guests gathered for His Son's marriage celebration. This verse highlights the King's discovery of a man who lacks the appropriate attire, signaling a profound theological truth about the necessary spiritual condition for entry into the Kingdom of Heaven, beyond mere presence or initial invitation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of parables Jesus delivers in [Matthew 21](/matthew/21 "Matthew Chapter 21") and [Matthew 22](/matthew/22 "Matthew Chapter 22"), directly confronting the Jewish religious leaders who questioned His authority. Following the parables of the Two Sons ([Matthew 21:28-32](/matthew/21-28-32 "The Parable of the Two Sons")) and the Wicked Tenants ([Matthew 21:33-46](/matthew/21-33-46 "The Parable of the Wicked Tenants")), the Parable of the Wedding Feast ([Matthew 22:1-14](/matthew/22-1-14 "The Parable of the Wedding Feast")) serves as a climactic indictment of Israel's rejection of God's invitation through His prophets and ultimately, His Son. [Matthew 22:11](/matthew/22-11 "Matthew 22:11 - The Man Without a Wedding Garment") specifically follows the King's servants gathering "both bad and good" from the highways to fill the wedding hall ([Matthew 22:10](/matthew/22-10 "Matthew 22:10 - Guests Gathered from the Highways")), setting the stage for the King's inspection and the subsequent judgment. It transitions the narrative from the broad invitation to the individual's accountability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern and Roman cultures, particularly for royal or significant feasts, it was customary for the host to provide appropriate garments for guests, especially those of humble means or those invited spontaneously from the streets. This provision ensured that all guests could participate in the celebration with dignity and unity, reflecting the host's generosity and the importance of the occasion. To refuse or fail to wear the provided garment would be a grave insult to the host, signifying disrespect for the event and the King himself. The parable's audience, familiar with such customs, would immediately grasp the severity of the man's offense, understanding it as a deliberate act of defiance or profound disregard rather than an oversight due to poverty.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 22:11](/matthew/22-11 "Matthew 22:11 - The Man Without a Wedding Garment") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Scrutiny and Judgment**, emphasizing that while God's invitation to His Kingdom is broad and gracious, it is not without conditions for entry. The King's inspection highlights God's discerning eye over those who claim to be part of His covenant community. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the **Requirement for Righteousness** to enter God's Kingdom; the "wedding garment" symbolizes the necessary spiritual attire, which is not self-made but divinely provided. This theme is echoed in other parables, such as the [Parable of the Ten Virgins](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Ten Virgins"), which stresses preparedness. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Nature of the Kingdom of Heaven**, revealing it as a realm of holy fellowship that demands a transformed life, not merely a superficial association or intellectual assent.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Basileús (Greek, _basileús'_):** This word refers to a "king," a sovereign ruler. In the context of the parable, the "king" unequivocally represents God the Father. His actions—sending invitations, preparing a feast, and inspecting guests—underscore His absolute authority, divine initiative in salvation, and ultimate role as judge over His creation. The King's coming "in to see the guests" signifies a moment of divine assessment, where outward appearance or mere presence is weighed against true spiritual condition.
* **Eídō (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb means "to see," often implying a perceptive or knowing gaze. While other Greek words for "seeing" might denote a casual glance, _eídō_ here suggests a deliberate, discerning observation by the King. It's not just that the King *noticed* the man, but that He *perceived* his lack of the appropriate garment, implying a full understanding of its significance and the man's culpability. This "seeing" leads directly to the King's judgment, highlighting God's omniscience and His ability to discern the heart.
* **Gámos (Greek, _gámos'_):** Meaning "nuptials" or "wedding," this word sets the celebratory context of the feast. The "wedding" signifies a joyous union, particularly in biblical theology, the union between Christ and His church. The feast is not just any meal; it is a sacred, covenantal celebration, emphasizing the profound joy and intimate fellowship awaiting those who are properly prepared for God's Kingdom.
* **Éndyma (Greek, _éndyma'_):** This term refers to "apparel" or "garment," specifically an outer robe. When combined with _gámos_ to form "wedding garment," it becomes a potent symbol. In the cultural context, such a garment would likely have been provided by the host. Its absence, therefore, is not a matter of poverty but a deliberate rejection of the host's provision, an act of disrespect that makes the man unfit for the sacred celebration. The "wedding garment" thus symbolizes the righteousness provided by God, necessary for entry into His Kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the king came in to see the guests":** This clause initiates the crucial moment of divine inspection. The King's entrance signifies the arrival of a time of accountability, where those who have accepted the invitation are now subject to a thorough examination. This is not a casual visit but a purposeful assessment of the assembled company, highlighting God's active involvement in discerning the true spiritual state of His people.
* **"he saw there a man":** This simple observation carries immense weight. Out of the multitude of guests, the King's discerning eye immediately identifies a specific individual. This emphasizes the personal nature of God's scrutiny; salvation is individual, and so is accountability. The man's presence among the guests indicates he accepted the initial invitation, yet his subsequent condition reveals a deeper issue.
* **"which had not on a wedding garment":** This is the core revelation of the verse and the man's fatal flaw. The absence of the "wedding garment" is not a minor detail but a profound spiritual deficiency. In a context where such garments were likely provided by the host, its lack signifies a deliberate refusal to comply with the King's expectations, an act of rebellion, or a profound misunderstanding of the gravity and sanctity of the occasion. It symbolizes a lack of the righteousness, whether imputed or practical, that is essential for fellowship with God in His Kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Matthew 22:11](/matthew/22-11 "Matthew 22:11 - The Man Without a Wedding Garment") and the broader parable is **Symbolism**. The "king" symbolizes God the Father, the "wedding feast" symbolizes the Kingdom of Heaven and the blessings of salvation, and the "guests" symbolizes those invited into God's covenant community. Most critically, the "wedding garment" symbolizes the righteousness required for entry into God's presence. This righteousness is understood by many as the imputed righteousness of Christ, freely offered by God's grace, and/or the practical righteousness that flows from a transformed life, made possible by the Holy Spirit. The absence of this garment is a powerful symbol of spiritual unreadiness or an unwillingness to accept God's provision. The entire narrative functions as an **Allegory**, where the characters and events directly correspond to spiritual realities, conveying profound theological truths about salvation, judgment, and the nature of true faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 22:11 profoundly connects to the theological understanding of salvation as both a gracious invitation and a call to a transformed life. While God's grace extends an open invitation to all, as seen in the gathering of "both bad and good," this verse clarifies that mere acceptance of the invitation is insufficient. There is a divine expectation of spiritual preparedness, symbolized by the wedding garment. This garment represents the righteousness necessary to stand in God's presence, which is not earned by human effort but is a divine provision, freely offered to those who respond in faith and humility. To reject this provision, whether through pride, indifference, or a desire to enter on one's own terms, is to refuse the very means by which one can truly belong to the Kingdom. This highlights the tension between God's sovereign grace and human responsibility, emphasizing that genuine faith results in a life clothed in Christ's righteousness and characterized by obedience.

* [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")
* [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Garments of Salvation and Robe of Righteousness")
* [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Righteousness from God by Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 22:11 serves as a profound and sobering reminder that genuine faith involves more than just outward association with the Christian community or intellectual assent to theological truths. It challenges us to look beyond superficial adherence and to examine the true state of our hearts and lives. Are we merely "guests" who have shown up, or have we truly embraced the King's provision for our spiritual attire? This verse calls for a deep introspection: have we truly repented of our sins and clothed ourselves in the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ? Are we living lives that reflect the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, or are we attempting to enter God's presence on our own terms, in our own "garments" of self-righteousness or indifference? The parable warns against a casual approach to salvation and the Kingdom, urging us to ensure that our spiritual condition aligns with God's holy standards, not by our own merit, but by humbly receiving and living out His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the "wedding garment" symbolize in your own spiritual journey? Is it something you have consciously "put on"?**
* **How does the King's inspection challenge your understanding of what it means to be a true follower of Christ, beyond mere church attendance or religious activity?**
* **In what ways might we, like the man without the garment, be subtly resisting God's provision for our righteousness or holiness?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure you are "clothed" in the righteousness God provides, living a life that honors His invitation?**

### FAQ
**What does the wedding garment symbolize?**

Answer: The "wedding garment" in [Matthew 22:11](/matthew/22-11 "Matthew 22:11 - The Man Without a Wedding Garment") is widely interpreted as symbolizing the righteousness required to enter God's Kingdom. Theologically, it represents two primary aspects: first, the imputed righteousness of Christ, which is freely given to believers through faith and covers their sin, making them acceptable before God ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness from God by Faith")). Second, it can also represent the practical righteousness and holiness that result from genuine conversion and a life lived in submission to God's will, empowered by the Holy Spirit ([Romans 13:14](/romans/13-14 "Romans 13:14 - Put on the Lord Jesus Christ")). Since it was customary for the host to provide such garments, its absence signifies a deliberate rejection of the King's provision and a profound disrespect for the sacredness of the event.

**Was the man's punishment fair?**

Answer: From a human perspective, the punishment described in [Matthew 22:13](/matthew/22-13 "Matthew 22:13 - The Fate of the Unclothed Guest") seems harsh. However, within the parabolic context, the man's refusal to wear the provided wedding garment was a grave insult to the King and a deliberate act of defiance. It wasn't an oversight due to poverty, but a rejection of the King's grace and provision. The parable is an allegory for God's judgment. The man represents those who hear God's invitation to salvation but refuse to accept the terms of entry—namely, the righteousness God provides through Christ. His expulsion into "outer darkness" symbolizes eternal separation from God, a just consequence for those who willfully reject God's gracious provision and persist in their own unrighteousness.

**Does this parable mean salvation isn't free?**

Answer: This parable does not negate the freeness of salvation, but rather clarifies its nature. The invitation to the feast is indeed free and extended to "both bad and good" ([Matthew 22:10](/matthew/22-10 "Matthew 22:10 - Guests Gathered from the Highways")), symbolizing God's universal call to salvation, offered by grace. However, the wedding garment signifies that while the invitation is free, there is a required response: humble acceptance of God's provision for righteousness. It's not about earning salvation through works, but about receiving the "garment" (Christ's righteousness and a transformed life) that God freely offers. To refuse this garment is to reject the very means by which one can truly participate in the Kingdom, demonstrating a lack of true faith or commitment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 22:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the "wedding garment" required for entry into God's eternal Kingdom. The man without the garment represents humanity's inherent inability to provide its own righteousness to stand before a holy God. Every human attempt to achieve righteousness through works, lineage, or self-effort is but a "filthy garment" ([Isaiah 64:6](/isaiah/64-6 "Isaiah 64:6 - All Our Righteousness as Filthy Rags")) in God's sight. Christ, however, perfectly fulfilled all righteousness through His sinless life and atoning death, becoming "our righteousness" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). Through faith in Him, believers are "clothed with Christ" ([Galatians 3:27](/galatians/3-27 "Galatians 3:27 - Clothed with Christ in Baptism")), having His perfect righteousness imputed to them ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). The wedding feast itself points to the "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where the bride, the Church, is "granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." This fine linen is not earned but is a gift, made possible by Christ's sacrifice and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live lives of practical righteousness that flow from their union with Him. Thus, the "wedding garment" is ultimately Christ Himself and the new life He provides, making us acceptable and eternally welcomed into God's presence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 3:4

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

Revelation 3:5

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Revelation 19:8

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:13

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Colossians 3:10

And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.