Matthew 22:11

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

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}:

"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,

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

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

Commentary

Matthew 22:11 is a pivotal verse within the Parable of the Wedding Feast, illustrating a crucial aspect of entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. Here, the king, representing God, inspects the guests who have been invited to his son's marriage feast.

Context

This verse occurs after the king has sent his servants to gather guests from the highways, both good and bad, to fill his feast hall (Matthew 22:10). The parable itself is a continuation of Jesus' teachings on the rejection of God's invitation by those initially called (often understood as Israel) and the subsequent opening of the invitation to all people, including Gentiles. The feast symbolizes the blessings and fellowship of the Kingdom, particularly salvation and eternal life.

Key Themes

  • God's Scrutiny and Judgment: The king's inspection highlights that mere presence at the feast is not enough; there is a divine examination of one's spiritual condition. This points to the concept of accountability before God for how one responds to His invitation.
  • The Requirement for Righteousness: The "wedding garment" symbolizes the necessary spiritual attire for partaking in the Kingdom. It emphasizes that while the invitation is free, there is a condition for entry that God provides.
  • Preparedness for the Kingdom: This verse underscores the importance of being ready and properly adorned for God's eternal banquet. It contrasts with the unpreparedness seen in other parables, such as the Parable of the Ten Virgins.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "wedding garment" is enduma gamou (ἔνδυμα γάμου), referring to a specific festive robe. In ancient Near Eastern culture, it was customary for a host of a royal wedding to provide suitable garments for guests, especially for those gathered from the streets who might not have appropriate attire. The absence of such a garment would imply a deliberate refusal to accept the host's provision, a sign of disrespect, or a lack of understanding of the event's significance.

Significance of the Wedding Garment

The "wedding garment" is widely interpreted as symbolizing the righteousness provided by God through faith in Christ. It represents:

  • Christ's Righteousness: It is often seen as the imputed righteousness of Christ, which covers believers, making them acceptable in God's sight (Philippians 3:9). This is a divine gift, not earned by human works.
  • A Changed Life and Holiness: It can also represent the practical righteousness and holiness that result from a genuine conversion and submission to God's will, a life lived in accordance with the Spirit (Romans 13:14). This reflects the transformation that occurs when one truly embraces the Kingdom.
  • God's Provision and Grace: Since it was likely provided by the king, it emphasizes that this righteousness is not something we earn but a gift freely offered by God to those who accept His invitation. To refuse it is to refuse His grace and provision for entry.

Practical Application

Matthew 22:11 serves as a profound reminder that while God's invitation to salvation is universal and gracious, there is a requirement for acceptance—a spiritual transformation or "garment" that signifies true belonging. It challenges us to examine our own spiritual state, ensuring we are not merely present in a religious sense but truly clothed in the righteousness that comes from God. This verse warns against a superficial faith and encourages genuine repentance and reliance on Christ for salvation and sanctification, lest we face the ultimate consequence described in Matthew 22:13.

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Cross-References

  • Revelation 3:4 (10 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • Colossians 3:11 (7 votes)

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