Matthew 22:12

KJV

And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Friend {G2083}, how {G4459} camest thou {G1525} in hither {G5602} not {G3361} having {G2192} a wedding {G1062} garment {G1742}? And {G1161} he was speechless {G5392}.

Complete Jewish Bible

`Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless.

Berean Standard Bible

‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But the man was speechless.

American Standard Version

and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 22:12 serves as the climactic moment in the Parable of the Wedding Feast, where the king inspects his guests and confronts an individual who lacks the proper attire. This verse powerfully illustrates the critical importance of spiritual preparedness and the profound consequences of presumption or indifference when responding to God's gracious invitation into His eternal kingdom, culminating in the guest's undeniable guilt and subsequent judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of parables in [Matthew 21-22](/matthew/21 "Matthew 21-22 - Parables of Judgment and Invitation") that Jesus delivers in Jerusalem during His final week, directly challenging the religious leaders of Israel. The Parable of the Wedding Feast ([Matthew 22:1-14](/matthew/22-1-14 "Matthew 22:1-14 - The Parable of the Wedding Feast")) immediately follows the Parable of the Wicked Tenants ([Matthew 21:33-46](/matthew/21-33-46 "Matthew 21:33-46 - The Parable of the Wicked Tenants")), both of which highlight Israel's rejection of God's messengers and the transfer of the kingdom invitation to others. Verse 12 marks the transition from the general invitation to the specific requirement for entry, setting the stage for the king's decisive judgment and the concluding statement in [Matthew 22:14](/matthew/22-14 "Matthew 22:14 - Many are called, but few are chosen").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Wedding feasts in ancient Near Eastern culture were highly significant social events, often lasting for several days. It was customary for the host, especially one of royal stature, to provide appropriate attire for guests, particularly those gathered from the streets, as described in [Matthew 22:9-10](/matthew/22-9-10 "Matthew 22:9-10 - The Open Invitation"). To appear without the expected "wedding garment" would not merely be an oversight but a deliberate act of disrespect or defiance towards the host and the occasion. Such an act would be seen as a profound insult, signifying a refusal to honor the king or acknowledge the solemnity and joy of the event.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and broader biblical theology. It underscores the **Divine Expectation** of a proper response to God's gracious invitation, emphasizing that while the call to the kingdom is broad and inclusive, it requires more than mere physical presence or outward association. The **Wedding Garment** itself becomes a central symbol, representing the righteousness required to stand in God's presence—a righteousness that is both imputed by Christ and evidenced by a transformed life. The king's inspection and the guest's silence highlight the theme of **Judgment and Accountability**, reminding us that there will be a future divine assessment where individuals will be held responsible for their spiritual condition and their response to God's offer of salvation. Finally, the guest's **Speechlessness** is a powerful motif, signifying a complete and utter lack of excuse for his negligence or defiance, leading directly to the severe consequence depicted in [Matthew 22:13](/matthew/22-13 "Matthew 22:13 - The Fate of the Unprepared Guest").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Friend (Greek, _hetaîros'_):** This term, while translated as "friend," is not necessarily one of endearment in this context. It is a formal or even ironic address, often used for a comrade or fellow, but without implying intimacy or true fellowship. Here, the king uses it to address someone who has entered his presence under false pretenses or without proper respect, highlighting the superficiality of the guest's presence and setting the stage for a stern inquiry rather than a warm greeting.
* **Garment (Greek, _éndyma'_):** This word refers to an outer robe or clothing. In the phrase "wedding garment" (gámos éndyma), it signifies the specific attire expected for such a sacred and joyous occasion. The absence of this particular garment is the critical issue, indicating a failure to meet the host's expectation, a deliberate affront, or a profound lack of understanding regarding the significance of the event and the honor due to the king. It is not merely any clothing, but the *appropriate* clothing.
* **Speechless (Greek, _phimóō'_):** Literally meaning "to muzzle" or "to silence," this term powerfully conveys the guest's utter inability to offer any defense or excuse. His silence is not merely a lack of words but a confession of undeniable guilt. He has no valid justification for his unpreparedness, signifying that his negligence or defiance was self-evident and indefensible before the king's scrutiny.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he saith unto him, Friend,"**: The king's direct confrontation of the individual, using a term that underscores the guest's presumptuousness or superficial connection to the celebration. This address immediately focuses attention on the specific individual and his unique failure amidst the multitude.
* **"how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?"**: This is the pivotal rhetorical question, exposing the guest's fatal flaw. It highlights the discrepancy between his presence at the feast and his lack of the required spiritual attire. The question implies that the guest had every opportunity to obtain the garment (which would likely have been provided by the host), making his absence of it inexcusable.
* **"And he was speechless."**: The guest's profound silence confirms his guilt and the undeniable nature of his transgression. He has no defense, no mitigating circumstances, and no valid reason for his unpreparedness. This silence signifies his complete accountability and the justness of the impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. The entire passage is a **Parable**, an allegorical narrative designed to convey profound spiritual truth through relatable earthly scenarios. The king's inquiry, "how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?", functions as a powerful **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit an answer but to underscore the obvious nature of the guest's transgression and his utter lack of excuse. The "wedding garment" itself is a profound **Symbolism**, representing the righteousness required to enter God's kingdom, whether understood as Christ's imputed righteousness, a life transformed by the Spirit, or a combination of both. Finally, there is a subtle **Irony** in the king's address of "Friend" (Greek, _hetaîros'_), as it is used for someone who is clearly not a true friend or loyal subject, highlighting the guest's superficiality and the king's ultimate rejection of his presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 22:12 profoundly illustrates the dual nature of God's kingdom: it is a realm of abundant grace and open invitation, yet also one of divine expectation and righteous judgment. The parable underscores that while salvation is freely offered to all, it necessitates a proper response—a spiritual transformation symbolized by the "wedding garment." This garment represents the righteousness required to stand in God's presence, which is ultimately the righteousness of Christ imputed to believers by faith, coupled with the sanctification that flows from a genuine relationship with Him. To enter the King's presence without this garment is to presume upon His grace, to disregard His holy standards, and to reveal a heart unprepared for eternal fellowship.

* [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation")
* [Revelation 19:8](/revelation/19-8 "Revelation 19:8 - Fine Linen of the Saints")
* [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 22:12 serves as a sobering and vital reminder for all who claim to be part of God's kingdom. It challenges us to move beyond mere outward association or intellectual assent to the gospel, urging us to examine the true condition of our hearts. The "wedding garment" symbolizes the spiritual attire necessary for eternal fellowship with God—a righteousness that is not self-generated but graciously provided through Christ. This parable compels us to ask if we are genuinely clothed in His righteousness, living lives that reflect our commitment to Him, or if we are presuming upon His grace without undergoing the necessary inner transformation. It calls for a humble reliance on Christ alone for our standing before God and a diligent pursuit of holiness that flows from that faith, ensuring we are truly prepared for the King's ultimate inspection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the "wedding garment" symbolize in my own spiritual journey? Am I relying on my own efforts or truly clothed in Christ's righteousness?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be "presuming" upon God's grace without genuine transformation or obedience?**
* **How does the guest's speechlessness challenge me to ensure I have a clear and confident answer for my faith when facing God's scrutiny?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "wedding garment" in this parable?**

Answer: The "wedding garment" is highly symbolic. It represents the righteousness required to enter God's kingdom and participate in the divine feast. While some interpretations suggest it refers to the righteous acts of believers, the predominant theological understanding is that it primarily symbolizes the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ, which is freely offered to those who believe in Him. It signifies a spiritual state of being made right with God, which is a gift received by faith, not earned by works. To be without this garment is to be spiritually unprepared and unacceptable in the King's presence, highlighting that salvation is not merely about being "called" but about being "clothed" appropriately by God's grace.

**Why was the guest speechless when confronted by the king?**

Answer: The guest's speechlessness (Greek, _phimóō_) is a powerful indication of his undeniable guilt and lack of any valid excuse. In the cultural context of the time, the host would often provide suitable attire for guests, especially for those invited from the streets. Therefore, the guest's lack of a wedding garment was not an oversight due to poverty or lack of opportunity, but a deliberate act of disrespect or profound indifference to the king's honor and the significance of the occasion. His silence signifies that his negligence was self-evident and indefensible, leaving him without any ground for appeal or justification before the righteous judgment of the king.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 22:12 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the very embodiment of the "wedding garment" necessary for entry into God's kingdom. The guest's fatal flaw—his lack of proper attire—underscores humanity's inherent inability to stand righteous before a holy God through our own merits. However, Jesus Christ provides the perfect solution: He is our righteousness ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Righteousness")), and through faith in Him, we are "clothed with Christ" ([Galatians 3:27](/galatians/3-27 "Galatians 3:27 - Clothed in Christ")). This divine garment is not earned but freely given to those who accept God's gracious invitation through His Son. The parable foreshadows the ultimate "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 arrayed in "fine linen, clean and white," which is explicitly stated to be "the righteous acts of the saints." These acts, however, are not self-generated but are the fruit of a life transformed by and lived in Christ, who alone makes us acceptable in the Father's sight ([Ephesians 1:6](/ephesians/1-6 "Ephesians 1:6 - Accepted in the Beloved")). Thus, the king's inspection in [Matthew 22:12](/matthew/22-12 "Matthew 22:12 - The Unprepared Guest") points forward to the final judgment where one's standing before God will be determined by whether they are found "in Christ," clothed in His perfect righteousness.

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

Job 5:16

So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.

1 Samuel 2:9

He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

Matthew 20:13

But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?

1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Acts 5:2

And kept back [part] of the price, his wife also being privy [to it], and brought a certain part, and laid [it] at the apostles' feet.

Acts 5:11

And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

Titus 3:11

Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.