Matthew 22:12

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Matthew 22:12 is a pivotal moment in the Parable of the Wedding Feast, illustrating the king's inspection of his guests and the consequences of unpreparedness.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of Heaven, found in Matthew 22:1-14. The parable describes a king who prepares a lavish wedding feast for his son. When the initial invited guests refuse to come, he sends his servants to invite anyone they find, "both bad and good" (Matthew 22:10). The scene in verse 12 occurs when the king enters the hall to behold his guests, symbolizing God's ultimate assessment of those who claim to be part of His kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Divine Expectation: While the invitation to God's kingdom is broad and inclusive, there is an expectation of a proper response and preparation. It's not enough to merely be present; one must be appropriately adorned.
  • The Wedding Garment: This garment symbolizes the righteousness required to enter God's presence. Many commentators understand it to represent the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to believers by faith, and the holy living that flows from a genuine relationship with Him (Revelation 19:8).
  • Judgment and Accountability: The king's question and the guest's speechlessness highlight a future divine judgment where individuals will be held accountable for their response to God's invitation and their spiritual condition.
  • Speechlessness: The guest's inability to answer signifies a complete lack of excuse. His negligence or defiance was undeniable, leading directly to his expulsion (Matthew 22:13).

Linguistic Insights

The term "Friend" (Greek: hetairos) used by the king is not a term of endearment here, but rather a formal or even ironic address. It implies a lack of genuine relationship or a sense of presumptuousness on the part of the guest, setting the stage for the stern question that follows. The "wedding garment" (Greek: endon gamou) would have been a customary expectation, possibly even provided by the host in that culture, making the guest's lack of one a deliberate affront or a sign of utter indifference to the significance of the occasion.

Practical Application

Matthew 22:12 serves as a powerful reminder that while God's grace extends an open invitation to salvation, this invitation is not to be taken lightly. True acceptance of God's kingdom requires more than just outward association; it demands an inner transformation and a spiritual "garment" of righteousness, which is found in Christ alone. This parable urges believers to examine their hearts and ensure they are truly prepared for the King's inspection, living lives that reflect their commitment to Him and His ways, not relying on their own merits or presumptions.

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Cross-References

  • Job 5:16 (5 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 2:9 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • Titus 3:11 (4 votes)

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