Matthew 22:13

KJV

Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast [him] into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} said {G2036} the king {G935} to the servants {G1249}, Bind {G1210} him {G846} hand {G5495} and {G2532} foot {G4228}, and take {G142} him {G846} away {G142}, and {G2532} cast {G1544} him into {G1519} outer {G1857} darkness {G4655}; there {G1563} shall be {G2071} weeping {G2805} and {G2532} gnashing {G1030} of teeth {G3599}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the king said to the servants, `Bind him hand and foot, and throw him outside in the dark!' In that place people will wail and grind their teeth,

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king told the servants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

American Standard Version

Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 22:13 concludes Jesus's Parable of the Wedding Feast, delivering a stark and sobering message about divine judgment and the necessity of spiritual readiness for entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. It vividly portrays the king's decisive command to cast out a guest found without a proper wedding garment, describing the severe consequences of exclusion as a place of profound anguish and despair, characterized by "outer darkness" and "weeping and gnashing of teeth." This verse serves as a powerful warning against presumption and highlights the critical importance of responding to God's gracious invitation with genuine faith and appropriate spiritual preparation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic conclusion to the [Parable of the Wedding Feast](/matthew/22-1-14 "Matthew 22:1-14 - The Parable of the Wedding Feast"), which Jesus narrates immediately after the [Parable of the Wicked Tenants](/matthew/21-33-46 "Matthew 21:33-46 - The Parable of the Wicked Tenants"). Both parables are directed primarily at the Jewish religious leaders who had rejected Jesus's authority and message. The Wedding Feast parable begins with a king preparing a grand celebration for his son's marriage, inviting many guests who then scornfully refuse, even killing his servants. In response, the king destroys those murderers and sends his servants into the highways to invite anyone they find, good or bad, to fill the hall. The narrative then shifts in [Matthew 22:11](/matthew/22-11 "Matthew 22:11 - The Unprepared Guest") to a specific guest who lacks a wedding garment, leading directly to the king's stern pronouncement in [Matthew 22:13](/matthew/22-13 "Matthew 22:13 - The Judgment of the Unprepared Guest") and the concluding proverb in [Matthew 22:14](/matthew/22-14 "Matthew 22:14 - Many are Called, Few are Chosen"). The immediate context emphasizes the king's absolute authority, the seriousness of the invitation, and the consequences of an improper response.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Wedding feasts in ancient Jewish culture were significant social events, often lasting for days. It was customary for the host, especially a king, to provide appropriate attire for guests, particularly if they were gathered from the streets and might not possess suitable clothing. Refusing to wear the provided garment would be a profound act of disrespect and an insult to the host and the occasion. "Outer darkness" was a common Jewish idiom for a place of extreme misery and separation, often associated with the fate of the unrighteous. The phrase "weeping and gnashing of teeth" was a vivid expression of intense suffering, regret, and despair, frequently used by Jesus to describe the torment of those excluded from God's Kingdom (e.g., [Matthew 8:12](/matthew/8-12 "Matthew 8:12 - Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth"), [Matthew 13:42](/matthew/13-42 "Matthew 13:42 - The Furnace of Fire"), [Matthew 24:51](/matthew/24-51 "Matthew 24:51 - The Unfaithful Servant")). This imagery would have resonated deeply with Jesus's audience, conveying the severity of eternal judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, highlighting that God's gracious invitation to salvation comes with conditions and responsibilities. While the invitation is broad, not all who respond superficially will be accepted in the end. Secondly, the "wedding garment" symbolizes **Spiritual Readiness and Righteousness**, emphasizing that entry into God's Kingdom requires a transformation or a covering provided by God, not merely physical presence or a casual acceptance. This righteousness is often understood as the righteousness of Christ, imputed through faith, or a life transformed by the Holy Spirit, reflecting genuine obedience and reverence. Thirdly, the vivid imagery of "outer darkness" and "weeping and gnashing of teeth" powerfully conveys the theme of **Exclusion from God's Presence** and the profound, eternal anguish of those who are separated from Him, reinforcing the urgency of a proper response to the Gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **servants (Greek, _diákonos'_):** From G1249, meaning "an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess)." In this context, the "servants" are the king's agents, carrying out his commands, first inviting guests and then executing judgment. This term highlights their role as instruments of the king's will, underscoring the king's ultimate authority.
* **cast (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** From G1544, meaning "to eject (literally or figuratively):--bring forth, cast (forth, out), drive (out), expel, leave, pluck (pull, take, thrust) out, put forth (out), send away (forth, out)." This verb is strong and decisive, emphasizing a forceful and irreversible expulsion. It conveys the absolute nature of the king's command and the finality of the judgment, signifying a complete and permanent removal from the feast's joy and light.
* **weeping (Greek, _klauthmós'_):** From G2805, meaning "lamentation:--wailing, weeping, X wept."
* **gnashing (Greek, _brygmós'_):** From G1030, meaning "a grating (of the teeth)."
* **teeth (Greek, _odoús'_):** From G3599, meaning "a 'tooth'."
Combined, "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (G2805 and G1030 of G3599) is a powerful idiom used frequently by Jesus to describe the intense, agonizing distress of those in eternal torment. "Weeping" signifies profound sorrow, regret, and lamentation, while "gnashing of teeth" conveys not only pain but also frustration, rage, and despair at one's irrevocably lost state. It paints a picture of extreme, unmitigated suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said the king to the servants":** This phrase marks a decisive turning point in the parable, signaling the king's direct and authoritative pronouncement of judgment. It highlights the king's absolute power and the immediate execution of his will through his agents.
* **"Bind him hand and foot":** This command signifies the complete incapacitation and helplessness of the condemned guest. Being bound hand and foot renders one utterly powerless and unable to resist or escape, emphasizing the inescapable nature of the judgment and the complete loss of freedom.
* **"and take him away, and cast [him] into outer darkness":** This describes the physical removal and expulsion of the guest from the illuminated wedding hall into a place of complete obscurity. "Outer darkness" (Greek: _skotos to exōteron_) is a vivid metaphor for utter separation from the light, warmth, and fellowship of the king's presence and kingdom. It represents a state of complete spiritual and existential isolation.
* **"there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.":** This final clause describes the inevitable and perpetual state of those cast out. As analyzed above, it conveys intense, agonizing sorrow, regret, frustration, and despair. It is a recurring phrase in Jesus's teachings about eternal punishment, underscoring the profound and bitter anguish experienced by those who are eternally separated from God and His blessings.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 22:13 is rich in **Imagery** and **Symbolism**. The "outer darkness" is a powerful visual image, contrasting sharply with the light and joy of the wedding feast, symbolizing exclusion from God's presence and kingdom. The "weeping and gnashing of teeth" is a visceral auditory and kinesthetic image, conveying extreme physical and emotional anguish. This phrase functions as a **Metonymy** for the entire experience of eternal torment. The entire parable, including this verse, operates as an **Allegory**, where the king represents God, the wedding feast represents the Kingdom of Heaven, the invited guests represent Israel (specifically its leaders), and the wedding garment symbolizes the righteousness required for salvation. The severity of the king's judgment can also be seen as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute seriousness of God's judgment against those who reject His grace or fail to meet His conditions for entry into His eternal kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 22:13 profoundly underscores the themes of divine sovereignty, human accountability, and the seriousness of eternal judgment. It teaches that while God's invitation to salvation is gracious and extended widely, it demands a proper response—specifically, the "wedding garment" of righteousness. This is not a righteousness earned by human effort but a spiritual covering provided by God, often understood as the righteousness of Christ received through faith. Failure to possess this garment signifies a rejection of God's provision and a lack of genuine submission to His terms, leading to a terrifying and irreversible separation from His presence and the joys of His kingdom. The "outer darkness" and "weeping and gnashing of teeth" are consistent biblical motifs for hell or eternal condemnation, emphasizing the profound and agonizing despair of those who are eternally lost.

* [Matthew 8:12](/matthew/8-12 "Matthew 8:12 - The Sons of the Kingdom Cast Out")
* [Matthew 13:42](/matthew/13-42 "Matthew 13:42 - The Weeds Cast into the Furnace")
* [Matthew 25:30](/matthew/25-30 "Matthew 25:30 - The Unprofitable Servant Cast Out")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 22:13 serves as a profound call to introspection and spiritual diligence for every believer. It reminds us that merely being "in the church" or having a superficial association with Christianity is insufficient for eternal salvation. The critical question posed by the parable is not just "Am I invited?" but "Am I properly clothed?" The "wedding garment" symbolizes the righteousness of Christ, received by faith, and a life transformed by the Holy Spirit, demonstrating genuine repentance and obedience. This verse urges us to examine our hearts, ensuring that our faith is not merely intellectual assent but a living, active trust in Christ that manifests in a life of holiness and submission to God's will. It is a sobering reminder that eternal destiny is not to be trifled with, and genuine spiritual readiness is paramount for standing before the King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the "wedding garment" symbolize in your understanding, and how do you ensure you are "wearing" it?**
* **How does the imagery of "outer darkness" and "weeping and gnashing of teeth" impact your understanding of God's justice and the consequences of rejecting His grace?**
* **In what ways might we be "unprepared" or "unclothed" in our spiritual lives today, even if we consider ourselves followers of Christ?**
* **How does this parable motivate you to live a life of greater spiritual diligence and sincere faith?**

### FAQ

**What does the "wedding garment" symbolize in this parable?**
Answer: The "wedding garment" is widely interpreted as symbolic of the righteousness required to enter God's Kingdom. While some early interpretations suggested it represented good works or a transformed life, the predominant theological understanding, especially in light of the New Testament, is that it symbolizes the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to believers through faith. It is a divine provision, not something we earn. Just as the king likely provided the garments for his guests, God provides the spiritual covering necessary for salvation. To refuse to wear it signifies a rejection of God's gracious provision and His terms for entry. This aligns with passages like [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ") where Paul speaks of having a righteousness that comes from God by faith.

**Does "outer darkness" refer to hell?**
Answer: Yes, in the context of Jesus's parables, "outer darkness" is a powerful metaphorical description of hell or eternal condemnation. It contrasts sharply with the light, joy, and fellowship of the wedding feast (representing the Kingdom of Heaven). This phrase, along with "weeping and gnashing of teeth," is consistently used by Jesus to describe the state of those who are eternally separated from God and His blessings. It signifies complete spiritual isolation, despair, and torment, devoid of any light or comfort from God's presence. Other passages where Jesus uses similar imagery include [Matthew 8:12](/matthew/8-12 "Matthew 8:12 - The Sons of the Kingdom Cast Out") and [Matthew 25:30](/matthew/25-30 "Matthew 25:30 - The Unprofitable Servant Cast Out").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 22:13, though a stark warning, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "wedding garment" that the guest lacked, leading to his expulsion, is precisely what Christ provides for all who believe. In the Old Testament, righteousness was often symbolized by clean garments (e.g., [Zechariah 3:3-5](/zechariah/3-3-5 "Zechariah 3:3-5 - Joshua's Filthy Garments Removed")). The New Testament reveals that our own righteousness is like "filthy rags" ([Isaiah 64:6](/isaiah/64-6 "Isaiah 64:6 - Our Righteousness as Filthy Rags")), and true righteousness comes only through faith in Christ. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and through His atoning sacrifice, we are clothed with His perfect righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The "outer darkness" is the consequence of rejecting this divine provision, highlighting the absolute necessity of Christ's work for salvation. Those who accept His invitation and are clothed in His righteousness will participate in the ultimate [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), enjoying eternal fellowship and light, while those who refuse His garment will face the eternal consequences described in this verse, underscoring Christ as the sole means of escape from such a terrifying judgment.

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

Matthew 8:12

But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 25:30

And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 13:42

And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

2 Peter 2:4

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

2 Thessalonians 1:9

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Matthew 24:51

And shall cut him asunder, and appoint [him] his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

2 Peter 2:17

These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.