Matthew 22:14

KJV

For many are called, but few [are] chosen.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} many {G4183} are {G1526} called {G2822}, but {G1161} few {G3641} are chosen {G1588}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for many are invited, but few are chosen."

Berean Standard Bible

For many are called, but few are chosen.”

American Standard Version

For many are called, but few chosen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 22:14 serves as a profound summary statement concluding Jesus' Parable of the Wedding Feast, revealing a critical distinction in the Kingdom of Heaven: while God's gracious invitation to salvation is extended broadly to all humanity, only a select few respond with genuine faith and commitment, demonstrating the transformed life required for true entry into His eternal presence. This verse encapsulates the tension between the universal call of the Gospel and the specific, effective work of divine election, underscoring the necessity of a sincere and righteous response to God's overtures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the interpretive key to the preceding Parable of the Wedding Feast found in [Matthew 22:1-14](/matthew/22-1-14 "Matthew 22:1-14 - The Parable of the Wedding Feast"). This parable is strategically placed within a series of parables (including the [Parable of the Two Sons](/matthew/21-28-32 "Matthew 21:28-32 - The Parable of the Two Sons") and the [Parable of the Wicked Tenants](/matthew/21-33-46 "Matthew 21:33-46 - The Parable of the Wicked Tenants")) that Jesus delivers in Jerusalem during His final week, directly confronting the religious authorities who rejected His messianic claims. The parables collectively build a narrative of God's patient invitation, Israel's rejection, the subsequent extension of the invitation to the Gentiles, and the ultimate judgment upon those who refuse or respond improperly. Matthew 22:14 acts as the climactic moral, emphasizing that even among those who accept the broad invitation, a deeper, genuine transformation symbolized by the "wedding garment" is required for true inclusion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Wedding feasts in ancient Jewish culture were significant social and religious events, often lasting for days, symbolizing joy, covenant, and community. Invitations were typically extended in two stages: an initial general invitation, followed by a specific summons when the feast was ready. Refusal, especially by prominent guests, was a grave insult. The "wedding garment" was crucial; it was customary for hosts, especially wealthy ones like the king in the parable, to provide appropriate attire for guests, or at least for guests to ensure they were dressed suitably for such an esteemed occasion. The guest's lack of a garment therefore signifies either a deliberate act of disrespect or a profound lack of understanding of the host's expectations. Historically, the parable reflects God's repeated invitations to Israel through the prophets, their rejection of the Messiah, and the subsequent opening of the Kingdom to "anyone they found" ([Matthew 22:9](/matthew/22-9 "Matthew 22:9 - Go to the Highways")), including Gentiles. The burning of the city ([Matthew 22:7](/matthew/22-7 "Matthew 22:7 - The King's Wrath")) is often seen as a prophetic reference to the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, a direct consequence of Israel's rejection of God's Son.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several profound themes central to Jesus' teaching and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Universal Divine Invitation**, where God, in His boundless grace, extends the Gospel call to all people, desiring that [all might come to repentance and salvation](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God Desires All to Be Saved"). Secondly, it underscores **Human Responsibility and the Nature of True Faith**, emphasizing that a mere outward acceptance or presence is insufficient; a genuine, transformative response, symbolized by the "wedding garment" of righteousness and faith, is essential. This resonates with Jesus' teaching on the [narrow gate](/matthew/7-13-14 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow Gate"). Thirdly, the verse touches upon **Divine Sovereignty and Election**, affirming that while the call is broad, God's ultimate choice of those who truly belong to Him is a sovereign act, often understood in light of His foreknowledge and purpose, as seen in passages like [Romans 8:29-30](/romans/8-29-30 "Romans 8:29-30 - God's Foreknowledge and Predestination"). Finally, it warns of **Exclusion and Judgment**, reminding listeners that a superficial or unrighteous response to God's invitation will ultimately lead to being cast out, highlighting the seriousness of the Kingdom's demands.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **called (Greek, _klētós'_):** From G2822, this word means "invited, i.e. appointed, or (specially), a saint." In this context, it refers to the widespread, general invitation (the outward proclamation of the Gospel) extended to all who hear it. It signifies the initial summons from God to humanity to enter into His Kingdom and partake in the blessings of salvation. This call is broad and indiscriminate, reaching "many."
* **chosen (Greek, _eklektós'_):** From G1588, meaning "select; by implication, favorite." This term denotes those who are divinely selected or elected. It points to God's sovereign act of choosing, distinguishing those who not only hear the call but are also effectually drawn by God's Spirit, respond with genuine faith, and are transformed, thus becoming true members of His Kingdom. This is a narrower group than those merely "called."
* **many (Greek, _polýs'_):** From G4183, meaning "(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many." In this verse, "many" emphasizes the extensive, widespread nature of the invitation. The Gospel is proclaimed universally, and countless individuals are exposed to its message. This stands in stark contrast to the "few" who ultimately meet the criteria for true inclusion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For many are called":** This clause highlights the expansive and generous nature of God's invitation. The Gospel message, the good news of the Kingdom, is proclaimed widely, reaching a vast number of people. This "call" is an outward summons, an offer of grace that is freely extended to all who are within earshot of the divine invitation. It signifies the accessibility of God's grace and His desire for humanity to turn to Him.
* **"but few [are] chosen":** This contrasting clause introduces a critical distinction. While the call is broad, the number of those who are ultimately "chosen" is comparatively small. This "chosen" status refers to those who not only hear the call but also respond with genuine, transforming faith, aligning their lives with God's will and accepting the righteousness provided by Him (symbolized by the wedding garment). It speaks to God's sovereign election and the reality that true, saving faith is a work of God's Spirit in the heart, leading to a life of obedience and belonging.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in this verse is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**. Jesus deliberately juxtaposes "many" with "few" and "called" with "chosen" to highlight a profound spiritual truth. This stark contrast emphasizes the vast difference between the widespread proclamation of the Gospel and the limited number of those who genuinely embrace it and are effectively brought into God's Kingdom. The verse also functions as an **Aphorism** or **Proverbial Statement**, a concise, memorable saying that encapsulates a deep theological principle derived from the preceding parable. It serves as a concluding moral, distilling the complex narrative into a powerful, easily repeatable truth. Furthermore, the verse implicitly relies on **Symbolism** from the parable itself, where the "wedding feast" symbolizes the Kingdom of Heaven and the "wedding garment" represents the righteousness or genuine faith required for entry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 22:14 stands as a cornerstone verse in understanding the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in salvation. It teaches that God's grace is universally offered through the Gospel ("many are called"), demonstrating His benevolent desire for all to come to Him. Yet, it simultaneously affirms God's sovereign prerogative in election ("few are chosen"), indicating that true membership in His Kingdom is not merely a matter of hearing the invitation but of a genuine, Spirit-wrought transformation and a righteous response that God Himself enables and acknowledges. This verse challenges the notion of a superficial faith, insisting that true belonging requires more than outward association; it demands an inward change and a life lived in conformity to God's will, which is ultimately a gift of His grace.

* [Romans 8:28-30](/romans/8-28-30 "God's Purpose in Calling")
* [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "No One Can Come Unless the Father Draws Him")
* [Ephesians 1:4-5](/ephesians/1-4-5 "Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful statement from Jesus compels us to move beyond a casual understanding of our faith and to deeply examine the nature of our response to God's gracious invitation. It's not enough to simply be "called" in the sense of having heard the Gospel or being nominally associated with Christianity; the crucial question is whether we are among the "chosen" – those whose lives genuinely reflect a transformed heart and a true commitment to Christ. This involves not just intellectual assent but a radical reorientation of our lives, symbolized by the "wedding garment" of Christ's righteousness and the new life He enables. We are called to live out our faith authentically, pursuing holiness, repentance, and obedience, recognizing that true belonging to God's Kingdom is evidenced by a life surrendered to His Lordship. This verse serves as both a comfort, knowing God's sovereign hand is at work, and a profound challenge to ensure our faith is living, active, and genuine.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have I experienced God's "call" in my life, and how have I responded to it?**
* **What does the "wedding garment" symbolize for me personally, and how am I striving to "wear" it in my daily walk with Christ?**
* **Does my life demonstrate the kind of genuine faith and transformation that aligns with being "chosen" by God, or is my faith merely superficial?**
* **How does the tension between "many are called" and "few are chosen" motivate me to share the Gospel with others while also deepening my own commitment?**

### FAQ
**Does "chosen" mean God arbitrarily picks some and rejects others, making human choice irrelevant?**

Answer: The relationship between God's sovereignty ("chosen") and human responsibility ("called") is a profound theological tension, not a contradiction. While God's election is a mysterious and sovereign act, it is never presented in Scripture as arbitrary or negating human free will. Rather, God's choosing is often understood as His foreknowledge of those who will respond to His call, or His divine initiative in drawing individuals to Himself (e.g., [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - No One Can Come Unless the Father Draws Him")). The "call" is genuine and universal, requiring a free response. The "chosen" are those whose hearts are opened by God's grace to respond to that call in genuine faith. The parable itself implies responsibility for the guest without the garment, suggesting that while God chooses, there is a necessary, Spirit-enabled human response of faith and obedience. The emphasis is on the necessity of a right response, not on a fatalistic predetermination that bypasses human will.

**What is the practical difference between being "called" and being "chosen"?**

Answer: The distinction is crucial. Being "called" refers to the outward, general invitation of the Gospel. This call is extended to everyone who hears the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. It's an open invitation, like the king sending his servants to invite "everyone they found" ([Matthew 22:9](/matthew/22-9 "Matthew 22:9 - Go to the Highways")). Many people hear this call; they may attend church, read the Bible, or have a general awareness of Christian teachings. However, being "chosen" refers to a deeper, effective work of God's grace. It describes those who not only hear the call but are inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit, respond with genuine repentance and saving faith, and are truly brought into a relationship with God. They are the ones who put on the "wedding garment" of righteousness provided by Christ. The "called" are those invited; the "chosen" are those who truly belong to the Kingdom and demonstrate it through a transformed life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 22:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's universal "call" to humanity, for it is through Him that the invitation to the Kingdom is extended to "whosoever believes" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Jesus is also the "chosen" one of God, the Messiah uniquely selected and anointed by the Father to accomplish salvation ([Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - My Chosen One")). Furthermore, Christ Himself is the "wedding garment" that makes the "chosen" acceptable at the feast. We are not chosen based on our own merit or inherent righteousness, but by being clothed in His perfect righteousness through faith ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus provides the only way for sinful humanity to be reconciled to a holy God ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Thus, to be "chosen" is to be chosen *in Christ*, to be united with Him, and to receive the new life and righteousness that He alone provides, enabling us to truly participate in the eternal feast of God's Kingdom.

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

2 Peter 1:10

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

Luke 13:23

¶ Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

Luke 13:24

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Matthew 7:13

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Matthew 7:14

Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Revelation 17:14

¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.

Matthew 20:16

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.