Matthew 22:14

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

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

for many are invited, but few are chosen."

For many are called, but few are chosen.”

For many are called, but few chosen.

Matthew 22:14 (KJV) states, "For many are called, but few [are] chosen." This profound summary verse concludes the Parable of the Wedding Feast, delivered by Jesus.

Context

This verse serves as the concluding moral of the Parable of the Wedding Feast found in Matthew 22:1-14. In the parable, a king prepares a great feast for his son's wedding. The initially invited guests (representing Israel, particularly the religious leaders of Jesus' day) refuse the invitation and even mistreat the king's servants. Angered, the king sends his servants to the highways to invite anyone they find, both good and bad, filling the wedding hall. However, one guest is found without a proper wedding garment and is cast out into darkness. The parable illustrates God's gracious invitation to salvation and the Kingdom of Heaven, the rejection by some, the broader extension of the invitation to all, and the necessity of a genuine, righteous response.

Key Themes

  • The Divine Invitation: The word "called" (Greek: klētoi) signifies a widespread, general invitation extended by God to humanity. This call to salvation and relationship with Him is universal, encompassing all who hear the Gospel message. It echoes God's desire that all people might be saved.
  • Human Response and Responsibility: While the invitation is broad, not everyone who hears it responds with true faith and commitment. The parable highlights that mere presence at the feast is not enough; a proper "wedding garment" is required, symbolizing the righteousness, repentance, and faith that God requires for entry into His Kingdom.
  • Sovereignty and Election: The term "chosen" (Greek: eklektoi) points to God's sovereign selection. It refers to those who not only hear the call but are also genuinely converted and embraced by God. This selection is not arbitrary but is often understood in light of God's foreknowledge and His perfect plan for those who truly belong to Him, as discussed in passages like Romans 8:29-30.
  • The Narrow Way: This verse resonates with other teachings of Jesus, such as the concept of the narrow gate found in Matthew 7:13-14, where He states that "strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." It underscores that genuine discipleship and salvation are not superficial.

Linguistic Insights

The distinction between "called" (klētoi) and "chosen" (eklektoi) is crucial. "Called" refers to the outward proclamation or invitation, while "chosen" refers to the inward, effective grace that leads to salvation and true belonging. Many hear the Gospel (the call), but only those who respond in genuine faith and are transformed by God's Spirit are truly His chosen ones.

Practical Application

Matthew 22:14 challenges listeners to examine their own response to God's invitation. It's a call to move beyond a superficial acknowledgment of faith to a deep, transformative relationship with Christ. This verse reminds us:

  • The Gospel invitation is open to all, yet it demands a sincere and active response.
  • True faith is evidenced by a changed life, symbolized by the "wedding garment" of righteousness that Christ provides and enables us to wear.
  • Salvation is not just about being present in the church or knowing about God, but about being genuinely chosen by Him through faith and obedience. Are you merely "called," or are you truly "chosen"?
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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