Matthew 22:2

KJV

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

KJV (with Strong's)

The kingdom {G932} of heaven {G3772} is like {G3666} unto a certain {G444} king {G935}, which {G3748} made {G4160} a marriage {G1062} for his {G846} son {G5207},

Complete Jewish Bible

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding feast for his son,

Berean Standard Bible

“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.

American Standard Version

The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a certain king, who made a marriage feast for his son,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 22:2 introduces Jesus' profound Parable of the Wedding Feast, illustrating the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. It portrays God as a king who prepares a grand marriage celebration for his son, symbolizing the divine invitation extended to humanity to participate in God's ultimate plan of salvation and communion through Christ. This opening verse sets the stage for a narrative that reveals both the graciousness of God's offer and the gravity of its rejection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This parable is strategically placed within a series of parables Jesus delivers in the temple courts of Jerusalem, immediately following intense confrontations with the chief priests and elders. It directly succeeds the [Parable of the Two Sons](/matthew/21-28 "Matthew 21:28-32 - The Parable of the Two Sons") and the [Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers](/matthew/21-33 "Matthew 21:33-46 - The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers"), both of which served as direct indictments against the Jewish leadership for their rejection of God's prophets and, ultimately, His Son. Matthew 22:2 thus functions as a continuation of Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of God, using a familiar cultural event—a royal wedding—to convey profound spiritual truths about God's invitation, the rejection by those initially invited, and the subsequent broadening of the invitation to others. The subsequent verses of the parable, particularly [Matthew 22:11-14](/matthew/22-11-14 "Matthew 22:11-14 - The Wedding Garment"), further elaborate on the necessary response to this divine invitation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Royal weddings in the ancient Near East were events of immense social and political significance, often lasting for several days and involving elaborate feasts. Invitations were typically extended in two stages: an initial announcement of the upcoming event, and then a second, urgent summons when the preparations were complete and the feast was ready. To refuse a royal invitation, especially a second summons, was not merely an inconvenience but a profound act of disrespect and defiance, potentially carrying severe consequences. The imagery of a "feast" or "banquet" also carried deep resonance within Jewish tradition, frequently symbolizing God's eschatological blessings and the joyous communion of His people in the age to come, as seen in prophetic texts like [Isaiah 25:6-8](/isaiah/25-6-8 "Isaiah 25:6-8 - The Lord's Feast on Mount Zion").
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 22:2 introduces several foundational themes that permeate the chapter and the broader Gospel. Firstly, the overarching theme of the **Kingdom of Heaven** (or Kingdom of God) is central, frequently expounded by Jesus through parables, as seen in [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - Parables of the Kingdom"). Here, it is likened to a joyous, celebratory event, emphasizing its blessed and abundant nature rather than a mere set of rules. Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Sovereign Invitation**, portraying God the Father ("a certain king") initiating a grand event for His Son. This underscores God's proactive love and initiative in extending salvation and fellowship to humanity. Finally, the imagery of the "marriage for his son" foreshadows the **Messianic Banquet** and the ultimate union of Christ with His people, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") in the book of Revelation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** From G932, properly royalty, i.e., rule, or concretely, a realm. In this context, "the kingdom of heaven" refers to God's sovereign rule and reign, both present and future, and the sphere in which His divine will is perfectly executed. Matthew's use of "heaven" (ouranós) instead of "God" (theós) is a common Jewish circumlocution to show reverence for the divine name.
* **is like (Greek, _homoióō'_):** From G3666, meaning to assimilate, compare, or become similar. This verb signals that Jesus is speaking in a parable, drawing a comparison between a familiar earthly scenario and the spiritual realities of God's kingdom. It indicates that the earthly story serves as an analogy, not a literal description, inviting listeners to discern deeper truths.
* **marriage (Greek, _gámos'_):** From G1062, referring to nuptials or a wedding. The plural form (gamous) in Greek emphasizes the scale and duration of the celebration, typical of royal weddings which were grand, multi-day affairs. Symbolically, it points to the ultimate union and celebratory feast between God and His people, realized through the Son.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The kingdom of heaven is like unto":** This opening phrase, characteristic of Jesus' parables, immediately signals that what follows is an analogy designed to illuminate the nature and dynamics of God's sovereign rule. It invites the listener to consider how an earthly scenario can reveal profound spiritual truths about God's active reign in the world and in human lives.
* **"a certain king":** This figure unequivocally represents God the Father. The king's absolute authority, immense wealth, and benevolent initiative in preparing such a significant event underscore God's supreme sovereignty, His boundless generosity, and His proactive desire to invite humanity into fellowship with Him.
* **"which made a marriage for his son":** This is the central image of the verse, symbolizing the ultimate redemptive plan of God. The "son" clearly points to Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The "marriage" or "wedding feast" signifies the joyous, climactic event of salvation and communion that God has prepared through His Son. It speaks to the covenantal relationship God desires with humanity, culminating in a celebration of unparalleled joy and abundance.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Matthew 22:2 is **Simile**, explicitly stated by the phrase "The kingdom of heaven is like unto." This introduces the entire passage as a **Parable**, a narrative designed to teach a moral or spiritual lesson. Within this parable, profound **Symbolism** is at play: the "king" symbolizes God the Father, the "son" symbolizes Jesus Christ, and the "marriage feast" symbolizes the joyous, ultimate celebration of salvation and communion between God and His people, often referred to as the Messianic banquet. The act of "making" (poiéō) the marriage highlights God's active, intentional, and sovereign preparation of this divine plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 22:2 establishes the foundational truth that God, in His sovereign grace, initiates the grand plan of salvation and invites humanity to partake in it through His Son. The imagery of a royal wedding feast underscores the joy, abundance, and ultimate communion that characterize the Kingdom of Heaven. It highlights God's proactive love, His desire for fellowship, and the central role of Christ in bringing this divine purpose to fruition. This verse sets the stage for understanding the nature of God's invitation, the privilege of being called, and the profound significance of our response to His gracious offer.

* [Isaiah 25:6-8](/isaiah/25-6-8 "Isaiah 25:6-8 - The Lord's Feast on Mount Zion")
* [Luke 14:16-24](/luke/14-16-24 "Luke 14:16-24 - The Parable of the Great Banquet")
* [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 22:2 serves as a profound reminder of the immense privilege we have in being invited into God's Kingdom. The "king" initiates the event, demonstrating God's proactive, unconditional love and His desire for deep relationship with humanity. This is not a kingdom we earn, but a joyous feast we are invited to attend, a gift freely offered. Our primary response should be one of humble gratitude and eager acceptance, recognizing the unparalleled honor of being called to such a divine celebration. This verse challenges us to consider the value we place on God's invitation and whether our lives reflect a joyful anticipation of His eternal reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of a "royal wedding feast" shape your understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven?**
* **In what ways does this verse highlight God's initiative in salvation, and how does that impact your view of His love?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to be "invited" to the marriage feast of the King's Son?**

### FAQ
**What is the "kingdom of heaven" that Jesus refers to?**

Answer: The "kingdom of heaven" (or "kingdom of God" in other Gospels) refers to God's sovereign rule and reign. It is both a present reality, experienced by those who submit to God's will and authority, and a future consummation, when God's perfect rule will be fully established on earth. Jesus' parables often explain the characteristics, demands, and unfolding of this spiritual kingdom.

**Who are the "king" and "his son" in this parable?**

Answer: In this parable, the "king" clearly represents God the Father, the ultimate sovereign and initiator of all divine plans. "His son" unequivocally refers to Jesus Christ, the Messiah, through whom God's redemptive plan is fulfilled and His ultimate communion with humanity is established. The entire narrative revolves around the central role of the Son in God's eternal purpose.

**Why is the Kingdom of Heaven likened to a "marriage"?**

Answer: The "marriage" or "wedding feast" is a powerful symbol of joy, celebration, covenant, and intimate union. In biblical prophecy, a marriage often symbolizes the relationship between God and His people (e.g., [Isaiah 62:4-5](/isaiah/62-4-5 "Isaiah 62:4-5 - God's Delight in Zion")). By likening the Kingdom of Heaven to a royal wedding for His Son, Jesus emphasizes the blessed, abundant, and ultimately celebratory nature of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the joyous union between Christ and His Church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 22:2, with its depiction of a king making a marriage for his son, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Son" is none other than Jesus Himself, the beloved Son of God, for whom the ultimate "marriage feast" is prepared. This feast symbolizes the new covenant established through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, inviting all humanity into a saving relationship with God. Jesus, as the bridegroom (e.g., [John 3:29](/john/3-29 "John 3:29 - John the Baptist on the Bridegroom")), comes to unite Himself with His bride, the Church, purchased by His own blood (cf. [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church")). The ultimate consummation of this divine marriage will be celebrated at the [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") in eternity, where Christ and His redeemed people will share in eternal joy and fellowship, fulfilling the ancient prophetic visions of God's joyous banquet with His people (e.g., [Isaiah 25:6](/isaiah/25-6 "Isaiah 25:6 - The Lord's Feast")). Thus, this parable's opening verse not only foreshadows God's gracious invitation but also points directly to Jesus as the central figure through whom this glorious, eternal union is made possible.

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 13:24

¶ Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

Revelation 19:7

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

Revelation 19:9

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Ephesians 5:24

Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing.

Ephesians 5:32

This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

2 Corinthians 11:2

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ.

Luke 14:16

Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: