Matthew 22:3

And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

And {G2532} sent forth {G649} his {G846} servants {G1401} to call {G2564} them that were bidden {G2564} to {G1519} the wedding {G1062}: and {G2532} they would {G2309} not {G3756} come {G2064}.

but when he sent his slaves to summon the invited guests to the wedding, they refused to come.

He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come.

and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast: and they would not come.

Commentary

Matthew 22:3 (KJV): "‹And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.›"

Context

This verse is part of the Parable of the Wedding Feast, spoken by Jesus in the temple courts in Jerusalem. It follows other parables illustrating the rejection of God's message and messengers by the religious leaders and the nation of Israel (see Matthew 21:28-46). The parable depicts a king preparing a marriage feast for his son, symbolizing God's gracious invitation to humanity to partake in the blessings of His kingdom through Jesus Christ. This initial call is specifically directed towards those who were 'bidden' or invited first, representing the Jewish people.

Key Themes

  • The Divine Invitation: The verse highlights the initiative of the king (God) in sending out the invitation to a significant event – the wedding feast of his son (the coming of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom). This underscores God's desire for people to enter into fellowship and celebration with Him.
  • The Role of Servants: The 'servants' represent the messengers God has sent throughout history to deliver His message and extend His invitation. This includes the prophets, John the Baptist, Jesus himself, and later, the apostles and all who preach the gospel.
  • Willful Rejection: The core message of this verse is the response of the invited guests: "they would not come." This is not presented as an inability but as a deliberate choice, a refusal to accept the honor and joy offered by the king. It speaks to the historical and ongoing human tendency to reject God's gracious call.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version uses the phrase "them that were bidden," which translates the Greek word keklēmenous (κεκλημένους), meaning 'the ones who had been called' or 'invited'. The phrase "they would not come" comes from the Greek ouk ēthelon elthein (οὐκ ἤθελον ἐλθεῖν). The verb ēthelon emphasizes their unwillingness or refusal, indicating a conscious decision rather than a simple failure to arrive.

Related Scriptures

  • A similar parable is found in Luke 14:16-24, which also speaks of an invitation to a great feast and subsequent rejections.
  • The idea of God sending His servants (prophets) to a rebellious people is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, for example, in 2 Chronicles 36:15-16.
  • Jesus later laments Jerusalem's rejection of His repeated calls in Matthew 23:37.

Reflection & Application

Matthew 22:3 serves as a powerful illustration of the initial response to God's invitation to the kingdom. It highlights the tragic reality that even when God graciously extends the highest honor – participation in His Son's feast – it can be met with indifference or outright refusal. For us today, this verse is a reminder of the preciousness of the gospel invitation and the solemnity of our response. It challenges us to not take God's call lightly, but to eagerly and joyfully accept the place prepared for us at His table.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 22:17

    And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

  • Luke 14:15

    ¶ And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed [is] he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.

  • Luke 14:17

    And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

  • John 5:40

    And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

  • Romans 10:21

    But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

  • 1 Samuel 9:13

    As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; [and] afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.

  • Matthew 23:37

    O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!
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