Matthew 22:4

Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and [my] fatlings [are] killed, and all things [are] ready: come unto the marriage.

Again {G3825}, he sent forth {G649} other {G243} servants {G1401}, saying {G3004}, Tell {G2036} them which are bidden {G2564}, Behold {G2400}, I have prepared {G2090} my {G3450} dinner {G712}: my {G3450} oxen {G5022} and {G2532} my fatlings {G4619} are killed {G2380}, and {G2532} all things {G3956} are ready {G2092}: come {G1205} unto {G1519} the marriage {G1062}.

So he sent some more slaves, instructing them to tell the guests, `Look, I've prepared my banquet, I've slaughtered my bulls and my fattened cattle, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding!'

Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’

Again he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them that are bidden, Behold, I have made ready my dinner; my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come to the marriage feast.

Commentary

Context of Matthew 22:4

Matthew 22:4 is part of the Parable of the Marriage Feast (also known as the Wedding Banquet), one of several parables Jesus told in the temple courts shortly before His crucifixion. This parable, found in Matthew 22:1-14, immediately follows the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen (Matthew 21:33-46) and is directed primarily at the chief priests and elders who had rejected Jesus' authority and message. It illustrates God's persistent call to humanity to enter His kingdom of heaven, despite initial rejections.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Persistent Divine Invitation: The phrase "Again, he sent forth other servants" highlights God's unwavering patience and repeated attempts to invite people to His great feast. Even after the first invitation was spurned, the King (representing God) extends another, demonstrating His boundless grace and desire for fellowship.
  • Abundant Provision for Salvation: The king's declaration, "I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready," vividly portrays the complete and lavish provision God has made for humanity's salvation. This speaks to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, making all things ready for those who accept His invitation. The imagery of "oxen and fatlings" signifies a magnificent, costly banquet, emphasizing the immense value of what is offered.
  • Urgency and Readiness: The final command, "come unto the marriage," conveys a sense of urgency. The feast is prepared; the time for delay is past. It calls for an immediate and willing response to God's gracious invitation to enter into His joy and fellowship.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "dinner" here is ariston (ἄριστον), which typically refers to the morning meal or a midday meal, but in this context, it signifies a significant, prepared feast. The term "bidden" (κεκλημένους, keklemenous) refers to those who have been "called" or "invited," underscoring that the opportunity to partake is a privilege extended by the King. The phrase "all things are ready" (πάντα ἕτοιμα, panta hetoima) emphasizes the completeness of the preparation, leaving no excuse for delay on the part of the invited guests.

Practical Application and Reflection

Matthew 22:4 is a powerful reminder of God's incredible love and the completeness of His provision for our salvation. Just as the king meticulously prepared a lavish feast, God has fully prepared the way for us to enter into eternal life through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The "marriage" symbolizes the joyous union between Christ and His church, the ultimate celebration of God's redemptive plan. This verse challenges us to consider:

  • Are we truly responsive to God's persistent invitations in our lives?
  • Do we appreciate the immeasurable cost and completeness of what God has prepared for us through Christ?
  • Are we ready to "come unto the marriage" and embrace the life He offers, or are we making excuses like those in the broader parable (Matthew 22:5)?

This passage encourages believers to embrace the divine invitation and to share the good news of God's readiness with others, inviting them to the great spiritual feast that awaits.

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

  • Acts 13:46

    Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

  • Matthew 21:36

    Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.

  • Proverbs 9:1

    ¶ Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

  • Proverbs 9:2

    She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

  • Acts 11:19

    ¶ Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

  • Acts 11:20

    And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

  • Psalms 86:5

    For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
← Back