Matthew 22:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!'

Berean Standard Bible

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.’

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Matthew 22:4 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' Parable of the Marriage Feast (Matthew 22:1-14), illustrating the persistent and gracious invitation of God to humanity to enter into His Kingdom. It highlights the King's (God's) unwavering desire for fellowship, the lavish provision made for the feast (symbolizing salvation), and the urgency of responding to the divine summons, even after initial rejections.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 22:4 is an integral part of the Parable of the Marriage Feast, which Jesus recounts in the temple courts shortly before His crucifixion. This parable immediately follows the [Parable of the Wicked Tenants](/matthew/21-33-46 "Matthew 21:33-46 - The Parable of the Wicked Tenants"), a direct indictment of the religious leaders who rejected God's prophets and ultimately His Son. The Wedding Feast parable, therefore, serves as a further warning and exposition of God's judgment on those who spurn His gracious offer, while also opening the door for others (the Gentiles) to be invited. The narrative flow emphasizes God's persistent outreach despite human resistance, culminating in the king's decisive action to invite those from the highways.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern culture, a royal wedding feast was an event of immense social and political significance, often lasting for days. Invitations were typically sent out in two stages: an initial notification of the upcoming event, and then a second, urgent summons when "all things are ready." To decline the second invitation, especially from a king, was an extreme insult, signifying contempt for the host and his authority. The "oxen and fatlings" indicate a lavish, costly banquet, a display of the host's wealth and generosity. The sending of "servants" (often trusted officials or even family members) underscored the importance of the invitation and the king's earnest desire for guests to attend.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It underscores the **Sovereignty and Generosity of God**, who meticulously prepares a magnificent feast (representing salvation and the [Kingdom of Heaven](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand")). It highlights the **Persistent Divine Invitation**, demonstrating God's patience and repeated attempts to call people to Himself, even after rejection. Furthermore, it foreshadows the **Inclusion of the Gentiles**, as the initial invitees (representing Israel's religious leaders) refuse, leading to the invitation being extended to "others" from the streets. The parable as a whole also touches on themes of **Accountability and Judgment** for those who reject God's grace, and the **Urgency of Response** to His call.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **servants (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From G1401, meaning "a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)." In this context, these are not merely hired hands but trusted messengers, bond-servants of the King, highlighting their complete devotion and the authority with which they deliver the royal summons. Their repeated sending underscores the King's earnestness and patience.
* **prepared (Greek, _hetoimázō'_):** From G2090, meaning "to prepare, provide, make ready." This verb emphasizes the King's active, complete, and meticulous work in setting the feast. It signifies that the provision is not partial or incomplete, but fully accomplished, leaving no further action required on the King's part before the guests arrive. This speaks to the finished work of salvation.
* **marriage (Greek, _gámos'_):** From G1062, meaning "nuptials, wedding." This term refers to the wedding feast itself, the ultimate celebration of union and joy. In the parable, it symbolizes the joyous fellowship and eternal communion offered within God's Kingdom, a place of abundance and celebration prepared for those who accept His invitation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Again, he sent forth other servants, saying,"**: This phrase emphasizes the King's (God's) persistent grace and patience. Despite the initial refusal of the first group of invited guests (implied from the broader parable's context), the King does not give up. He sends a *second* delegation, indicating a renewed and earnest effort to gather guests, showcasing divine longsuffering and a desire for all to come. The "other servants" might signify a different set of messengers or a renewed urgency in the message.
* **"Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner:"**: This is the core message delivered by the servants. "Tell them which are bidden" reiterates that the invitation is specifically for those who were initially called, underscoring their privileged position. "Behold" (G2400, _idoú_) is an exclamation drawing urgent attention to the King's declaration. The King's personal statement, "I have prepared my dinner," highlights His active involvement and immense generosity. The "dinner" (G712, _áriston_) here signifies a substantial, prepared meal, a lavish banquet ready for consumption.
* **"my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready:"**: This clause details the lavishness and completeness of the feast. The "oxen and fatlings" (G5022, _taûros_ and G4619, _sitistós_) represent the most prized and costly provisions, indicating a magnificent, extravagant celebration. The phrase "are killed" (G2380, _thýō_) further emphasizes the sacrificial nature of the preparation, signifying that the cost has been paid. "And all things are ready" (G3956, _pâs_ and G2092, _hétoimos_) underscores the absolute completion of the preparations, leaving no excuse for delay or further waiting. The feast is fully provided and waiting for guests.
* **"come unto the marriage."**: This is the direct, urgent command and invitation. The purpose of the entire preparation is for the guests to "come" (G1205, _deûte_), to participate in the celebration. The "marriage" (G1062, _gámos_) symbolizes the joyous union and fellowship of the Kingdom, the ultimate destination of the King's gracious invitation. It is a call to immediate participation in the prepared abundance.

#### Literary Devices
The Parable of the Marriage Feast, of which Matthew 22:4 is a part, makes rich use of several literary devices. **Allegory** is central, where the King represents God, the servants are His prophets and messengers, the initial invited guests are the Jewish people (particularly their religious leaders), and the marriage feast symbolizes the Kingdom of Heaven or salvation. **Symbolism** is pervasive: the "oxen and fatlings" symbolize the abundant and costly provision God has made for salvation, ultimately pointing to the sacrifice of Christ. The "marriage" itself symbolizes the joyous union between God and His people. **Repetition** is evident in the King's repeated sending of servants ("Again, he sent forth other servants"), emphasizing God's persistent grace and patience despite rejection. The vivid imagery of a prepared banquet appeals to the senses, making the divine invitation tangible and desirable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 22:4 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding grace and the completeness of His redemptive plan. The King's repeated invitation and the lavish provision signify that God has done everything necessary for humanity to enter into fellowship with Him. This verse underscores the divine initiative in salvation, emphasizing that the feast is prepared, the cost is paid, and the invitation is freely extended. It highlights the immense value God places on human participation in His Kingdom, even when met with indifference or hostility. The imagery of a ready banquet speaks to the finished work of Christ, making salvation accessible to all who will respond in faith.

* [Proverbs 9:1-6](/proverbs/9-1-6 "Proverbs 9:1-6 - Wisdom's Invitation to the Feast")
* [Isaiah 25:6-8](/isaiah/25-6-8 "Isaiah 25:6-8 - The Lord's Feast on Mount Zion")
* [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 22:4 serves as a profound reminder of the boundless grace and relentless pursuit of God for His creation. Just as the King spared no expense in preparing a magnificent feast, God has meticulously and completely prepared the way for us to enter into eternal life and joyous communion through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The phrase "all things are ready" should resonate deeply within us, dispelling any notion that we must earn or somehow complete our salvation. It is a gift, fully prepared and freely offered. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we among those who, despite repeated invitations, find excuses to neglect the greatest offer ever extended? Or do we, recognizing the immense cost and the King's profound love, eagerly "come unto the marriage"? Our response to this divine invitation determines our eternal destiny and our present joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the King's repeated sending of servants challenge my understanding of God's patience and persistence in my own life or in the lives of those I know?**
* **What does the imagery of "my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready" communicate about the nature and cost of God's provision for salvation?**
* **In what ways might I, like the original invited guests, be making excuses or prioritizing lesser things over God's gracious invitation to deeper fellowship and participation in His Kingdom?**
* **How does the urgency of "come unto the marriage" impact my sense of responsibility to respond to God's call and to share His invitation with others?**

### FAQ
**What does the "dinner" or "marriage" symbolize in this parable?**

Answer: The "dinner" (G712, _áriston_) or "marriage" (G1062, _gámos_) in the Parable of the Marriage Feast symbolizes the Kingdom of Heaven and the joyous fellowship of salvation that God offers to humanity. It represents the ultimate celebration of God's redemptive plan, a place of abundance, joy, and communion with the King. The imagery of a wedding feast is a common biblical metaphor for God's covenant relationship with His people, culminating in the [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") in Revelation, signifying the eternal union of Christ and His Church.

**Why did the King send "other servants" after the first invitation?**

Answer: The sending of "other servants" (G243, _állos_ and G1401, _doûlos_) highlights the King's (God's) extraordinary patience, grace, and persistent desire for His invited guests to attend the feast. In ancient custom, a second invitation was a common practice, but in the parable, it also underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in the face of their initial rejection or indifference. It signifies that God does not easily give up on those He has called, demonstrating His longsuffering love and His earnest desire for all to partake in the blessings He has prepared. This persistence is a key theme throughout salvation history, from the prophets to John the Baptist, and ultimately to Jesus Himself, who repeatedly called Israel to repentance and faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 22:4 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "dinner" and "fatlings" being "killed" powerfully foreshadow the sacrificial death of Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose atoning sacrifice makes "all things ready" for our salvation. He is the ultimate provision, the costly offering that opens the way to the divine feast. The King's persistent sending of "servants" finds its highest expression in Jesus, the Son Himself, who was sent by the Father to gather those who would believe ([John 3:16-17](/john/3-16-17 "John 3:16-17 - God Sent His Son")). The "marriage" ultimately points to the joyous union between Christ and His Church, His bride, whom He loved and for whom He gave Himself up ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The invitation to "come unto the marriage" is now extended through the Gospel, calling all people to come to Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and to partake in the eternal feast of His presence, culminating in the glorious [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") at His return.

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

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.