Matthew 22:8

KJV

Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} saith he {G3004} to his {G846} servants {G1401},{G3303} The wedding {G1062} is {G2076} ready {G2092}, but {G1161} they which were bidden {G2564} were {G2258} not {G3756} worthy {G514}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Then he said to his slaves, `Well, the wedding feast is ready; but the ones who were invited didn't deserve it.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited were not worthy.

American Standard Version

Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they that were bidden were not worthy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 22:8 stands as a pivotal declaration within Jesus's Parable of the Wedding Feast, revealing the king's sorrowful yet resolute assessment of the initial invitees. It highlights the profound readiness of the divine invitation to the kingdom, contrasting it sharply with the unworthiness demonstrated by those who, despite being called, actively rejected the gracious summons and mistreated the messengers. This verse underscores the consequences of such refusal, setting the stage for the universal extension of God's salvific offer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the Parable of the Wedding Feast, found in [Matthew 22:1-14](/matthew/22-1-14 "Matthew 22:1-14 - The Parable of the Wedding Feast"). Preceding this parable, Jesus has engaged in intense theological and confrontational dialogues with the chief priests and Pharisees in the Temple, particularly concerning His authority and their rejection of Him (e.g., [Matthew 21:23-27](/matthew/21-23-27 "Matthew 21:23-27 - Jesus's Authority Questioned")). The Parable of the Two Sons ([Matthew 21:28-32](/matthew/21-28-32 "Matthew 21:28-32 - The Parable of the Two Sons")) and the Parable of the Wicked Tenants ([Matthew 21:33-46](/matthew/21-33-46 "Matthew 21:33-46 - The Parable of the Wicked Tenants")) immediately precede it, each progressively illustrating Israel's rejection of God's messengers and ultimately, His Son. Matthew 22:8 marks a turning point in the narrative, as the king's focus shifts from the initial, disobedient guests to a new course of action, leading to the invitation of others.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Wedding feasts in ancient Jewish culture were events of immense social and familial significance, often lasting for days and involving elaborate preparations and great expense. To be invited was an honor, and to refuse such an invitation, especially from a king, was a profound insult, an act of rebellion, and a public shaming of the host. The king in the parable represents God, and the initial invited guests represent the nation of Israel, particularly its religious and political leaders, who had historically rejected God's prophets and were now rejecting Jesus, the Messiah. The "servants" sent to deliver the invitations symbolize the prophets and later, John the Baptist and Jesus's disciples, who proclaimed the coming of the kingdom. The king's indignation and subsequent actions in the parable reflect the divine judgment awaiting those who spurn God's gracious offer of salvation and fellowship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Invitation and Human Response**, emphasizing that God's kingdom is prepared and accessible, but requires a willing and appropriate response from humanity. The phrase "not worthy" introduces the theme of **Unworthiness through Rejection**, illustrating that worthiness for God's kingdom is not based on inherent status or lineage but on one's actions and acceptance of His call. This rejection by the initial guests foreshadows the **Extension of the Gospel to the Gentiles**, a major theme in the New Testament, as the king, in response, sends his servants to invite anyone found on the streets ([Matthew 22:9-10](/matthew/22-9-10 "Matthew 22:9-10 - The Invitation Extended")). Furthermore, the parable, through this verse, underscores the **Readiness of the Kingdom of God**, signifying that God's redemptive plan is fully prepared and awaiting participation, as echoed in John the Baptist's and Jesus's early proclamations that "the kingdom of heaven is at hand" ([Matthew 3:2](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - John the Baptist's Message") and [Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Greek, _légō'_):** This primary verb means "to lay forth," or figuratively, "to relate in words," often implying systematic or set discourse. Here, it conveys the king's authoritative and deliberate declaration, not a casual remark, but a pronouncement of judgment and a shift in strategy.
* **wedding (Greek, _gámos'_):** Referring to "nuptials" or a "marriage feast," this word symbolizes the joyous, celebratory establishment of God's kingdom. It evokes imagery of intimate fellowship and the ultimate union between Christ and His people, a metaphor frequently used in Scripture (e.g., [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). The readiness of the "wedding" signifies that God's plan for salvation is complete and prepared.
* **worthy (Greek, _áxios'_):** Derived from a word implying "deserving" or "comparable," this term denotes fitness, suitability, or deservingness. In this context, the unworthiness of the invited guests is not an inherent state but a consequence of their actions—their deliberate refusal to attend and their mistreatment of the king's messengers. They proved themselves unsuitable for the honor and joy of the feast by their rebellion and neglect of the king's honor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then saith he to his servants,"**: This phrase indicates a direct command from the king to his attendants, marking a pivotal moment in the parable. The king, representing God, is not passive but actively responds to the rejection of His initial invitation. The "servants" are the instruments of His will, ready to execute His commands.
* **"The wedding is ready,"**: This clause emphasizes the complete preparedness and availability of the kingdom's blessings. The feast, symbolizing salvation, fellowship with God, and the joy of His presence, is not something yet to be prepared but is fully set. This highlights God's initiative and the immediacy of His gracious offer.
* **"but they which were bidden were not worthy."**: This is the core declaration of the verse. The conjunction "but" (Greek: _dé_) introduces a sharp contrast between the readiness of the feast and the unworthiness of the invited. The "bidden" (Greek: _kaléō_) refers to those specifically called or invited. Their "unworthiness" (Greek: _áxios_, with the negative particle _ou_) is not a pre-existing condition but a judgment based on their active refusal and contempt for the king's invitation, as described in the preceding verses. They forfeited their right to participate through their actions.

#### Literary Devices
The Parable of the Wedding Feast, and specifically this verse, is rich in **Allegory** and **Symbolism**. The entire narrative functions as an allegory, where the king symbolizes God, the son represents Jesus Christ, the wedding feast symbolizes the kingdom of heaven and the salvation offered through Christ, and the servants are God's messengers (prophets, John the Baptist, apostles). The initial invited guests symbolize the nation of Israel, particularly its religious leaders, who rejected God's call. The phrase "the wedding is ready" uses **Metaphor** to convey the fully prepared nature of God's redemptive plan. The declaration "they which were bidden were not worthy" employs **Irony**, as those who would have been considered "worthy" by societal standards (the elite, the chosen people) prove themselves unworthy through their actions, setting the stage for the invitation to the "unworthy" (Gentiles and outcasts). The narrative also contains **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience understands the spiritual implications of the king's statements, which the characters within the parable (the unresponding guests) do not.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 22:8 powerfully articulates the tension between God's gracious, universal invitation to His kingdom and humanity's capacity for rejection. It underscores the truth that while God's plan of salvation is fully prepared and readily available, human response determines participation. The unworthiness declared here is not an inherent state but a consequence of active refusal and contempt for the divine invitation, highlighting a profound theological principle: genuine worthiness in God's eyes is demonstrated by humble acceptance and obedience, not by status or privilege. This verse sets the stage for the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, where the rejection by the privileged leads to the invitation of the marginalized, demonstrating God's unwavering desire to fill His kingdom.

* [Proverbs 9:1-6](/proverbs/9-1-6 "Proverbs 9:1-6 - Wisdom's Invitation")
* [Luke 14:16-24](/luke/14-16-24 "Luke 14:16-24 - The Parable of the Great Banquet")
* [Romans 11:11-12](/romans/11-11-12 "Romans 11:11-12 - Israel's Rejection and Gentile Inclusion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 22:8 serves as a profound mirror for self-examination, urging us to consider our own response to God's gracious invitation. The "wedding" – symbolizing the fullness of God's kingdom, salvation, and intimate fellowship with Him – is always ready. Are we, like the initially invited guests, making excuses, prioritizing worldly concerns, or even actively rejecting the King's call? This verse challenges us to recognize that our "worthiness" is not about our inherent goodness or social standing, but about our humble and obedient response to God's overtures of grace. It reminds us that the opportunity to participate in God's eternal feast is a precious gift, not a right, and that our neglect or defiance carries significant spiritual consequences. It encourages a posture of readiness and eagerness to embrace the divine invitation, demonstrating a heart that values the King and His Son above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "excuses" or priorities in my life might be preventing me from fully embracing God's invitation to His kingdom and fellowship?**
* **In what ways might I be demonstrating "unworthiness" through my actions or attitudes, rather than through my inherent being?**
* **How does the readiness of the "wedding" (God's kingdom) impact my sense of urgency in responding to His call?**
* **What does it mean for me, personally, to accept and truly value the King's invitation today?**

### FAQ

**What does "not worthy" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Matthew 22:8, "not worthy" (Greek: _áxios_) does not imply an inherent lack of value or a pre-ordained state of unworthiness based on birth or status. Instead, it refers to a state of unsuitability or unfitness brought about by the actions and choices of the invited guests. They proved themselves unworthy by actively refusing the king's gracious invitation and, in some cases, even mistreating and killing his messengers ([Matthew 22:6](/matthew/22-6 "Matthew 22:6 - The Guests' Violent Response")). Their unworthiness was a consequence of their rebellion and disrespect towards the king, making them unfit to participate in the joyous celebration of the wedding feast.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 22:8, with its declaration that "the wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "wedding" symbolizes the new covenant established through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, ushering in the kingdom of God. Jesus is the Bridegroom ([Mark 2:19-20](/mark/2-19-20 "Mark 2:19-20 - Jesus, the Bridegroom")), and the Church is His bride, being prepared for the ultimate Marriage Supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). The initial invited guests, representing Israel's leadership, proved "unworthy" by rejecting Jesus, the very Son of the King, and crucifying Him. This rejection, however, did not thwart God's plan but rather opened the door for a greater invitation. Through Christ's atoning work, the "wedding" is made ready for all who believe, regardless of their past. His shed blood is the basis for our worthiness, allowing those once far off to be brought near ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by Christ's Blood")). Thus, the unworthiness of the first guests highlights the boundless grace of God, who, in Christ, extends His invitation to "whoever will" ([Revelation 22:17](/revelation/22-17 "Revelation 22:17 - The Invitation to All")), making them worthy through faith in His Son.

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

Revelation 3:4

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

2 Thessalonians 1:5

¶ [Which is] a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

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.

Revelation 22:14

Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Matthew 10:11

And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

Matthew 10:13

And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

Luke 21:36

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.