Matthew 22:9

Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

Go ye {G4198} therefore {G3767} into {G1909} the highways {G1327}{G3598}, and {G2532} as many as {G3745}{G302} ye shall find {G2147}, bid {G2564} to {G1519} the marriage {G1062}.

So go out to the street-corners and invite to the banquet as many as you find.'

Go therefore to the crossroads and invite to the banquet as many as you can find.’

Go ye therefore unto the partings of the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage feast.

Matthew 22:9 KJV is a pivotal verse within the Parable of the Marriage Feast, told by Jesus to illustrate principles of the Kingdom of Heaven and God's invitation to salvation. It highlights God's expansive grace and the universal nature of His call after initial rejections.

Context

This verse comes after the king in the parable (representing God) sends out invitations to a wedding feast for his son (representing Christ). The initial invited guests (often interpreted as the Jewish people, particularly their religious leaders) make excuses and even mistreat the king's servants. Angered by their refusal and violence, the king destroys those who rejected his invitation. In Matthew 22:8, the king declares the first invited guests unworthy. Thus, Matthew 22:9 marks a dramatic shift in the invitation strategy, broadening the scope significantly.

Key Themes

  • Universal Invitation: The command "Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage" signifies that God's invitation to His kingdom is not exclusive to a select few but extends to all people, regardless of their social standing or background. This foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into God's plan of salvation.
  • Divine Grace and Mercy: Despite the rejection by the initial invitees, the king's desire for his wedding feast to be filled demonstrates God's persistent grace and His desire for all to partake in the blessings of His kingdom.
  • The Kingdom of Heaven: The "marriage" or "wedding feast" is a common biblical metaphor for the joy and fellowship found in God's eternal kingdom, often culminating in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Revelation.
  • Urgency and Action: The phrase "Go ye therefore" implies an immediate and active dissemination of the invitation, reflecting the urgency of the Gospel message.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "highways" is diexodous ton hodon (διεξόδους τῶν ὁδῶν), which literally means "outlets of the roads" or "crossroads." This suggests public places where various paths meet, indicating that the invitation is to be extended indiscriminately to anyone encountered, not just those from specific social circles or within certain boundaries. The word "bid" comes from the Greek kaleo (καλέω), meaning "to call" or "to invite," emphasizing the gracious nature of the summons.

Related Scriptures

This parable's theme of broadened invitation parallels other teachings of Jesus, such as the Parable of the Great Supper in Luke 14:16-24. The universal nature of God's call is a consistent theme throughout the New Testament, notably articulated by Paul concerning the inclusion of Gentiles (Romans 10:12, Galatians 3:28). The ultimate fulfillment of the "marriage" is depicted in the triumphant scenes of Revelation 19:6-9, where the church is presented as the bride of Christ.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 22:9 serves as a powerful reminder of the Great Commission given by Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20). Just as the king's servants were sent to the highways, Christians are called to share the Gospel message broadly, reaching out to all people without prejudice or discrimination. It underscores that God's plan of salvation is open to "as many as ye shall find," emphasizing His boundless love and desire for all to come to repentance and faith. It challenges us to actively participate in extending God's gracious invitation to everyone we encounter.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 14:21

    So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

  • Luke 14:24

    For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

  • Proverbs 1:20

    ¶ Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:

  • Proverbs 1:23

    Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

  • Mark 16:15

    And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

  • Mark 16:16

    He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

  • Luke 24:47

    And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

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