Matthew 22:8

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 22:8 KJV

Matthew 22:8 is a pivotal verse within the Parable of the Wedding Feast, recounted by Jesus. This parable immediately follows Jesus's conflict with the chief priests and Pharisees in the Temple, serving as another prophetic warning to the religious leaders of Israel.

Context

In this parable (Matthew 22:1-14), a king prepares a magnificent wedding feast for his son. He sends out invitations, but the initially invited guests refuse to come, some even mistreating and killing his servants who deliver the invitations. This verse marks the king's indignant response to this rejection. The "servants" here are likely angels or divine messengers, carrying out the king's will. The "wedding" symbolizes the joyous establishment of God's kingdom and the spiritual union between Christ and His church, often referred to as the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Revelation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Invitation and Rejection: The verse highlights that God's gracious invitation to salvation and fellowship is ready, but it is often met with indifference or hostility. The initial guests represent the nation of Israel, particularly its religious leaders, who rejected the Messiah and the prophets before Him.
  • Unworthiness Through Action: The phrase "not worthy" (Greek: anaxioi) does not imply inherent unworthiness based on birth or status, but rather unworthiness demonstrated by their actions – their refusal to accept the invitation and their mistreatment of the messengers. They proved themselves unfit for the celebration by their rebellion and neglect of the king's honor.
  • The Readiness of the Kingdom: "The wedding is ready" underscores that God's plan for salvation and His kingdom are prepared and accessible. The delay is not on God's part, but on the part of those who refuse to enter. This echoes the message of the kingdom being "at hand" found throughout the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 3:2).
  • Consequences of Rejection: This verse sets the stage for the king's subsequent decision to invite others from the highways, signifying the extension of the Gospel invitation to the Gentiles after Israel's widespread rejection of Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "worthy" is anaxioi (ἀνάξιοι), which means "unworthy," "unfit," or "unsuitable." It's crucial to understand that this unworthiness is not a state of being by birth, but a judgment based on their response to the invitation. Their actions of refusing to come and harming the messengers rendered them unfit to participate in the feast.

Practical Application

Matthew 22:8 serves as a potent reminder of the urgency and importance of responding to God's call. The "wedding" (God's kingdom, salvation, fellowship with Him) is always ready. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we among those who neglect or outright reject God's gracious invitation? The verse teaches that accepting God's invitation is paramount, and our response determines our "worthiness" to participate in His blessings. It underscores that the Gospel is available, but a deliberate choice is required to accept and embrace it, demonstrating a heart that values the King and His Son.

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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 3:4 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    ¶ [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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.