Matthew 22:10
So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
So
G2532
καὶ
So
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοῦλοι
servants
G1401
δοῦλοι
servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
4 of 21
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ἐκεῖνοι
those
G1565
ἐκεῖνοι
those
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
5 of 21
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδοὺς
the highways
G3598
ὁδοὺς
the highways
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
8 of 21
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
συνήγαγον
and gathered together
G4863
συνήγαγον
and gathered together
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
9 of 21
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
πονηρούς
bad
G4190
πονηρούς
bad
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
13 of 21
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
καὶ
So
G2532
καὶ
So
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
So
G2532
καὶ
So
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπλήσθη
was furnished
G4130
ἐπλήσθη
was furnished
Strong's:
G4130
Word #:
18 of 21
to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)
Cross References
Revelation 7:9After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;1 John 2:19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.2 Corinthians 12:21And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.Matthew 25:10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Historical Context
The filling of the wedding hall with a mixed crowd reflects the first-century church's composition: Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free, moral and immoral backgrounds (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 'such were some of you'). The early church's radical inclusivity scandalized both Jewish and pagan society.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the 'bad and good' gathering challenge both legalism (salvation by moral performance) and antinomianism (salvation without transformation)?
- What does it mean that God's house will be 'filled' one way or another—how does this motivate evangelism?
- If the invitation goes to 'bad and good' alike, what distinguishes those who enter from those who refuse—what is the decisive factor?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests (καὶ ἐξελθόντες οἱ δοῦλοι ἐκεῖνοι εἰς τὰς ὁδοὺς συνήγαγον πάντας ὅσους εὗρον, πονηρούς τε καὶ ἀγαθούς· καὶ ἐπλήσθη ὁ γάμος ἀνακειμένων)—The phrase ponērous te kai agathous ('both evil and good') shatters merit-based assumptions about the kingdom. Ponērous (wicked/evil ones) and agathous (good ones) are gathered indiscriminately—the invitation extends to moral and immoral alike.
This doesn't mean moral indifference, but that initial inclusion is based on accepting the invitation, not prior goodness. The 'bad' aren't made good by refusing to come; the 'good' aren't saved by moral achievement. Eplēsthē ('was filled/furnished') fulfills God's purpose—the feast will happen, the house will be full (Luke 14:23), with or without the original guests. This is sovereign grace accomplishing its purpose through unexpected means.