Matthew 22:12
And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
5 of 14
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 14
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἔχων
having
G2192
ἔχων
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
9 of 14
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
Job 5:16So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.1 Corinthians 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.Matthew 5:20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 20:13But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?1 Samuel 2:9He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.Psalms 107:42The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.Jeremiah 2:26As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,Jeremiah 2:23How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways;Matthew 26:50And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.Titus 3:11Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
Historical Context
In ancient wedding customs, especially royal weddings, the host often provided appropriate garments for guests who couldn't afford them. Refusing to wear the provided garment was an insult to the host. This makes the man's lack of garment inexcusable—it was freely offered, and he chose not to wear it.
Questions for Reflection
- If the wedding garment represents Christ's righteousness, what does it mean to try entering God's kingdom 'in your own clothes'?
- Why is the man 'speechless' rather than making excuses—what does this reveal about the final judgment?
- How does this scene balance the 'open invitation' (v. 9-10) with the requirement of righteousness—is there a contradiction?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless (ἑταῖρε, πῶς εἰσῆλθες ὧδε μὴ ἔχων ἔνδυμα γάμου; ὁ δὲ ἐφιμώθη)—The address hetaire ('friend/companion') is used by Jesus only in confrontational contexts (20:13; 26:50). The question pōs eisēlthes hōde ('how did you enter here') probes the man's presumption. The missing enduma gamou (wedding garment) represents the righteousness of Christ, which the king himself provided (tradition held that kings supplied garments to guests).
The man's response—ephimōthē ('he was silenced/muzzled')—shows the impossibility of self-justification before God. There is no excuse, no defense. This connects to Philippians 3:9 ('not having my own righteousness...but that which is through faith in Christ') and Isaiah 61:10 ('He has clothed me with garments of salvation'). The garment is not earned but received; refusing it is refusing grace itself.