Matthew 22:2
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
Original Language Analysis
Ὡμοιώθη
is like
G3666
Ὡμοιώθη
is like
Strong's:
G3666
Word #:
1 of 13
to assimilate, i.e., compare; passively, to become similar
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
The kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
The kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
G3772
οὐρανῶν
of heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
5 of 13
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ἐποίησεν
made
G4160
ἐποίησεν
made
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
9 of 13
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Historical Context
Royal weddings in the ancient Near East were weeklong celebrations requiring months of preparation. Invitations were sent well in advance, with a second summons when everything was ready. The honor of attending a royal wedding was immense—refusal was unthinkable and could be seen as treason.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that the kingdom is not just 'like a king' but specifically like a wedding feast—why this image?
- How does viewing salvation as a wedding invitation (rather than mere rescue from hell) change your understanding of the gospel?
- In what sense is Christ's relationship with the Church a 'marriage,' and what does this imply about intimacy with God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son (ὡμοιώθη ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν ἀνθρώπῳ βασιλεῖ, ὅστις ἐποίησεν γάμους τῷ υἱῷ αὐτοῦ)—The basileia tōn ouranōn (kingdom of heaven) is compared to a royal wedding feast. The basileus (king) represents God the Father; the huios (son) is Christ; the gamous (marriage feast) symbolizes the messianic banquet and the union of Christ with His bride, the Church.
In rabbinic thought, the messianic age was often portrayed as a wedding celebration (Isaiah 25:6-9; 62:4-5). Jesus appropriates this imagery to present the kingdom as both a present invitation and future consummation. Revelation 19:7-9 identifies this feast as the 'marriage supper of the Lamb.'