Matthew 22:3
And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπέστειλεν
sent forth
G649
ἀπέστειλεν
sent forth
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
2 of 15
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούλους
servants
G1401
δούλους
servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
4 of 15
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 15
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
κεκλημένους
them that were bidden
G2564
κεκλημένους
them that were bidden
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
6 of 15
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κεκλημένους
them that were bidden
G2564
κεκλημένους
them that were bidden
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
8 of 15
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Revelation 22:17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.Romans 10:21But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.John 5:40And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
Historical Context
In Jewish wedding customs, the initial invitation was followed by a second call when the feast was ready. Refusing this final summons was a grave insult, especially from a king. The historical fulfillment points to Israel's rejection of the prophets' message about the coming Messiah.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between hearing God's invitation and being 'willing' to come—what does true willingness require?
- How do we see the pattern of 'repeated invitations' throughout Israel's history, and what does this reveal about God's patience?
- In what areas of life might you be 'unwilling' to respond to God's clear invitation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come (ἀπέστειλεν τοὺς δούλους αὐτοῦ καλέσαι τοὺς κεκλημένους εἰς τοὺς γάμους, καὶ οὐκ ἤθελον ἐλθεῖν)—The doulous (servants) represent the prophets and John the Baptist who prepared Israel for Messiah's coming. The keklēmenous (those having been called/invited) refers to Israel, God's covenant people who had received repeated invitations through the prophets.
The phrase ouk ēthelōn elthein ('they were not willing to come') reveals the problem: not inability but unwillingness. The invitation was clear, the feast was ready, but human volition refused divine grace. This anticipates Jesus's lament in 23:37: 'I would have gathered you...but you were not willing.'