Matthew 22:4
Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
Original Language Analysis
πάλιν
Again
G3825
πάλιν
Again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
1 of 27
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
ἀπέστειλεν
he sent forth
G649
ἀπέστειλεν
he sent forth
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
2 of 27
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
δούλους
servants
G1401
δούλους
servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
4 of 27
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 27
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κεκλημένοις
them which are bidden
G2564
κεκλημένοις
them which are bidden
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
8 of 27
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄριστόν
dinner
G712
ἄριστόν
dinner
Strong's:
G712
Word #:
11 of 27
the best meal (or breakfast; perhaps from ??? ("early")), i.e., luncheon
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τεθυμένα
are killed
G2380
τεθυμένα
are killed
Strong's:
G2380
Word #:
20 of 27
properly, to rush (breathe hard, blow, smoke), i.e., (by implication) to sacrifice (properly, by fire, but genitive case); by extension to immolate (s
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
25 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Acts 13:46Then 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.Matthew 21:36Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.
Historical Context
The slaughter of oxen and fattened calves signified an extravagant feast. In ancient Palestine, meat was rarely eaten except at festivals. A royal wedding with multiple animals slaughtered indicated a feast of unprecedented abundance. The announcement 'all things are ready' was the customary final summons.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that Christ's sacrifice made 'all things ready'—what is left for you to add or accomplish?
- How does the image of abundant provision ('oxen and fatlings') challenge a minimalist view of God's grace?
- Why does God send 'other servants' with the same message—what does repetition reveal about divine mercy?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage (πάλιν ἀπέστειλεν ἄλλους δούλους λέγων· εἴπατε τοῖς κεκλημένοις· ἰδοὺ τὸ ἄριστόν μου ἡτοίμακα)—The second group of doulous (servants) likely represents the apostles and early Christian witnesses. The ariston (dinner/banquet) is hētoimaka (perfectly prepared)—all the sacrificial work is complete.
My oxen and my fatlings are killed points to the ultimate sacrifice: Christ's atoning death. In Jewish sacrificial terminology, the feast is ready because the Lamb has been slain. The urgency of panta hetoima ('all things ready') echoes throughout the New Testament: 'Now is the day of salvation' (2 Cor 6:2). There is nothing left to prepare—only to accept or reject.