Matthew 22:5
But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπῆλθον
it and went their ways
G565
ἀπῆλθον
it and went their ways
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
4 of 16
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
one
G3303
μὲν
one
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἴδιον
his
G2398
ἴδιον
his
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
9 of 16
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
ἀγρόν,
farm
G68
ἀγρόν,
farm
Strong's:
G68
Word #:
10 of 16
a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish culture, refusing a royal wedding invitation for business reasons would be considered incomprehensibly foolish and dishonoring. Agriculture and commerce were important, but to miss a royal feast for such mundane concerns demonstrated a complete failure to recognize the honor being offered.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'legitimate' pursuits in your life might be causing you to 'make light' of God's kingdom invitation?
- Why is indifference sometimes more dangerous than outright hostility to the gospel?
- How does Jesus's warning about 'cares of this world' (13:22) connect to this parable's portrayal of farm and merchandise?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise (οἱ δὲ ἀμελήσαντες ἀπῆλθον, ὃς μὲν εἰς τὸν ἴδιον ἀγρόν, ὃς δὲ ἐπὶ τὴν ἐμπορίαν αὐτοῦ)—The verb amelēsantes means 'to be careless, neglectful, indifferent'—not hostile, but dismissive. They didn't attack the invitation; they simply ignored it as unimportant. The agron (field/farm) and emporian (business/trade) represent legitimate earthly pursuits that become idolatrous when prioritized above the kingdom.
This is the sin of ordinary life—not obvious rebellion, but the slow drift into preoccupation with temporal concerns. Luke 14:18-20 expands this: 'I have bought land...I have bought oxen...I have married a wife.' Good things become God-substitutes. The tragedy is not that they chose evil, but that they chose the lesser good.