Matthew 22:8
Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 16
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
λέγει
saith he
G3004
λέγει
saith he
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 16
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 #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούλοις
servants
G1401
δούλοις
servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
4 of 16
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 16
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
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κεκλημένοι
they which were bidden
G2564
κεκλημένοι
they which were bidden
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
13 of 16
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
Cross References
Revelation 3:4Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.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.2 Thessalonians 1:5Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:Revelation 22:14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Historical Context
This pronouncement of unworthiness marks a turning point in redemptive history. The 'original guests' (covenant Israel) forfeit their place through rejection, opening the feast to outsiders. Paul's ministry paradigm—'to the Jew first, and also to the Greek'—reflects this pattern: offer to the covenant people first, then turn to the nations.
Questions for Reflection
- What makes someone 'unworthy' of the kingdom—is it lack of qualification or refusal to accept grace?
- How does this verse challenge both presumption ('I'm in because of my heritage') and despair ('I'm too sinful to come')?
- In what ways might religious privilege become a barrier to genuine response to the gospel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy (τότε λέγει τοῖς δούλοις αὐτοῦ· ὁ μὲν γάμος ἕτοιμός ἐστιν, οἱ δὲ κεκλημένοι οὐκ ἦσαν ἄξιοι)—The gamos hetoimos estin ('the wedding is ready') stands unchanged despite human rejection. God's purposes are not thwarted by human refusal. The indictment ouk ēsan axioi ('they were not worthy') reverses Israel's privileged status: those who should have been most ready proved most resistant.
Axioi (worthy) here means morally unfit through willful rejection, not inherent merit. No one 'deserves' the invitation (cf. Luke 15:19, 'not worthy to be called your son'), but those who refuse it demonstrate unworthiness by their contempt. This echoes Acts 13:46: 'You judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life.' The shift from particular election (Israel) to universal invitation (Gentiles) begins here.