Matthew 22:9
Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
Original Language Analysis
πορεύεσθε
Go ye
G4198
πορεύεσθε
Go ye
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
1 of 15
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 15
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἐπὶ
into
G1909
ἐπὶ
into
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διεξόδους
the highways
G1327
διεξόδους
the highways
Strong's:
G1327
Word #:
5 of 15
an outlet through, i.e., probably an open square (from which roads diverge)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδῶν
G3598
ὁδῶν
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
7 of 15
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καλέσατε
bid
G2564
καλέσατε
bid
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
12 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 #:
13 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
The 'highways' or crossroads were where the marginal people gathered—day laborers seeking work, beggars, travelers, those without social status. In Jewish thinking, this would include tax collectors, sinners, Samaritans, and Gentiles. Jesus's ministry already demonstrated this pattern: 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners' (9:13).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the shift from 'invited guests' to 'whoever you find' reveal about the nature of grace and election?
- How should the church's evangelistic strategy reflect the 'highways' principle—going to outsiders rather than expecting them to come to us?
- Who are the 'highway people' in your context that the gospel must actively reach, rather than passively wait for them to attend church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage (πορεύεσθε οὖν ἐπὶ τὰς διεξόδους τῶν ὁδῶν, καὶ ὅσους ἐὰν εὕρητε καλέσατε εἰς τοὺς γάμους)—The diexodous tōn hodōn (literally 'the thoroughfares of the roads'—crossroads, exits, highways) represents places where Gentiles and outcasts gather, outside the respectable city. The command hosous ean heurēte ('as many as you find') is strikingly inclusive—no screening, no prerequisites, no ethnic or moral qualifications.
This is the Great Commission in parable form (28:19-20): 'Go into all the world.' The kalesate (bid/call/invite) is the same verb used for the original guests—the gospel invitation is identical, but the audience shifts from covenant insiders to Gentile outsiders. Romans 9-11 provides Paul's theological reflection on this transition.