Matthew 22:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 22:5
5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
Chapter Context
Matthew 22 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of discipleship, truth, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-46: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 22:5
5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Hebrews 2:3