King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:10 Mean?

Matthew 22:10 in the King James Version says “So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and th...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.”

Matthew 22:10 · KJV

Context

8

Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.

9

Go ye therefore into the highways , and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

10

So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

11

And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

12

And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

Read Matthew 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests (καὶ ἐξελθόντες οἱ δοῦλοι ἐκεῖνοι εἰς τὰς ὁδοὺς συνήγαγον πάντας ὅσους εὗρον, πονηρούς τε καὶ ἀγαθούς· καὶ ἐπλήσθη ὁ γάμος ἀνακειμένων)—The phrase ponērous te kai agathous ('both evil and good') shatters merit-based assumptions about the kingdom. Ponērous (wicked/evil ones) and agathous (good ones) are gathered indiscriminately—the invitation extends to moral and immoral alike.

This doesn't mean moral indifference, but that initial inclusion is based on accepting the invitation, not prior goodness. The 'bad' aren't made good by refusing to come; the 'good' aren't saved by moral achievement. Eplēsthē ('was filled/furnished') fulfills God's purpose—the feast will happen, the house will be full (Luke 14:23), with or without the original guests. This is sovereign grace accomplishing its purpose through unexpected means.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The filling of the wedding hall with a mixed crowd reflects the first-century church's composition: Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free, moral and immoral backgrounds (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 'such were some of you'). The early church's radical inclusivity scandalized both Jewish and pagan society.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'bad and good' gathering challenge both legalism (salvation by moral performance) and antinomianism (salvation without transformation)?
  2. What does it mean that God's house will be 'filled' one way or another—how does this motivate evangelism?
  3. If the invitation goes to 'bad and good' alike, what distinguishes those who enter from those who refuse—what is the decisive factor?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“So”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξελθόντες2 of 21

“went out”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

οἱ3 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δοῦλοι4 of 21

“servants”

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

ἐκεῖνοι5 of 21

“those”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

εἰς6 of 21

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰς7 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁδοὺς8 of 21

“the highways”

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

συνήγαγον9 of 21

“and gathered together”

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

πάντας10 of 21

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὅσους11 of 21

“as many as”

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

εὗρον12 of 21

“they found”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

πονηρούς13 of 21

“bad”

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

τε14 of 21

“both”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καὶ15 of 21

“So”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀγαθούς·16 of 21

“good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

καὶ17 of 21

“So”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπλήσθη18 of 21

“was furnished”

G4130

to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)

ὁ19 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γάμος20 of 21

“the wedding”

G1062

nuptials

ἀνακειμένων21 of 21

“with guests”

G345

to recline (as a corpse or at a meal)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 22:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 22:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 6:9-11Matthew 13:47-48Revelation 19:6-9Revelation 2:20-23Revelation 7:92 Corinthians 12:21

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