King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:2 Mean?

Matthew 22:2 in the King James Version says “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,”

Matthew 22:2 · KJV

Context

1

And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,

2

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

3

And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

4

Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.

Read Matthew 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son (ὡμοιώθη ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν ἀνθρώπῳ βασιλεῖ, ὅστις ἐποίησεν γάμους τῷ υἱῷ αὐτοῦ)—The basileia tōn ouranōn (kingdom of heaven) is compared to a royal wedding feast. The basileus (king) represents God the Father; the huios (son) is Christ; the gamous (marriage feast) symbolizes the messianic banquet and the union of Christ with His bride, the Church.

In rabbinic thought, the messianic age was often portrayed as a wedding celebration (Isaiah 25:6-9; 62:4-5). Jesus appropriates this imagery to present the kingdom as both a present invitation and future consummation. Revelation 19:7-9 identifies this feast as the 'marriage supper of the Lamb.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

Royal weddings in the ancient Near East were weeklong celebrations requiring months of preparation. Invitations were sent well in advance, with a second summons when everything was ready. The honor of attending a royal wedding was immense—refusal was unthinkable and could be seen as treason.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that the kingdom is not just 'like a king' but specifically like a wedding feast—why this image?
  2. How does viewing salvation as a wedding invitation (rather than mere rescue from hell) change your understanding of the gospel?
  3. In what sense is Christ's relationship with the Church a 'marriage,' and what does this imply about intimacy with God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
Ὡμοιώθη1 of 13

“is like”

G3666

to assimilate, i.e., compare; passively, to become similar

ἡ2 of 13
G3588

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

βασιλεία3 of 13

“The kingdom”

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τῶν4 of 13
G3588

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

οὐρανῶν5 of 13

“of heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

ἀνθρώπῳ6 of 13

“unto a certain”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

βασιλεῖ7 of 13

“king”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

ὅστις8 of 13

“which”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐποίησεν9 of 13

“made”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

γάμους10 of 13

“a marriage”

G1062

nuptials

τῷ11 of 13
G3588

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

υἱῷ12 of 13

“son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

αὐτοῦ13 of 13
G846

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

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 22:2 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 22:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 19:7-9Matthew 13:24Ephesians 5:24-32Psalms 45:10-162 Corinthians 11:2Matthew 22:2-14

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