King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:4 Mean?

Matthew 22:4 in the King James Version says “Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 22:4 · KJV


Context

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.

5

But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:

6

And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (πάλιν ἀπέστειλεν ἄλλους δούλους λέγων· εἴπατε τοῖς κεκλημένοις· ἰδοὺ τὸ ἄριστόν μου ἡτοίμακα)—The second group of doulous (servants) likely represents the apostles and early Christian witnesses. The ariston (dinner/banquet) is hētoimaka (perfectly prepared)—all the sacrificial work is complete.

My oxen and my fatlings are killed points to the ultimate sacrifice: Christ's atoning death. In Jewish sacrificial terminology, the feast is ready because the Lamb has been slain. The urgency of panta hetoima ('all things ready') echoes throughout the New Testament: 'Now is the day of salvation' (2 Cor 6:2). There is nothing left to prepare—only to accept or reject.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The slaughter of oxen and fattened calves signified an extravagant feast. In ancient Palestine, meat was rarely eaten except at festivals. A royal wedding with multiple animals slaughtered indicated a feast of unprecedented abundance. The announcement 'all things are ready' was the customary final summons.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that Christ's sacrifice made 'all things ready'—what is left for you to add or accomplish?
  2. How does the image of abundant provision ('oxen and fatlings') challenge a minimalist view of God's grace?
  3. Why does God send 'other servants' with the same message—what does repetition reveal about divine mercy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
πάλιν1 of 27

Again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

ἀπέστειλεν2 of 27

he sent forth

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

ἄλλους3 of 27

other

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

δούλους4 of 27

servants

G1401

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

λέγων,5 of 27

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Εἴπατε6 of 27

Tell

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τοῖς7 of 27
G3588

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

κεκλημένοις8 of 27

them which are bidden

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

Ἰδού,9 of 27

Behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

τὸ10 of 27
G3588

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

ἄριστόν11 of 27

dinner

G712

the best meal (or breakfast; perhaps from ??? ("early")), i.e., luncheon

μου12 of 27

my

G3450

of me

ἡτοίμασα,13 of 27

I have prepared

G2090

to prepare

οἱ14 of 27
G3588

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

ταῦροί15 of 27

oxen

G5022

a bullock

μου16 of 27

my

G3450

of me

καὶ17 of 27

and

G2532

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

τὰ18 of 27
G3588

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

σιτιστὰ19 of 27

my fatlings

G4619

grained, i.e., fatted

τεθυμένα20 of 27

are killed

G2380

properly, to rush (breathe hard, blow, smoke), i.e., (by implication) to sacrifice (properly, by fire, but genitive case); by extension to immolate (s

καὶ21 of 27

and

G2532

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

πάντα22 of 27

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἕτοιμα·23 of 27

are ready

G2092

adjusted, i.e., ready

δεῦτε24 of 27

come

G1205

come hither!

εἰς25 of 27

unto

G1519

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

τοὺς26 of 27
G3588

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

γάμους27 of 27

the marriage

G1062

nuptials


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 22:4 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 22:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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