King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:5 Mean?

Matthew 22:5 in the King James Version says “But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 22:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

Read Matthew 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. What 'legitimate' pursuits in your life might be causing you to 'make light' of God's kingdom invitation?
  2. Why is indifference sometimes more dangerous than outright hostility to the gospel?
  3. How does Jesus's warning about 'cares of this world' (13:22) connect to this parable's portrayal of farm and merchandise?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
οἱ1 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 16

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀμελήσαντες3 of 16

“they made light of”

G272

to be careless of

ἀπῆλθον4 of 16

“it and went their ways”

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

ὁ5 of 16
G3588

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

μὲν6 of 16

“one”

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

εἰς7 of 16

“to”

G1519

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

τὸν8 of 16
G3588

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

ἴδιον9 of 16

“his”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

ἀγρόν,10 of 16

“farm”

G68

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

ὁ11 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ12 of 16

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἰς13 of 16

“to”

G1519

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

τὴν14 of 16
G3588

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

ἐμπορίαν15 of 16

“merchandise”

G1711

traffic

αὐτοῦ·16 of 16
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 22:5 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 22:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 14:18-20Hebrews 2:31 John 2:15-16Proverbs 1:24-25Romans 8:61 Timothy 6:9-10

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