King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:8 Mean?

Matthew 22:8 in the King James Version says “Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 22:8 · KJV

Context

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.

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy (τότε λέγει τοῖς δούλοις αὐτοῦ· ὁ μὲν γάμος ἕτοιμός ἐστιν, οἱ δὲ κεκλημένοι οὐκ ἦσαν ἄξιοι)—The gamos hetoimos estin ('the wedding is ready') stands unchanged despite human rejection. God's purposes are not thwarted by human refusal. The indictment ouk ēsan axioi ('they were not worthy') reverses Israel's privileged status: those who should have been most ready proved most resistant.

Axioi (worthy) here means morally unfit through willful rejection, not inherent merit. No one 'deserves' the invitation (cf. Luke 15:19, 'not worthy to be called your son'), but those who refuse it demonstrate unworthiness by their contempt. This echoes Acts 13:46: 'You judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life.' The shift from particular election (Israel) to universal invitation (Gentiles) begins here.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This pronouncement of unworthiness marks a turning point in redemptive history. The 'original guests' (covenant Israel) forfeit their place through rejection, opening the feast to outsiders. Paul's ministry paradigm—'to the Jew first, and also to the Greek'—reflects this pattern: offer to the covenant people first, then turn to the nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. What makes someone 'unworthy' of the kingdom—is it lack of qualification or refusal to accept grace?
  2. How does this verse challenge both presumption ('I'm in because of my heritage') and despair ('I'm too sinful to come')?
  3. In what ways might religious privilege become a barrier to genuine response to the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
τότε1 of 16

“Then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

λέγει2 of 16

“saith he”

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

τοῖς3 of 16
G3588

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

δούλοις4 of 16

“servants”

G1401

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

αὐτοῦ5 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

Ὁ6 of 16
G3588

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

μὲν7 of 16
G3303

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

γάμος8 of 16

“The wedding”

G1062

nuptials

ἕτοιμός9 of 16

“ready”

G2092

adjusted, i.e., ready

ἐστιν10 of 16

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

οἱ11 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ12 of 16

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

κεκλημένοι13 of 16

“they which were bidden”

G2564

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

οὐκ14 of 16

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἦσαν15 of 16

“were”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἄξιοι·16 of 16

“worthy”

G514

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

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 22:8 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 22:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 1:5Acts 13:46Revelation 3:4Revelation 22:14Luke 20:35Luke 21:36

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