King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:9 Mean?

Matthew 22:9 in the King James Version says “Go ye therefore into the highways , and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 22:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

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

Read Matthew 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage (πορεύεσθε οὖν ἐπὶ τὰς διεξόδους τῶν ὁδῶν, καὶ ὅσους ἐὰν εὕρητε καλέσατε εἰς τοὺς γάμους)—The diexodous tōn hodōn (literally 'the thoroughfares of the roads'—crossroads, exits, highways) represents places where Gentiles and outcasts gather, outside the respectable city. The command hosous ean heurēte ('as many as you find') is strikingly inclusive—no screening, no prerequisites, no ethnic or moral qualifications.

This is the Great Commission in parable form (28:19-20): 'Go into all the world.' The kalesate (bid/call/invite) is the same verb used for the original guests—the gospel invitation is identical, but the audience shifts from covenant insiders to Gentile outsiders. Romans 9-11 provides Paul's theological reflection on this transition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'highways' or crossroads were where the marginal people gathered—day laborers seeking work, beggars, travelers, those without social status. In Jewish thinking, this would include tax collectors, sinners, Samaritans, and Gentiles. Jesus's ministry already demonstrated this pattern: 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners' (9:13).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the shift from 'invited guests' to 'whoever you find' reveal about the nature of grace and election?
  2. How should the church's evangelistic strategy reflect the 'highways' principle—going to outsiders rather than expecting them to come to us?
  3. Who are the 'highway people' in your context that the gospel must actively reach, rather than passively wait for them to attend church?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
πορεύεσθε1 of 15

“Go ye”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

οὖν2 of 15

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐπὶ3 of 15

“into”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὰς4 of 15
G3588

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

διεξόδους5 of 15

“the highways”

G1327

an outlet through, i.e., probably an open square (from which roads diverge)

τῶν6 of 15
G3588

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

ὁδῶν7 of 15
G3598

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

καὶ8 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

ὅσους9 of 15

“as many as”

G3745

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

ἂν10 of 15
G302

whatsoever

εὕρητε11 of 15

“ye shall find”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

καλέσατε12 of 15

“bid”

G2564

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

εἰς13 of 15

“to”

G1519

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

τοὺς14 of 15
G3588

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

γάμους15 of 15

“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 22:9 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 22:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 14:21-24Proverbs 1:20-23Mark 16:15-16Proverbs 8:1-5Luke 24:47Isaiah 55:6-7

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