“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who made a wedding feast for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding feast!” ’ But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise, and the rest grabbed his servants, and treated them shamefully, and killed them.
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Matthew 22:2-6 sits inside this longer paragraph.
Jesus answered and spoke to them again in parables, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who made a wedding feast for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding feast!” ’ But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise, and the rest grabbed his servants, and treated them shamefully, and killed them. When the king heard that, he was angry, and sent his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
Parallel Translations
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“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who made a wedding feast for his son,
and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come.
Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding feast!” ’
But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise,
and the rest grabbed his servants, and treated them shamefully, and killed them.
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The kingdome of heven is lyke vnto a certayne kynge which maryed his sonne
and sent forth his servantes to call them that were byd to the weddinge and they wolde not come.
Ageyne he sent forth other servauntes sayinge: Tell them which are bydden: beholde I have prepared my dynner myne oxen and my fatlinges are kylled and all thinges are redy come vnto the mariage.
But they made light of it and went their wayes: one to his ferme place another about his marchaundise
the remnaunt toke his seruantes and intreated them vngodly and slewe them.
Show all 3 translations
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The kingdome of heauen is like vnto a certaine King which maried his sonne,
And sent foorth his seruants, to call them that were bidde to the wedding, but they woulde not come.
Againe hee sent foorth other seruants, saying. Tell them which are bidden, Beholde, I haue prepared my dinner: mine oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all thinges are readie: come vnto the mariage.
But they made light of it, and went their wayes, one to his farme, and another about his marchandise.
And the remnant tooke his seruants, and intreated them sharpely, and slewe them.
Cross-references (84)
- Matthew 13:24 (v2) He set another parable before them, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field,
- Revelation 19:7-9 (v2) Let’s rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let’s give the glory to him. For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself…
- Revelation 22:17 (v3) The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” He who hears, let him say, “Come!” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the…
- Luke 14:15-17 (v3) When one of those who sat at the table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is he who will feast in God’s Kingdom!” But he…
- Luke 14:18-20 (v5) They all as one began to make excuses. “The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please have me excused.’…
Show all 84 cross-references
- John 5:40 (v3) Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life.
- Acts 13:46 (v4) Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, and said, “It was necessary that God’s word should be spoken to you first. Since indeed you thrust it…
- Ephesians 5:24-32 (v2) But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as…
- Hebrews 2:3 (v5) how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation—which at the first having been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those…
- Psalms 81:10-12 (v3) I am Yahweh, your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. But my people didn’t listen…
- Hosea 11:7 (v3) My people are determined to turn from me. Though they call to the Most High, he certainly won’t exalt them.
- Matthew 3:2 (v3) “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
- Matthew 21:36 (v4) Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they treated them the same way.
- John 6:50-57 (v4) This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, that anyone may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down out of…
- John 15:19-20 (v6) If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore…
- Romans 10:21 (v3) But about Israel he says, “All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
- 1 John 2:15-16 (v5) Don’t love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him. For all that is in the…
- Genesis 19:14 (v5) Lot went out, and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters, and said, “Get up! Get out of this place, for Yahweh…
- Genesis 25:34 (v5) Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew. He ate and drank, rose up, and went his way. So Esau despised his birthright.
- 1 Samuel 9:13 (v3) As soon as you have come into the city, you will immediately find him, before he goes up to the high place to eat; for the people will not…
- Nehemiah 9:17 (v4) and refused to obey. They weren’t mindful of your wonders that you did among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion…
- Psalms 45:10-16 (v2) Listen, daughter, consider, and turn your ear. Forget your own people, and also your father’s house. So the king will desire your beauty,…
- Psalms 68:11 (v3) The Lord announced the word. The ones who proclaim it are a great company.
- Psalms 86:5 (v4) For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you.
- Psalms 106:24-25 (v5) Yes, they despised the pleasant land. They didn’t believe his word, but murmured in their tents, and didn’t listen to Yahweh’s voice.
- Proverbs 1:7 (v5) The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
- Proverbs 1:24-25 (v5) Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention; but you have ignored all my…
- Proverbs 1:24-32 (v3) Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention; but you have ignored all my…
- Proverbs 9:1-2 (v4) Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars. She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her…
- Proverbs 9:1-3 (v3) Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars. She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her…
- Song of Solomon 5:1 (v4) I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride. I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have…
- Isaiah 30:15 (v3) For thus said the Lord Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, “You will be saved in returning and rest. Your strength will be in quietness and in…
- Isaiah 55:1-2 (v3) “Hey! Come, everyone who thirsts, to the waters! Come, he who has no money, buy, and eat! Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and…
- Jeremiah 6:16-17 (v3) Yahweh says, “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, ‘Where is the good way?’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for…
- Jeremiah 25:4 (v3) Yahweh has sent to you all his servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them (but you have not listened or inclined your ear to…
- Jeremiah 35:15 (v3) I have sent also to you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, ‘Every one of you must return now from his…
- Hosea 11:2 (v3) They called to them, so they went from them. They sacrificed to the Baals, and burned incense to engraved images.
- Zephaniah 1:7 (v3) Be silent at the presence of the Lord Yahweh, for the day of Yahweh is at hand. For Yahweh has prepared a sacrifice. He has consecrated his…
- Matthew 5:10-12 (v6) Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. “Blessed are you when people…
- Matthew 10:6-7 (v3) Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’
- Matthew 10:12-18 (v6) As you enter into the household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace…
- Matthew 10:22-25 (v6) You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved. But when they persecute you in this city,…
- Matthew 13:22 (v5) What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word,…
- Matthew 21:35-39 (v6) The farmers took his servants, beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they…
- Matthew 22:8 (v4) “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited weren’t worthy.
- Matthew 23:34-37 (v6) Therefore behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge…
- Matthew 23:37 (v3) “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children…
- Matthew 24:38-39 (v5) For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah…
- Mark 6:7-11 (v3) He called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He commanded…
- Luke 9:1-6 (v3) He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them out to preach God’s…
- Luke 10:1-16 (v4) Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place where he…
- Luke 13:34 (v3) “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children…
- Luke 14:17 (v4) He sent out his servant at supper time to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, for everything is ready now.’
- Luke 15:28 (v3) But he was angry, and would not go in. Therefore his father came out, and begged him.
- Luke 17:26-32 (v5) As it was in the days of Noah, even so will it be also in the days of the Son of Man. They ate, they drank, they married, and they were…
- Luke 19:27 (v3) But bring those enemies of mine who didn’t want me to reign over them here, and kill them before me.’ ”
- Luke 24:46-47 (v4) He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that…
- John 16:2-3 (v6) They will put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time comes that whoever kills you will think that he offers service to God. They will do…
- Acts 1:8 (v4) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and…
- Acts 2:13 (v5) Others, mocking, said, “They are filled with new wine.”
- Acts 4:1-3 (v6) As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them, being upset because they taught the…
- Acts 5:40-41 (v6) They agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. They…
- Acts 7:51-57 (v6) “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so you do. Which of the…
- Acts 8:1 (v6) Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all…
- Acts 11:19-20 (v4) They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch,…
- Acts 13:45 (v3) But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed.
- Acts 24:25 (v5) As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time,…
- Acts 28:17-31 (v4) After three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, “I, brothers,…
- Romans 2:4 (v5) Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
- Romans 8:6 (v5) For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace;
- Romans 8:32 (v4) He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things?
- 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 (v4) Purge out the old yeast, that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed in…
- 2 Corinthians 11:2 (v2) For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. For I married you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15 (v6) For you, brothers, became imitators of the assemblies of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus; for you also suffered the same things from…
- 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (v5) But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and…
- 2 Timothy 3:4 (v5) traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
- Matthew 13:31-33 (v2) He set another parable before them, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his…
- Matthew 13:44-47 (v2) “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found, and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he…
- Matthew 21:34 (v3) When the season for the fruit came near, he sent his servants to the farmers, to receive his fruit.
- Matthew 22:2-14 (v2) “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who made a wedding feast for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were…
- Matthew 25:1-14 (v2) “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish,…
- Luke 14:16-24 (v2) But he said to him, “A certain man made a great supper, and he invited many people. He sent out his servant at supper time to tell those…
- John 3:29-30 (v2) He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the…
- Hebrews 12:25 (v3) See that you don’t refuse him who speaks. For if they didn’t escape when they refused him who warned on the earth, how much more will we…
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (19 sources)
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On v4 The word here used is commonly used in sacrifices,…
The word here used is commonly used in sacrifices, and is by translation used for other feasts also: for feasts and banquets were wont to be begun with sacrifices.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv2–6 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a…
2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
Ver. 2. Like unto a certain king] God is a great King, and he stands upon his seniority, Mal 1:8, will be served of the best, and curseth that cheat that does otherwise, Mat 22:14. He scorneth to drink the devil’s snuffs, to take his leavings.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv2–6 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain…
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king,.... The Gospel dispensation which had now taken place, the methods of divine grace in it, and the behaviour of men under it, may be fitly illustrated by the following simile, or parable; the design of which is to express the great love of God the Father, who is represented by this
certain king, in espousing any of the children of men to his own son: as, that he a king, who is the King of kings, and Lord of Lords, should concern himself in this manner; and especially, that he should espouse such mean and unworthy creatures to his own, his only, and beloved son, his equal, and his heir: also, the view of it is to set forth the plenteous provisions of grace made under the Gospel dispensation in the word and ordinances; the great neglect and contempt of these by the Jews, who were externally called unto them; the wrath of God upon them for their abuse of them, and ill usage of his servants; the calling of the vilest among them, or of the Gentiles, and how far persons may go in a profession of religion without the wedding garment, and at last be lost:
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which made a marriage for his son: which may be understood either of contracting and bringing him into a marriage relation, or of making a marriage feast on that account: in the former sense, the persons concerned are the Father, the bridegroom, and the bride: the parties contracted are the Son of God and sinful creatures. The bridegroom is no other than the only begotten of God the Father, his only Son and heir, the Maker and Governor of the universe, who has all the, perfections of the Deity, and fulness of the Godhead in him; and, as mediator, has all accomplishments and, excellencies; he has all the riches of grace and glory; all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; all loveliness, beauty, and amiableness in his person, and everything to recommend him as the chiefest among ten thousand: on the other hand, the bride is the church, which consists of a set of persons chosen by God, in Christ, before the foundation of the world; who were considered as sinless creatures, and viewed as such when first betrothed to Christ in the everlasting covenant: but for the further demonstration of his love to them, were suffered to fall in Adam, with the rest of mankind, and to be scattered abroad; when they lost the image of God, came short of his glory, passed under a sentence of condemnation, became liable to the curse of the law, and eternal death; were defiled and polluted in their nature, and in their estate became bankrupts and beggars; and yet this hindered not the consummation of the marriage between Christ and them. The person that contracted this relation between them, is the Father of Christ, who chose them for him to be his spouse and bride; brought and presented them to him, as he did Eve to Adam before the fall; and gave them to him, and made them one body and flesh with him, in the everlasting covenant; and draws them, and brings them to him by his powerful grace, in the effectual calling; there was a secret betrothing of all these persons to him in eternity, at his own request, and the full consent of his Father, who had the disposal of them; there is an open espousal of them, as particular persons, at conversion; and there will be a more public and general consummate marriage of them, at the last day, when they are all called by grace, and brought home: moreover, this may be understood of the marriage feast which the Father makes on this extraordinary account. So the Syriac version renders the word by "a feast"; and in this sense is it used by the Septuagint in Gen 29:22 by which is meant, not the latter day glory, or marriage feast of the Lamb, to which only saints will be invited, and partake of; nor the ultimate glory, when all the elect shall go with Christ into the marriage chamber, and spend an eternity in endless and unspeakable felicity with him; nor the spiritual blessings of grace enjoyed by believers now; but the external ministry of the word and ordinances, which are a feast of fat things, a rich entertainment, the particulars of which are after given; which many are invited to, who never partake thereof, and others do, and yet destitute of the grace of God; for both good and bad were guests at this feast. The allusion is to the custom of the Jews, and of other nations, in making feasts and grand entertainments at such times. The Jews used to make feasts both at espousals, and at marriage: hence we (g) read of , "a feast of espousals", and of "a marriage feast": the reference here is to the latter; and which used to be made at the charge of the father: for so runs one of their canons (h):
"a father marries his son, , "and makes a feast for him", and the expense is the father's &c.''
(g) T. Bab. Yebamot, fol. 43. 1, 2. (h) Maimon. Hilch. Nechalot, c. 9. sect. 13. Vid. Misn. Sheviith, c. 7. sect. 4. & Juchasin, fol. 88. 1.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv2–5 A king, who made a marriage feast for his…
A king, who made a marriage feast for his son - So did God, when he brought his first - begotten into the world.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On v4 Verse 4. Fatlings] τα σιτιστα Properly, fatted rams, or…
Verse 4. Fatlings] τα σιτιστα Properly, fatted rams, or wethers. 2Sa 6:13; 1Ch 15:26.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv2, 4, 6 Mat 22:2-3. The kingdom of heaven is like unto…
Mat 22:2-3. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king — That is, the dispensation of the gospel may be well illustrated by that which happened in the case of a king; who made a marriage for his son — Our Lord is frequently represented in Scripture under the character of a bridegroom. The marriage-feast here spoken of is intended to signify the blessings of the gospel, which are set forth under the emblem of a feast in divers passages of Scripture, especially Isa 25:6; and Isa 55:1-2; Luk 14:16; where see the notes. And sent forth his servants — John the Baptist and the twelve, and the seventy sent forth during our Lord’s lifetime; to call them that were bidden — Τους κεκλημενους, that had been before invited — Namely, the Jews, who had been invited from the times of Moses, by the law and the prophets, to this long-expected marriage of the Desire of all nations; and to whom the first offers of grace and salvation through Christ were made, to the wedding, or nuptial banquet, as γαμους here properly signifies. And they would not come — They were so rude and foolish as to refuse complying with the invitation. By this their refusal, and by the reasons assigned for it, stated here and Luk 14:18-19, is shown the rejection of the gospel by the Jews, and the carnal causes, not only of their, but of all men’s refusing to come unto the gospel-feast.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv2–6 The kingdom of heaven - See the notes at…
The kingdom of heaven - See the notes at Mat 3:2. The idea here is, “God deals with man in his kingdom, or in regard to the dispensation of the gospel, as a certain king did,” etc. This parable refers, undoubtedly, to the rejection of the Jews and to the calling of the Gentiles. The gospel, with all its privileges, was offered to the Jewish people; but through their wickedness and pride they rejected it, and all its blessings were offered to the Gentiles and accepted. This is the general truth. Many circumstances are thrown in to fill out the narrative which cannot be particularly explained.
A marriage for his son - Rather a “marriage-feast,” or a feast on the occasion of the marriage of his son. The king here doubtless represents God providing for the salvation of the world.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 5, 6 Is like to a man being a king, &c.…
Is like to a man being a king, &c. This parable seems different from that of Luke xiv. 16. See St. Augustine, lib. ii. de Cons. Evang. chap. lxx. The main design in this parable, is to shew the Jews that they were all invited to believe in Christ; though so few of them believed. The king is God; his son is Jesus Christ; the spouse is the Church; the marriage is Christ’s incarnation; the feast, the grace of God in this life, and his glory in the next. His servants were the prophets; and lastly his precursor, St. John the Baptist. --- My fatlings, which I have prepared, and made fat for the feast: but this is but an ornament of the parable. (Witham) --- The same takes place in the kingdom of heaven, as when a king makes a marriage feast for his son. Jesus Christ seems to have had two things in view in this parable: 1st. that many are called to the kingdom of heaven, i.e. his Church, and that few come, as he concludes, ver. 14, many are called, &c. 2d. that not all that come when called will be saved, i.e. will be reputed worthy of the celestial feast; because some have not on the wedding-garment, as he shews, ver. 11. (Menochius) --- Thus the conduct of God in the formation of his Church, and in the vocation of men to glory which himself has prepared for them in the kingdom of heaven, is like to that of a king, wishing to celebrate the marriage of his son. (Bible de Vence) --- Marriage is here mentioned, says St. John Chrysostom to shew there is nothing sorrowful in the kingdom of God, but all full of the greatest spiritual joy. St. John the Baptist likewise calls our Saviour the spouse; and St. Paul says, I have espoused thee to one man, 2 Corinthians xi. (St. John Chrysostom, hom. lxx.) See also Ephesians v. 25. and Apocalypse xxi. 2. and 9. The nuptials in this place do not signify the union of marriage, or incarnation of Jesus Christ, by which the Church is made his spouse; but the marriage feast, to which men are said to be invited. This is no other than the doctrines, the sacraments and graces, with which God feeds and nourishes our souls, united to him by faith in this life, and by eternal joy and glory in the next. (Jansenius) --- This union is begun here on earth by faith, is cemented by charity in all such as are united to Christ in the profession of the one true faith he came down to establish, and will be consummated and made perpetual hereafter by the eternal enjoyment of Christ in his heavenly kingdom.
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv3–6 and sent forth his servants--representing all preachers of the…
and sent forth his servants--representing all preachers of the Gospel.
to call them that were bidden--here meaning the Jews, who were "bidden," from the first choice of them onwards through every summons addressed to them by the prophets to hold themselves in readiness for the appearing of their King.
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to the wedding--or the marriage festivities, when the preparations were all concluded.
and they would not come--as the issue of the whole ministry of the Baptist, our Lord Himself, and His apostles thereafter, too sadly showed.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv2–6 2. Like unto a certain king — This parable…
2. Like unto a certain king — This parable is an expansion of the one in Luk_14:16. This is delivered later in our Lord’s history, after the guilt of his enemies had become more glaring, and their punishment more sure. Our Lord therefore changes the rich man to a king; paints the guilt of the rejecters in more aggravated colours; assigns them a more terrible destruction, prosecutes the history of their being supplanted by the Gentiles; and traces it even until their condemnation at the judgment day. The king is God the Father Almighty; the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; the marriage is his espousing the Church on earth; the marriage supper is the participation of the Gospel by men.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv2–3 2. which made a marriage for his son] Rather,…
2. which made a marriage for his son] Rather, a marriage feast for his son.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv2–6 (2) Which made a marriage for his son.—The germ…
(2) Which made a marriage for his son.—The germ of the thought which forms the groundwork of the parable is found, in a passing allusion, in Luk_12:36—“When he shall return from the wedding.” Here, for the first time, it appears in a fully developed form. The parable of Luk_14:15-24 is not specially connected with the idea of a wedding feast. The thought itself rested, in part at least, on the language of the older prophets, who spoke of God as the Bridegroom, and Israel as His bride (Isa_62:5), who thought of the idolatries of Israel as the adultery of the faithless wife (Jer_3:1-4) who had abandoned the love of her espousals (Jer_2:2). Here the prominent idea is that of the guests who are invited to the feast. The interpretation of the parable lies, so far, almost on the surface. The king is none other than God, and the wedding is that between Christ and His Church, the redeemed and purified Israel (Rev_19:7-9). We have to remember the truth, which the form of the parable excludes, that the guests themselves, so far as they obey the call, and are clothed in the wedding garment, are, in their collective unity, the Church which is the bride. (Comp. Eph_5:23-27.)
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv2–6 The kingdom of heaven is like. (comp. Mat_20:1) This…
The kingdom of heaven is like. (comp. Mat_20:1) This parable supplements that of the wicked husbandmen. As that referred to Jewish times, so this refers to gospel times. The householder in the one becomes the king in the other; one demands work and duty, the other bestows gifts and blessings; one is angered at ingratitude for favours received, the other punishes for contempt of offered bounty. A certain king; anyrwpw basilei : a man a king, even God the Father, the expression denoting "the Almighty"s wonderful condescension, as assimilating himself to our infirmities in his dispensations towards us" (I Williams). Made a marriage; gamouv : marriage festivities; the plural perhaps denoting the days consumed in the celebration. (see Gen_29:27 Jud_1:14:12 RAPC Tob 8:19, 20) Morison compares our English word "nuptials." In the Old Testament, Jehovah is the Husband of his Church; in the New, Christ is represented as married to the spiritual Israel, which takes the place of the older dispensation. For his son. Jesus Christ, whose intimate union with his Church is often represented under the figure of a marriage. (see Mat_9:15 Joh_3:29 2Co_11:2 Eph_5:23, 32 Rev_19:7)
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v5 But they made light of it.
Mat_22:5
But they made light of it.
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Making light of Christ
I. What it is that the sinners make light of.
1. Of the messenger who brings them the news that the marriage supper is prepared.
2. These people despise the feast.
3. They make light of the Kings Son.
4. They make light also of the King.
5. Thou art making light of the great solemnities of eternity.
II. How is it that men make light of it?
1. When men go to hear and yet do not attend.
2. When they attend to something else with it.
3. Who makes a profession of religion, but does not live up to it.
III. Why they make light of it.
1. Because ignorant.
2. Because of pride.
3. Because they did not believe the messenger.
4. Because they were so worldly.
5. Because altogether thoughtless.
6. Out of sheer presumption.
7. Because of the commonness of the gospel. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Indifference to the gospel invitation
I. The causes.
1. Ignorance.
2. Insensibility.
3. Indisposition.
4. Worldly-mindedness.
5. All these excuses were derived from things that were lawful in themselves.
II. Substantiate the proofs. Must not bring such a charge without the clearest evidence; that you make light of the gospel proved-
1. From your thoughts.
2. From your words.
3. From your actions.
4. From your anxieties.
III. Expose this evil.
1. Consider the conduct of other beings. The devil, angels, saints do not make light of it.
2. Consider the truth of the subject.
3. The importance of the subject.
4. The guilt you contract.
IV. Rejoice in the cure of this indefference. (W. Jay.)
Trifling with the gospel
I. With whom do they trifle?
II. With what do men trifle?
1. With the soul.
2. With Jesus Christ.
3. With eternity.
IV. Under what circumstances do men thus dare to trifle?
1. While you thus trifle all beside you are in earnest.
2. While you thus trifle opportunities are passing away. (T. Raffles, D. D.)
Levity: Subjects often made light of
I. Life, with the faculties and powers we possess.
II. Time, with the opportunities which it offers.
III. Duty, with self-denial which it involves.
IV. Sin, with the misery which it entails.
V. Salvation, with the joys which it brings.
VI. Death, with the uncertainty which attends it. VII. Judgment, with the solemnity that surrounds it. (Seeds and Saplings.)
Making light of salvation
I. Men are apt to remember and affectionately think of things they highly esteem; but as for those which they disregard, they can easily forget them, and live daily without a single thought of them.
II. The things that men value will be the theme of frequent conversation.
III. Things only talked about, and not reduced to practice, are made light of.
IV. We take pains and labour to secure the things we value.
V. Things that men highly esteem deeply and tenderly affect them.
VI. Our estimate of things may he discovered by the diligence and earnestness of our endeavours after them.
VII. That which we highly value we think it impossible to buy too dearly.
VIII. Those things we highly value we shall help our friends to obtain.
1. Those who make light of the Saviour, make light of Him who did not make light of them.
2. They make light of matters of the greatest excellency and importance.
3. Consider whose salvation it is you make light of-your own.
4. This sin is aggravated by professing to believe that gospel you make light of.
5. Consider what things those are which you prefer to the neglect of these.
6. Making light of Christ and salvation is a certain evidence of no interest in them.
7. The time is hastening when none will make light of these things. (President Davies.)
Levity
1. They made light of their advantages.
2. They made light of their opportunities.
3. They made light of human life.
4. They made light of duty.
5. They made light of sin.
6. They made light of the gospel. (Dean Vaughan.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv2–6 2. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a…
2. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king. Its relation to the Jews and Gentiles is likened unto a king who made a marriage for his son. Rendered “marriage feast” in the Revision. The scenery of this parable is drawn from the Oriental marriage feast, which assumed a much more important place in the ceremony of marriage than it does in our times. See the wedding feast at Cana, in John, chap. 2. The betrothal usually took place many months before, but the marriage rite was consummated by bringing the bride to the home of the bridegroom, and the occasion was celebrated by a feast, to which many were invited. In the parable the King is God, the Son our Lord, the bride is his church, those first invited are the Jews, those invited later are all mankind, the marriage feast is when the Lamb's Bride is taken home to the Father's house, the day named in Rev. 19:7–9, the day of judgment and reward.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v2 (See Scofield "Mat 3:2")
kingdom
(See Scofield "Mat 3:2")
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v5 The rejection:
The rejection:
v. 5. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm,
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another to his merchandise.
v. 6. And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
v. 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.
Here was a case of studied insolence and insult. They were indifferent to the urgent call, they paid absolutely no attention to it, in the majority of cases. They turned away and devoted themselves to their own private affairs, the landholder to his farm, the merchant to his store. But a few of the invited guests were not satisfied with merely indicating their disapproval of the king and their contempt for the wedding-feast in this fashion. They vented their spite on the messengers. Having laid hold on them, they treated them with every mark of contempt, and finally killed them. These were acts of open rebellion, naturally followed by war. Deeply angered, the king sent out his armies and punished the murderers by taking their life in turn and by burning their town. The refusal to come to the wedding-feast, together with the acts of violence against the servants, constituted acts of gross disobedience, which were justly punished in this way.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv4–5 Connecting Statement:
Connecting Statement:
Jesus continues telling a parable. (See: Parables)
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servants, saying, 'Tell them who are invited
This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Also, this can be stated in active form. AT: "servants, ordering them to tell those whom he invited" (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations and Active or Passive)
See
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
My oxen and fattened calves have been killed
It is implied that the animals are cooked and ready to eat. This can be stated in active form. AT: "My servants have killed and cooked my oxen and my fattened calves" (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)
My oxen and fattened calves
"My best oxen and calves for eating"
translationWords
king
cow
cow
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv2–3 22:2 The king represents God, whose son is Jesus…
22:2 The king represents God, whose son is Jesus (Gal 4:4; Heb 1:1-2). • The feast represents the Kingdom of the Messiah.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.