Devine Scripture

Matthew 22:11

What does Matthew 22:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 22:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 22:11 means

As the king enters to observe his guests, he discovers one individual who is not wearing a 'wedding-garment.' This garment, traditionally provided by the host for such occasions, symbolizes the righteousness of Christ or the spiritual purity required to partake in the kingdom. The king's inspection signifies God's ultimate discernment and judgment, where outward profession must be matched by inward transformation. It highlights that an outward display of faithfulness is necessary, not just initial acceptance of the invitation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But when the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But when the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a guest's robe;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And the king having come in to view those reclining, saw there a man not clothed with clothing of the marriage-feast,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the king went in to see the guests: and he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the king, having gone in to see the guests, beheld there a man not clothed with a wedding garment.

Context

This verse introduces a new phase in the parable, shifting from the broad invitation to the king's personal inspection of the guests. It shows that mere presence at the feast is not enough; there is a standard of conduct or spiritual readiness required. This crucial detail immediately raises the stakes for the gathered guests and sets the stage for the judgment of the ill-equipped individual.

v.10And those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was filled with guests.

v.11This passage

v.12and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Kings 10:22

    And he said unto him that was over the vestry, Bring forth vestments for all the worshippers of Baal. And he brought them forth vestments.

  • Matthew 3:12

    whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing-floor; and he will gather his wheat into the garner, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.

  • Romans 13:14

    But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

  • Colossians 3:10

    and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him:

  • Zephaniah 1:12

    And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with lamps; and I will punish the men that are settled on their lees, that say in their heart, Jehovah will not do good, neither will he do evil.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:3

    if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

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