Devine Scripture

Matthew 22:3

What does Matthew 22:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 22:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 22:3 means

The king dispatches his servants to summon those who had previously been invited to the feast, but they refuse to come. This initial refusal highlights the theme of human recalcitrance and indifference to God's gracious overtures. The 'servants' represent God's prophets and messengers throughout history, calling Israel to Himself. Their rejection foreshadows Israel's persistent unbelief and refusal to embrace the Messiah, despite numerous invitations and warnings from divine messengers.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast: and they would not come.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast: and they would not come.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And sent out his servants to get in the guests to the feast: and they would not come.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he sent forth his servants to call those having been called to the marriage-feasts, and they were not willing to come.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he sent his servants to call them that were invited to the marriage: and they would not come.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and sent his bondmen to call the persons invited to the wedding feast, and they would not come.

Context

Following the introduction of the king and the feast, this verse initiates the central conflict of the parable: the refusal of the invited guests. This sets a trajectory of escalating rejection and foreshadows the consequences that will unfold. It is vital to recognize that these initial invitees represent the Jewish people who, throughout their history, largely rejected God's call.

v.2The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a certain king, who made a marriage feast for his son,

v.3This passage

v.4Again he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them that are bidden, Behold, I have made ready my dinner; my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come to the marriage feast.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 9:1

    And he called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.

  • Mark 6:7

    And he calleth unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits;

  • Isaiah 30:15

    For thus said the Lord Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. And ye would not:

  • Proverbs 9:1

    Wisdom hath builded her house; She hath hewn out her seven pillars:

  • Jeremiah 25:4

    And Jehovah hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, (but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear),

  • Acts 13:45

    But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed.

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