Devine Scripture

Matthew 22:7

What does Matthew 22:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 22:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 22:7 means

The king's wrath is justly kindled by the heinous actions of those who murdered his servants. He dispatches his armies, destroys the murderers, and burns their city. This fierce retribution symbolizes God's righteous judgment against those who persistently reject His invitation and persecute His messengers. Historically, this points forward to the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, a divine judgment upon unbelieving Israel for their rejection of Christ and His apostles. The burning of their city signifies utter desolation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But the king was wroth; and he sent his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But the king was wroth; and he sent his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the king was angry; and he sent his armies, and those who had put his servants to death he gave to destruction, burning down their town with fire.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And the king having heard, was wroth, and having sent forth his soldiers, he destroyed those murderers, and their city he set on fire;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But when the king had heard of it, he was angry: and sending his armies, he destroyed those murderers and burnt their city.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And [when] the king [heard of it he] was wroth, and having sent his forces, destroyed those murderers and burned their city.

Context

This verse details the king's swift and severe response to the violence against his servants, signifying divine judgment. This acts as the immediate consequence of the preceding rebellion, demonstrating the cost of rejecting God and His messengers. This pivotal moment concludes the first phase of the parable, setting the stage for the universal invitation that follows.

v.6and the rest laid hold on his servants, and treated them shamefully, and killed them.

v.7This passage

v.8Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they that were bidden were not worthy.

Cross references

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

  • Joel 3:2

    I will gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will execute judgment upon them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations: and they have parted my land,

  • Luke 21:24

    And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led captive into all the nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

  • Daniel 9:26

    And after the threescore and two weeks shall the anointed one be cut off, and shall have nothing: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and even unto the end shall be war; desolations are determined.

  • Luke 21:21

    Then let them that are in Judæa flee unto the mountains; and let them that are in the midst of her depart out; and let not them that are in the country enter therein.

  • Joel 2:11

    And Jehovah uttereth his voice before his army; for his camp is very great; for he is strong that executeth his word; for the day of Jehovah is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

  • Zechariah 14:1

    Behold, a day of Jehovah cometh, when thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.

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