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

MATTHEW 22:11KJV
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Matthew 22:11 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:11 mean?

Matthew 22:11 describes how, when the king comes in to look over the guests at a wedding feast, he notices one man who is not wearing a wedding garment. This detail signals that the man stands out in a way that is not appropriate for the occasion, drawing the king’s attention.

In this part of Jesus’ parable, Jesus is speaking to a crowd that includes religious leaders. The setting is a royal wedding banquet, and the king represents someone with authority. The focus is on the king’s careful inspection of the guests and the expectation that everyone should be properly dressed for the event, which in the story symbolizes being prepared or fittingly respectful.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:11

  • ἄνθρωπον (anthrōpon): This is the Greek word for "man" or "person." The verse singles out one individual among many, emphasizing personal responsibility or readiness.
  • ἔνδυμα γάμου (endyma gamou): "Wedding garment." This phrase refers to special clothing expected at such an event. In the context of the parable, not wearing this garment marks the man as unprepared or disrespectful, which is central to the point Jesus is making.
  • θεάσασθαι (theasastai): This word means "to see" or "to observe closely." The king is not just glancing at the guests but is carefully inspecting them, suggesting intentionality in his actions.

Why Matthew 22:11 matters

  • Matthew 22:11 clarifies that being invited to the banquet is not enough; there is an expectation of proper preparation or response from the guests.
  • The verse highlights the king’s personal involvement and attention to detail, showing that each guest is noticed individually.
  • This moment sets up the rest of the parable, where the king confronts the man without the wedding garment, making the story’s message about readiness and respect more pointed.

Where else these words appear

“garment” Greek G1742 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Matthew 22:12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

“guests” Greek G345 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
  • Mark 5:40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
  • Luke 22:27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

“wedding” Greek G1062 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 22:2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
  • Matthew 22:10 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.
  • John 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

“see” Greek G2300 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
  • Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
  • Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.