And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
MATTHEW 22:11KJVWhat 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.