For many are called, but few are chosen.

MATTHEW 22:14KJV
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Matthew 22:14 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:14 mean?

Matthew 22:14 draws a distinction between receiving an invitation and being among those finally accepted. Jesus says this at the end of a story about a king’s wedding feast, using “called” for those invited and “chosen” for a smaller group.

The sentence follows the removal of a guest who lacked a wedding garment. Jesus addresses the religious leaders and others listening to him. The contrast gives the story’s ending its force: being invited to the feast is not the same as being among the chosen.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:14

  • “called” — κλητοί (klētoi): This can mean “invited” or “summoned.” In the setting of a feast, the word carries the sense of people being invited to attend.
  • “chosen” — ἐκλεκτοί (eklektoi): This means “selected” or “chosen.” The word points to a selection among people, rather than to the invitation itself.

Why Matthew 22:14 matters

  • The invitation reaches beyond the king’s first list of guests. In Matthew 22:9–10, the servants gather people they find on the roads, both “bad and good.”
  • The contrast has weight for Jesus’ listeners because of the story’s setting. The leaders had just heard stories directed at those who rejected Jesus’ message, and this feast story continues his response to them.
  • Christians differ over how the contrast between “called” and “chosen” relates to God’s choice and people’s response.

Where else these words appear

“called” Greek G2822 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
  • Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

“chosen” Greek G1588 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
  • Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
  • Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

“few” Greek G3641 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
  • 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

“are” Greek G1526 · used in 146 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • John 7:49 But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
  • Galatians 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.