Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.

MATTHEW 22:4KJV
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Matthew 22:4 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:4 mean?

Matthew 22:4 describes how the king, after being ignored by his first invitation, sends more servants to tell those invited that everything is ready for the wedding feast—his best animals have been prepared, and the guests are urged to come. The verse emphasizes the king’s generosity and eagerness for the invited guests to join the celebration.

In this part of Jesus’ parable, He is speaking to a crowd that includes religious leaders, using the story of a king preparing a marriage feast for his son. The king’s repeated invitations and detailed preparations show his patience and the honor he is offering to the guests. The verse sets up the seriousness of the invitation and highlights how much the king desires their presence.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:4

  • The word “other” (ἄλλος, allos) stresses that the king did not give up after the first rejection, but sent different servants, showing persistence and a fresh attempt.
  • “Bidden” (καλέω, kaleō) means “those who have been invited,” underlining that the guests already had a standing invitation and were expected.
  • “Dinner” (ἄριστον, ariston) refers to a main meal, often eaten earlier in the day, suggesting a significant and well-prepared event.
  • “Come” (δεῦτε, deute) is a warm, urgent invitation, not just a command but a welcoming call to participate in something joyful.

Why Matthew 22:4 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the king (representing God in the parable) is quick to anger or rejection; instead, he is shown as patient and persistent, giving multiple chances.
  • The detailed mention of the oxen and fatlings being prepared highlights the value and effort behind the invitation, making the guests’ refusal more striking.
  • In the context of the parable, this verse helps reveal the contrast between the king’s generous offer and the invited guests’ indifference, setting up the lesson Jesus is teaching about responding to God’s call.

Where else these words appear

“dinner” Greek G712 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 11:38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
  • Luke 14:12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

“oxen” Greek G5022 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
  • Hebrews 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
  • Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

“killed” Greek G2380 · used in 13 verses

  • Mark 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?
  • Luke 22:7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
  • Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

“come” Greek G1205 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
  • Matthew 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
  • Luke 20:14 But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.