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

MATTHEW 22:8KJV
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Matthew 22:8 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:8 mean?

Matthew 22:8 shows the master telling his servants that the wedding feast is prepared, but those who were originally invited did not deserve to come. The verse highlights a turning point where the invitation is about to be extended to others because the first guests proved unworthy.

In this scene, Jesus is telling a parable to a crowd, using the story of a king preparing a wedding banquet for his son. The king (representing God) speaks to his servants after the invited guests have refused to come. The verse sets up the idea that the opportunity to join the celebration will now go to new people, shifting the focus of the story.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:8

  • The word for "servants" is δοῦλος (doulos), which means "slave" or "servant." In the parable, these are the messengers sent out by the king, showing their role as those who carry out the king’s will.
  • The word for "wedding" is γάμος (gamos), which refers to a wedding feast or celebration. This word emphasizes the joyful and significant nature of the event being prepared.
  • The word for "bidden" is καλέω (kaleō), meaning "to call" or "to invite." This highlights that the original guests had received a personal invitation, making their refusal more significant.
  • The word for "worthy" is ἄξιος (axios), meaning "deserving" or "fit." The verse points out that the invited guests did not meet the standard expected for those who would share in the king’s celebration.

Why Matthew 22:8 matters

  • Matthew 22:8 clarifies that being invited is not the same as being worthy; it is possible to receive an invitation but still miss out because of one’s response.
  • The verse marks a key shift in the parable, showing that the king’s generosity will now reach beyond the original invitees, opening the door for others.
  • This moment helps set up the broader message of the parable, where those who were not first considered are now welcomed in, hinting at a wider inclusion in God’s plans.

Where else these words appear

“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 22:11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
  • John 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

“ready” Greek G2092 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 22:4 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.
  • Luke 14:17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.

“worthy” Greek G514 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

“servants” Greek G1401 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.