New Testament
Matthew 22:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The rest seized his servants, mistreated them spitefully, and killed them.
Compare translations
And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
What Matthew 22:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus tells a parable about a king who sends his servants to invite guests to a wedding feast. However, instead of accepting the invitation, the remaining people seize the king's servants, treat them badly, and even kill them. This reflects the rejection and violence faced by the prophets and messengers of God throughout history. The actions of the remnant symbolize the refusal to heed God's call and the consequences of such rebellion. The verse highlights the seriousness of rejecting divine invitations and the lengths to which people may go to resist God's will. It serves as a warning about the consequences of mistreating those who bring God's message and the ultimate accountability that comes with such actions.
How to apply Matthew 22:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on how we respond to God's invitations in our lives. It reminds us to treat others with respect and kindness, especially those who share God's message. We should be open to God's guidance and avoid the pitfalls of rejection and hostility towards His messengers.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 22:6
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 22:6
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 22:6 mean?
Matthew 22:6 describes how some people rejected the king's invitation to a wedding feast by seizing and killing his servants. This illustrates the historical rejection of God's messengers and the consequences of ignoring divine calls.
What is the significance of the servants in Matthew 22:6?
The servants in Matthew 22:6 represent God's prophets and messengers who are sent to invite people to His kingdom. Their mistreatment and killing symbolize the rejection and violence faced by those who deliver God's message.
What does the phrase 'mistreated them spitefully' mean in Matthew 22:6?
The phrase 'mistreated them spitefully' indicates that the servants were treated with contempt and hostility. It reflects the harsh and violent response that some people have towards God's messengers.
How does Matthew 22:6 relate to accountability for actions?
Matthew 22:6 emphasizes that those who mistreat God's messengers will face consequences for their actions. It highlights the importance of being accountable for how we respond to God's invitations and those who deliver His message.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.