New Testament
Matthew 22:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he told his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but the people I invited didn't deserve to come.
Compare translations
Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
What Matthew 22:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the master of the wedding banquet expresses disappointment that those who were initially invited did not show up. He indicates that they were unworthy of the invitation, suggesting that their lack of response reflects their character or priorities. This parable illustrates the idea that God invites everyone to His kingdom, but not all accept the invitation. The servants are then tasked with inviting others, symbolizing the extension of grace to those who may not have been considered worthy by societal standards. This reflects God's desire for all to come to Him, regardless of their past or status. The emphasis is on the readiness of the banquet, which represents the kingdom of heaven, and the importance of responding to God's call. The verse serves as a reminder that acceptance of God's invitation is crucial and that there are consequences for ignoring it.
How to apply Matthew 22:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our response to God's invitations in our lives. Are we prioritizing our relationship with Him, or are we neglecting it? It challenges us to be open to God's call and to invite others to experience His grace.
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 22:8
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 22:8
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 22:8 mean?
Matthew 22:8 conveys the disappointment of a master whose invited guests did not attend the wedding banquet. It highlights the idea that those initially chosen were unworthy, symbolizing how some reject God's invitation to His kingdom.
What is the significance of the invitation in Matthew 22:8?
The invitation in Matthew 22:8 signifies God's call to everyone to join His kingdom. It emphasizes that while many are invited, not all respond positively, reflecting their priorities and worthiness.
What does 'they which were bidden were not worthy' mean?
The phrase 'they which were bidden were not worthy' indicates that the invited guests failed to honor the invitation, suggesting their lack of value in accepting the opportunity to join the banquet, which represents God's kingdom.
How does Matthew 22:8 relate to grace and mercy?
Matthew 22:8 illustrates grace and mercy by showing that even though some were unworthy, the invitation to the banquet is extended to others. This reflects God's desire for all to receive His grace, regardless of their past.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.