Matthew 22:8 Meaning and Explanation
“Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The king declares the feast still ready and the original guests unworthy of it.
What Does Matthew 22:8 Mean?
The king's purpose is not defeated by refusal. "The wedding is ready" stands unchanged; what has changed is the guest list. Those first bidden have judged themselves "not worthy" by despising the invitation.
Worthiness in this parable is not wealth, learning, or pedigree -- the first guests had all three. It is simply how one treats the king's call. Paul and Barnabas would later echo this scene: "ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life" (Acts 13:46). God's feast will not go uncelebrated; if some refuse the joy, the joy will be offered to others.
Matthew 22:8 in the Original Language
axios (ἄξιος), 'worthy' -- of fitting weight, deserving; worth shown here by how the call is treated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 22:8
What does Matthew 22:8 mean?
The king declares the feast still ready and the original guests unworthy of it.