FocusInvitation and accountability
Connection to the wholeThe feast parable continues the preceding confrontations, joining rejection of the invitation with accountability among those who come.
interpretation Matthew 22:6
KJVAnd the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
Read it in context
The Parable of the Marriage Feast
Start reading at Matthew 22:1 (Matthew 22:1 to Matthew 22:14).
The verse Matthew 22:6 is part of the parable of the marriage feast, which begins at the start of the chapter and concludes at Matthew 22:14.
- 22:1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,
- 22:2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
- 22:3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
- 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.
- 22:5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
- 22:6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
- 22:7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
- 22:8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
- 22:9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
- 22:10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
- 22:11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
- 22:12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
- 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
- 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 22:1–22:46): Jesus addresses parables and answers challenges involving Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, and a lawyer; the chapter closes with His question to the Pharisees. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main event described in Matthew 22:6, within the parable of the marriage feast, is the violent rejection and murder of the king's servants by some of the invited guests. This illustrates the severe opposition faced by God's messengers.
- What is God revealing? Through this parable, God is revealing the persistent rejection of His gracious invitation to the kingdom of heaven by those who were initially called, and the severe consequences that follow such rejection and mistreatment of His messengers. It foreshadows the persecution of those who proclaim God's message.
- What is the literary style? The literary style of Matthew 22:6 is part of a parable, specifically the parable of the marriage feast, which is a narrative used by Jesus to convey spiritual truth.
When
- When was it written? The Gospel of Matthew was written approximately between A.D. 50 and 70. book background
- When does the event take place? The event of Jesus speaking this parable takes place during His earthly ministry, around A.D. 30. The events within the parable are illustrative and represent a historical pattern of rejection of God's messengers.
Where
- Where did it happen? Jesus spoke this parable in Jerusalem, likely within the temple area, as indicated by the context of His interactions with religious leaders in the preceding and following passages. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? Matthew, the author, was likely located in Judea or Antioch when he wrote this Gospel. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Parable of the Marriage Feast (Matthew 22:1 to Matthew 22:14). Start reading at Matthew 22:1. The verse Matthew 22:6 is part of the parable of the marriage feast, which begins at the start of the chapter and concludes at Matthew 22:14.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? Matthew 22:6 is part of the parable of the marriage feast (Matthew 22:1-14), which immediately follows the parable of the wicked husbandmen (Matthew 21:33-46). Both parables illustrate the rejection of God's messengers and His Son by the Jewish leaders and people, and the subsequent judgment that would fall upon them, leading to the invitation being extended to others. This parable is one of several Jesus tells to confront the religious authorities who opposed Him. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The king's son, for whom the marriage is made, represents Jesus Christ. The servants sent by the king represent the prophets and apostles who proclaimed God's invitation. The mistreatment and killing of these servants foreshadows the rejection and crucifixion of Christ Himself, as well as the persecution and martyrdom of His followers throughout history. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? This passage reminds us that God extends a gracious invitation to His kingdom, and there are serious consequences for rejecting it or mistreating His messengers. For believers, it serves as a warning to value God's call and to be prepared for potential opposition and persecution when sharing the Gospel, just as the king's servants faced hostility. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 22:1, Matthew 22:2, Matthew 22:3, Matthew 22:4, Matthew 22:5, Matthew 22:6, Matthew 22:7, Matthew 22:8, Matthew 22:9, Matthew 22:10, Matthew 22:11, Matthew 22:12, Matthew 22:13, Matthew 22:14, Matthew 21:33, Matthew 21:46
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Related passages
- the remnant Matt 5:10-12 Matt 10:12-18,22-25 Matt 21:35-39 Matt 23:34-37 John 15:19-20 John 16:2-3 Acts 4:1-3 Acts 5:40-41
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 22
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Questions meant to trap
Matthew 22:15–33FocusTribute and resurrection
Connection to the wholeJesus answers hostile questions without accepting their premises, exposing misunderstanding of Scripture and God's power.
interpretation The great commandment and David's Lord
Matthew 22:34–46FocusLove and the Messiah
Connection to the wholeThe exchange moves from the law's central commands to a question about the Christ that the challengers cannot answer.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.