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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 22:3 He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/22-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/40_Mat_22_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 22:3 - The Parable of the Banquet" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/22-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/22-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/22-2.htm" title="Matthew 22:2">◄</a> Matthew 22:3 <a href="/matthew/22-4.htm" title="Matthew 22:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/22.htm">New International Version</a> He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. <a href="/nlt/matthew/22.htm">New Living Translation</a> When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come! <a href="/esv/matthew/22.htm">English Standard Version</a> and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. <a href="/bsb/matthew/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. <a href="/blb/matthew/22.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And he sent his servants to call those having been invited to the wedding feast--and they were not willing to come. <a href="/kjv/matthew/22.htm">King James Bible</a> And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/22.htm">New King James Version</a> and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And he sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast, and they were unwilling to come. <a href="/nasb/matthew/22.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220And he sent out his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast, and they were unwilling to come. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And he sent out his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast, and they were unwilling to come. <a href="/lsb/matthew/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And he sent out his slaves to call those who had been called to the wedding feast, and they were unwilling to come. <a href="/amp/matthew/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And he sent his servants to call those who had [previously] been invited to the wedding feast, but they refused to come. <a href="/csb/matthew/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He sent his servants to summon those invited to the banquet, but they didn’t want to come. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He sent out his slaves to summon those invited to the banquet, but they didn&#8217t want to come. <a href="/asv/matthew/22.htm">American Standard Version</a> and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast: and they would not come. <a href="/cev/matthew/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The king sent some servants to tell the invited guests to come to the banquet, but the guests refused. <a href="/erv/matthew/22.htm">English Revised Version</a> and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast: and they would not come. <a href="/gwt/matthew/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the wedding, but they refused to come. <a href="/gnt/matthew/22.htm">Good News Translation</a> He sent his servants to tell the invited guests to come to the feast, but they did not want to come. <a href="/isv/matthew/22.htm">International Standard Version</a> He sent his servants to call those who had been invited to the wedding, but they refused to come. <a href="/msb/matthew/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. <a href="/net/matthew/22.htm">NET Bible</a> He sent his slaves to summon those who had been invited to the banquet, but they would not come. <a href="/nheb/matthew/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast, but they would not come. <a href="/wbt/matthew/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And sent his servants to call them that were invited to the wedding: and they would not come. <a href="/wey/matthew/22.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and sent his servants to call the invited guests to the wedding, but they were unwilling to come. <a href="/web/matthew/22.htm">World English Bible</a> and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and he sent forth his servants to call those having been called to the wedding feasts, and they were not willing to come. <a href="/blb/matthew/22.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And he sent his servants to call those having been invited to the wedding feast--and they were not willing to come. <a href="/ylt/matthew/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he sent forth his servants to call those having been called to the marriage-feasts, and they were not willing to come. <a href="/slt/matthew/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he sent his servants to those having been called to the nuptial feast: and they would not come.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he sent his servants, to call them that were invited to the marriage; and they would not come. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding. But they were not willing to come. <a href="/nabre/matthew/22.htm">New American Bible</a> He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he sent his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage-feast, but they would not come. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/22.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he sent his servants to call those invited to the wedding feast, and they chose not to come.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/22.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> and sent his servants to call those who had been invited to the marriage feast; and they refused to come. <a href="/godbey/matthew/22.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>And he sent his servants to invite those who had been called to the marriage: and they were not willing to come.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/22.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the entertainment: and they would not come. <a href="/mace/matthew/22.htm">Mace New Testament</a> he sent out his servants to call those that were invited to the wedding: but they would not come. <a href="/wey/matthew/22.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and sent his servants to call the invited guests to the wedding, but they were unwilling to come. <a href="/worrell/matthew/22.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>And he sent forth his servants to call those who had been invited to the marriage feast, and they were not willing to come.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/22.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>and sent his servants to call those that were invited to the wedding: and they would not come.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/22-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=6378" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/22.htm">The Parable of the Banquet</a> …2“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/649.htm" title="649: apesteilen (V-AIA-3S) -- From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.">He sent</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1401.htm" title="1401: doulous (N-AMP) -- (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.">servants</a> <a href="/greek/2564.htm" title="2564: kalesai (V-ANA) -- (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to call.">to call</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those</a> <a href="/greek/2564.htm" title="2564: keklēmenous (V-RPM/P-AMP) -- (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to call.">he had invited</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1062.htm" title="1062: gamous (N-AMP) -- A marriage, wedding, wedding-ceremony; plur: a wedding-feast. Of uncertain affinity; nuptials.">banquet,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">but</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: ēthelon (V-IIA-3P) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">they refused</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: elthein (V-ANA) -- To come, go. ">to come. </a> 4Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/14-16.htm">Luke 14:16-17</a> But Jesus replied, “A certain man prepared a great banquet and invited many guests. / When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ <a href="/revelation/19-9.htm">Revelation 19:9</a> Then the angel told me to write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” <a href="/proverbs/9-1.htm">Proverbs 9:1-5</a> Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars. / She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. / She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city. ... <a href="/isaiah/55-1.htm">Isaiah 55:1-3</a> “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! / Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. / Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David. <a href="/john/1-11.htm">John 1:11</a> He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. <a href="/acts/13-46.htm">Acts 13:46</a> Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. <a href="/romans/10-21.htm">Romans 10:21</a> But as for Israel he says: “All day long I have held out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.” <a href="/isaiah/65-12.htm">Isaiah 65:12</a> I will destine you for the sword, and you will all kneel down to be slaughtered, because I called and you did not answer, I spoke and you did not listen; you did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.” <a href="/isaiah/66-4.htm">Isaiah 66:4</a> So I will choose their punishment and I will bring terror upon them, because I called and no one answered, I spoke and no one listened. But they did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.” <a href="/jeremiah/7-13.htm">Jeremiah 7:13</a> And now, because you have done all these things, declares the LORD, and because I have spoken to you again and again but you would not listen, and I have called to you but you would not answer, <a href="/zechariah/7-11.htm">Zechariah 7:11-12</a> But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing. / They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/2_chronicles/36-15.htm">2 Chronicles 36:15-16</a> Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. / But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. <a href="/hebrews/3-15.htm">Hebrews 3:15</a> As it has been said: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion.” <a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a> O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! <a href="/luke/13-34.htm">Luke 13:34</a> O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.sent.<a href="/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2</a> And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.<a href="/matthew/10-6.htm">Matthew 10:6,7</a> But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel… <a href="/psalms/68-11.htm">Psalm 68:11</a> The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.that.<a href="/1_samuel/9-13.htm">1 Samuel 9:13</a> As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.<a href="/zephaniah/1-7.htm">Zephaniah 1:7</a> Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.and they would not.<a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a> O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!<a href="/psalms/81-10.htm">Psalm 81:10-12</a> I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it… <a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Proverbs 1:24-32</a> Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/22-2.htm">Banquet</a> <a href="/matthew/1-24.htm">Bidden</a> <a href="/matthew/21-36.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/matthew/22-2.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/matthew/21-43.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/14-9.htm">Guests</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-7.htm">Invited</a> <a href="/matthew/22-2.htm">Marriage</a> <a href="/matthew/22-2.htm">Marriage-Feasts</a> <a href="/malachi/2-9.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/matthew/18-30.htm">Refused</a> <a href="/matthew/21-36.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/matthew/21-36.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/matthew/18-30.htm">Unwilling</a> <a href="/matthew/22-2.htm">Wedding</a> <a href="/matthew/18-14.htm">Willing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/22-8.htm">Banquet</a> <a href="/matthew/22-4.htm">Bidden</a> <a href="/matthew/22-6.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/matthew/22-4.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/matthew/22-4.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/22-8.htm">Guests</a> <a href="/matthew/22-4.htm">Invited</a> <a href="/matthew/22-4.htm">Marriage</a> <a href="/matthew/22-9.htm">Marriage-Feasts</a> <a href="/mark/6-5.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/matthew/27-34.htm">Refused</a> <a href="/matthew/22-4.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/matthew/22-6.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/matthew/23-4.htm">Unwilling</a> <a href="/matthew/22-8.htm">Wedding</a> <a href="/matthew/23-4.htm">Willing</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 22</div>1. <a href="/matthew/22-1.htm">The parable of the marriage of the king's son.</a> 9. <a href="/matthew/22-9.htm">The vocation of the Gentiles.</a> 12. <a href="/matthew/22-12.htm">The punishment of him who lacked a wedding garment.</a> 15. <a href="/matthew/22-15.htm">Tribute ought to be paid to Caesar.</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/22-23.htm">Jesus confutes the Sadducees for the resurrection;</a> 34. <a href="/matthew/22-34.htm">answers which is the first and great commandment;</a> 41. <a href="/matthew/22-41.htm">and puzzles the Pharisees by a question about the Messiah.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>He sent his servants In the context of the parable, the "servants" represent the prophets and messengers of God sent throughout history to the people of Israel. This aligns with the Old Testament narrative where God repeatedly sent prophets to guide, warn, and call His people back to Him (e.g., <a href="/jeremiah/7-25.htm">Jeremiah 7:25</a>, <a href="/amos/3-7.htm">Amos 3:7</a>). The sending of servants indicates God's initiative and desire to reach out to His people.to call those he had invited The invitation signifies God's covenant relationship with Israel, who were the initial recipients of His promises and blessings (<a href="/exodus/19-5.htm">Exodus 19:5-6</a>). The calling reflects the special status of Israel as God's chosen people, who were to be a light to the nations (<a href="/isaiah/42-6.htm">Isaiah 42:6</a>). This invitation is a metaphor for the call to repentance and participation in the Kingdom of God.to the banquet The banquet symbolizes the Messianic feast, a common theme in Jewish eschatology representing the ultimate fellowship and celebration in God's Kingdom (<a href="/isaiah/25-6.htm">Isaiah 25:6</a>, <a href="/revelation/19-9.htm">Revelation 19:9</a>). It signifies the abundance and joy of salvation and the fulfillment of God's promises through the Messiah.but they refused to come This refusal highlights the historical rejection of God's messengers by Israel, as seen in the repeated disobedience and idolatry throughout their history (<a href="/2_chronicles/36-15.htm">2 Chronicles 36:15-16</a>). It also foreshadows the rejection of Jesus as the Messiah by many of the Jewish leaders and people of His time (<a href="/john/1-11.htm">John 1:11</a>). This refusal is a critical turning point, illustrating the consequences of rejecting God's invitation and the opening of the Kingdom to others (Gentiles).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_king.htm">The King</a> Represents God the Father, who is preparing a wedding banquet for His Son, symbolizing the Kingdom of Heaven. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_servants.htm">The Servants</a> Symbolize the prophets and messengers of God sent throughout history to call people to repentance and to accept God's invitation. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_invited_guests.htm">The Invited Guests</a> Initially represent the Jewish people, God's chosen people, who were the first to receive the invitation to the Kingdom. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_banquet.htm">The Banquet</a> Symbolizes the Kingdom of Heaven and the eternal fellowship with God. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_refusal.htm">The Refusal</a> The rejection of God's invitation by the invited guests, highlighting human resistance to divine grace.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_persistent_invitation.htm">God's Persistent Invitation</a> God continually reaches out to humanity, inviting us into a relationship with Him. Despite repeated refusals, His invitation remains open. <a href="/topical/h/human_rejection.htm">Human Rejection</a> The refusal of the invited guests serves as a warning against complacency and the danger of taking God's invitation for granted. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_god's_messengers.htm">The Role of God's Messengers</a> Like the servants, we are called to be messengers of God's invitation, sharing the Gospel with others. <a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_response.htm">The Urgency of Response</a> The refusal of the guests highlights the importance of responding to God's call with urgency and sincerity. <a href="/topical/i/inclusivity_of_the_kingdom.htm">Inclusivity of the Kingdom</a> While the initial guests refused, the invitation is extended to all, symbolizing the inclusivity of the Gospel message.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 22</a> <a href="/q/who'll_attend_the_great_banquet.htm">Who will accept the invitation to the great banquet?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_word's_origin_in_john_1_1.htm">Is Eliakim a typological argument for the papacy?</a> <a href="/q/is_salvation_for_all_or_just_the_elect.htm">Is salvation available to all or only the elect? (John 3:16 vs. Matthew 22:14)</a> <a href="/q/what_happened_on_holy_tuesday.htm">What occurred on Holy Tuesday before Easter?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) Sent forth his servants.--As in the parable of the Vineyard (<a href="/context/matthew/21-33.htm" title="Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and dig a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to farmers, and went into a far country:">Matthew 21:33-46</a>), the servants represent the aggregate work of the prophets up to the time of the Baptist. The refusal of guests invited to what seems to us so great an honour may seem, at first sight, so contrary to human nature as to be wanting in the element of dramatic probability. That refusal, however, would be natural enough, we must remember, in subjects who were in heart rebellious and disloyal; and it is precisely that character which the parable was intended to portray. The summons, it may be noted, came in the first instance to those who had long ago been "bidden" to the wedding. The proclamation of the kingdom was addressed to the Jews, who, as such, had all along been children of the kingdom.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - Sent forth his servants. In the East, the original invitation to a solemn festivity is followed by reminders as the day approaches (comp. <a href="/esther/5-8.htm">Esther 5:8</a>; <a href="/esther/6-14.htm">Esther 6:14</a>). The servants here are John the Baptist, the twelve apostles, the seventy, who first preached the gospel to the Jewish people. Them that were bidden. The Jews had already been invited to come in; to them already belonged "the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants... and the promises" (<a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Romans 9:1</a>). These early missionaries were sent to bring such things to their remembrance, and to bid them obey the call. They would not (οὐκ ἤθελον) come. Their reasons for refusal are not given here - a fact which differentiates this parable from that of the great supper. A general disinclination or aversion is denoted; no actual outrage is perpetrated as yet, but the invited guests are ripening for this stage, in that they despise the King's Son, and believe not in his Divine mission. This backwardness and obduracy recall Christ's lamentation, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem!" (<a href="/luke/13-34.htm">Luke 13:34, 35</a>). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/22-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>He sent ἀπέστειλεν (apesteilen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_649.htm">Strong's 649: </a> From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. servants δούλους (doulous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1401.htm">Strong's 1401: </a> (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave. to call καλέσαι (kalesai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2564.htm">Strong's 2564: </a> (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'. those τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. he had invited κεκλημένους (keklēmenous) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2564.htm">Strong's 2564: </a> (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'. to εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. banquet, γάμους (gamous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1062.htm">Strong's 1062: </a> A marriage, wedding, wedding-ceremony; plur: a wedding-feast. Of uncertain affinity; nuptials. but καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. they refused ἤθελον (ēthelon) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. to come. ἐλθεῖν (elthein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/22-3.htm">Matthew 22:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/22-3.htm">Matthew 22:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/22-3.htm">Matthew 22:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/22-3.htm">Matthew 22:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/22-3.htm">Matthew 22:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/22-3.htm">Matthew 22:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/22-3.htm">Matthew 22:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/22-3.htm">Matthew 22:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/22-3.htm">Matthew 22:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/22-3.htm">Matthew 22:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/22-3.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 22:3 And sent out his servants to call (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/22-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 22:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 22:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/22-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 22:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 22:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>