What Does Matthew 22:8 Mean in the King James?
Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
Being summoned names who is invited; being worthy names whether their response fits the feast.
THE MEANING
The wedding is ready, yet the invited guests are described as unfit for it. The verse speaks to you now: hearing a welcome and receiving it are different things; your response shows whether you are ready to share the feast.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
This undoes the belief that an invitation alone guarantees readiness to enter; the verse distinguishes being called from responding in a way that fits the feast.
THE ROOT
ἄξιοι
axioi
GROWS FROM
ἀξι-
axi-
Having corresponding worth; by extension, fitting or worthy.
“worthy” in this verse is axioi. Axios describes what is fitting or of corresponding worth, not simply a verdict on someone’s inherent value. In the story’s immediate context, the invited guests’ rejection of the summons makes their response out of keeping with the feast.
ALSO GROWS
axia: worth, value
ἀξία
The related noun makes worth explicit as a measure of value, clarifying the judgment in “not worthy.”
axioō: to deem worthy, consider fit
ἀξιόω
This related verb shows worthiness as an evaluation of whether someone or something is fit.
κεκλημένοι
keklēmenoi
GROWS FROM
καλέω
kaleō
To call, summon, or invite.
The word translated “bidden” means those who have been called or invited. The verse places that call beside a separate judgment of fitness: receiving an invitation does not by itself mean the invitation has been received.
ALSO GROWS
klēsis: calling, invitation
κλῆσις
This related noun names the summons itself, bringing the act of invitation into view.
ekklēsia: assembly, gathering
ἐκκλησία
This related word for an assembly connects the call with people gathered together; invitation points toward shared participation.
THE PATTERN
Being called to a feast and being ready to share it are distinct.
Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.THE THREAD
For many are called, but few are chosen.“Called” here comes from the same Greek root, καλέω (kaleō), as “bidden” in verse 8. The pairing makes the distinction visible: a call goes out, while the verse still separates being summoned from being among those who enter.
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