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Matthew 22:12

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 22:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless.
Matthew 22:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 22

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9Go ye therefore unto the partings of the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage feast.
10And those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was filled with guests.
11But when the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment:
12and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless.
13Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.
14For many are called, but few chosen.
15Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might ensnare him in [his] talk.
← Matthew 22:11Matthew 22:13 →
← Full Chapter 22 Matthew Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he saith unto him, friend, etc.] Either in an ironical way, or because he professed to be a friend of God and Christ: how camest thou in hither, not having a wedding garment? Which way didst thou come in hither? since he did not come in by faith, in the righteousness of Christ; intimating, that he climbed up some other way, and was a thief and robber; or with what face, or how couldest thou have the assurance to come in hither in such a dress, having nothing but the filthy rags of thine own righteousness? How couldest thou expect to meet with acceptance with me, or to be suitable company for my people, not being arrayed with the garments of salvation, and robe of righteousness, as they…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Friend, how camest thou in hither, not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless--being self-condemned.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Friend - Rather, “companions.” The word does not imply friendship. He was speechless - He had no excuse. So it will be with all hypocrites. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“A wedding garment - The righteousness of Christ, first imputed, then implanted. It may easily be observed, this has no relation to the Lord's Supper, but to God's proceeding at the last day. Matthew 22:14”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Friend: Mat 20:13, Mat 26:50 how: Mat 5:20; Act 5:2-11, Act 8:20-23; Co1 4:5 And he was: Sa1 2:9; Job 5:16; Psa 107:42; Jer 2:23, Jer 2:26; Rom 3:19; Tit 3:11 Matthew 22:13”
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Related study paths

Read Matthew 22 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification