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Matthew 22:14

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 22:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For many are called, but few chosen.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For many are called, but few chosen.
Matthew 22:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 22

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
16And they send to him their disciples, with the Herodians, saying, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, and carest not for any one: for thou regardest not the person of men.
17Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
← Matthew 22:13Matthew 22:15 →
← 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
“For many are called, but few chosen.] See Gill “<402016>Matthew 20:16””
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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
“For many are called, but few are chosen--So Mat 19:30. See on Mat 20:16. Next: Matthew Chapter 23”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Many are called, but few are chosen - Our Saviour often uses this expression. It was probably proverbial. The Jews had been called, but few of them had been chosen to life. The great mass of the nation was wicked, and they showed by their lives that they were not chosen to salvation. The Gentiles also were invited to be saved, Isaiah 45:22. Nation after nation has been called; but few, few have yet showed that they were real Christians, the elect of God. It is also true that many who are in the church may prove to be without the wedding garment, and show at last that they were not the chosen of God. This remark in the 14th verse is the inference from the “whole parable,” and not of the part…”
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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
“Many are called; few chosen - Many hear; few believe. Yea, many are members of the visible, but few of the invisible Church. Mat 20:16. Matthew 22:15”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“22:14 While many people are called—they hear the invitation to the Kingdom—few are actually chosen by God and respond in faithful obedience to Jesus.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mat 7:13, Mat 7:14, Mat 20:16; Luk 13:23, Luk 13:24 Matthew 22:15”
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Related study paths

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

Sources and verification