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Book of Matthew - Chapter 22 - Verse 13

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.

Meaning

This verse comes from the parable of the wedding feast found in the Gospel of Matthew. In this parable, a king throws a wedding banquet for his son, but many who were invited refused to come. The king then invites others off the street to the feast. However, when the king sees a man who was not properly dressed for the occasion, he orders his servants to bind the man and throw him into the outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of not being prepared or properly attired for the kingdom of God. The man who was not dressed appropriately symbolizes someone who professes to follow God but does not live according to His teachings. The outer darkness signifies a place of separation from God's presence and a state of eternal punishment. The weeping and gnashing of teeth suggest the anguish and regret experienced by those who are excluded from the kingdom due to their unfaithfulness.

Overall, this verse emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and living in accordance with God's will in order to partake in the blessings of His kingdom. It serves as a reminder that mere profession of faith is not enough; true discipleship requires a genuine commitment to following Jesus and obeying His commands.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the parable of the wedding feast found in Matthew 22:13, the king instructs his servants to bind the guest who was not properly dressed and cast him into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The theological interpretation of this passage highlights the consequences of rejecting God's invitation to salvation. The binding of the guest's hands and feet symbolizes the consequences of being spiritually bound by sin and separated from God. Being cast into outer darkness signifies being cast out of the presence of God into a place of eternal separation and suffering. The weeping and gnashing of teeth suggest the intense anguish and regret experienced by those who are excluded from the kingdom of God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accepting God's invitation to salvation and living in righteousness.

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