Anakalypsis / Unveiling the Word

Matthew 22:14

For many are called, but few are chosen.

KJV

πολλοὶ γάρ εἰσιν κλητοὶ ὀλίγοι δὲ ἐκλεκτοί.

Greek NT

Multi enim sunt vocati, pauci vero electi.

Vulgate

For many are called, but few chosen.

ASV

For many are called, but few are chosen.

Douay-Rheims

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In the original Greek

7 distinct Greek words appear in this verse.

γάρ
gar
conjunction · 1036×
δέ
de
conjunction · 2781×
εἰμί
eimi
verb · 2461×
κλητός
kletos
adjective · 10×
πολύς
polus
adjective · 412×
ἐκλεκτός
eklektos
adjective · 22×
ὀλίγος
oligos
adjective · 41×

Themes

Parable

Historic Christian voices

8 passages from patristic writers, Reformers, and church catechisms citing this verse.

§546Jesus' invitation to enter his kingdom comes in the form of parables, a characteristic feature of his teaching.261 Through his parables he invites people to the feast of the kingdom, but he also asks for a radical choice: to gain the kingdom, one must give everything.262 Words are not enough, deeds are required.263 The parables are like mirrors for man: will he be hard soil or …
§796The unity of Christ and the Church, head and members of one Body, also implies the distinction of the two within a personal relationship. This aspect is often expressed by the image of bridegroom and bride. the theme of Christ as Bridegroom of the Church was prepared for by the prophets and announced by John the Baptist.234 The Lord referred to himself as the "bridegroom."235 T…
The prophets were sent from one and the same Father from whom the Son was sent. 1. Which [God] the Lord does not reject, nor does He say that the prophets [spoke] from another god than His Father; nor from any other essence, but from one and the same Father; nor that any other being made the things in the world, except His own Father, when He speaks as follows in His teaching: …
Chapter 45.—That the Jews Ceased to Have Prophets After the Rebuilding of the Temple, and from that Time Until the Birth of Christ Were Afflicted with Continual Adversity, to Prove that the Building of Another Temple Had Been Promised by Prophetic Voices. The Jewish nation no doubt became worse after it ceased to have prophets, just at the very time when, on the rebuilding of t…
1. Concerning Those Who Asked Him to Show Them a Sign from Heaven. And the Sadducees and Pharisees came, and tempting Him kept asking Him to show them a sign from heaven. Matthew 16:1 The Sadducees and Pharisees who disagreed with each other in regard to the most essential truths, — for the Pharisees champion the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, hoping that there will …
However, that many who have been called through the gospel do not repent or believe in Christ but perish in unbelief is not because the sacrifice of Christ offered on the cross is deficient or insufficient, but because they themselves are at fault.

Cross-references

  • 2Pet 1:10 — Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
  • Esth 2:4 — And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.
  • Luke 13:23 — Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
  • Luke 13:23 — Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
  • Matt 7:13 — Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
  • Matt 7:14 — Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • Matt 20:16 — So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
  • Matt 20:16 — So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
  • Matt 24:22 — And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
  • Matt 24:22 — And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
  • Rev 17:14 — These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
  • Rev 17:14 — These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.