For many are called, but few chosen.”
Parallel translations
- KJV For many are called, but few are chosen.
- BSB For many are called, but few are chosen.”
- NKJV “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
- NASB For many are called, but few are chosen.”
- NLT “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Many are called, but few are chosen. The wide gospel invitation and God's sovereign choosing are held together.
Overview
This concluding statement summarizes the parable: the invitation goes out broadly, yet not all who hear truly belong to God's people. Faithful Christians have understood the 'called' as those who receive the outward gospel summons and the 'chosen' as those whom God effectually saves. The verse humbles presumption and calls hearers to respond with genuine, saving faith.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 6
- 2 Pet 1:10Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.
- Luke 13:23–24One said to him, “Lord, are they few who are saved?” He said to them,
- Rev 17:14These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and those who are with him are called chosen and faithful.”
- Matt 7:13–14“Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it.
- Matt 20:16So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
- Matt 24:22Unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved. But for the sake of the chosen ones, those days will be shortened.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Commentaries & study tools
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Christ at the center
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King — son of David, son of Abraham — the new Moses and true Israel in whom every prophecy reaches 'that it might be fulfilled.'
How Matthew 22:14 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.