For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Parallel translations
- WEB For many are called, but few chosen.”
- KJV 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, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,
- Luke 13:23–24“Lord,” someone asked Him, “will only a few people be saved?” Jesus answered,
- Rev 17:14They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.”
- Matt 7:13–14Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
- Matt 20:16So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
- Matt 24:22If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Commentaries & study tools
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Hebrew/Greek interlinear, word definitions, and cross-references for this verse.
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.