For many are called, but few are chosen.
Parallel translations
- WEB For many are called, but few 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 1:10Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
- Luke 13:23–24Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
- Rev 17:14These 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.
- Matt 7:13–14Enter 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 20:16So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
- Matt 24:22And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall 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.