Philip Christian Parks on Matthew 22 - 2 years ago
Friend; Mt. 22:12 = In the New Testament, two root words translate into the term "friend". The first, and most often used, is the Greek noun root (pronounced "FEE-los") which speaks of brotherly love (e.g. CHRIST's love for HIS "friend" Lazarus; Jn. 11:11).
But here, "friend" translates from the Greek noun root (transliterated "hetairos"; pronounced "het-ah-EE-ros"). This term speaks of two close associates who are bound by mutual obligations such as in business ventures wherein both must equally trust, confide, and depend upon the other. Such is the use of the term "friend" in this parable as well as that used by the householder when responding to the employee's complaint concerning his wages ( Mt. 20:13):
"But he (the householder) answered one of them, and said, Friend (Greek "hetairos"), I do thee (the employee) no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?"
The king's use of the word "friend" proves highly ironic for this attendee was unconcerned, and possibly even rebellious toward the dress requirement. By blatantly violating such a visible requirement as refusing to wear a "wedding garment", this attendee revealed his lack of cooperation and resistance to other obligations as well (cp. Ps. 55:12-14 & 20-21).
Of note, JESUS addressed Judah Iscariot as "friend" when Judas betrayed HIM ( Mt. 26:50):
"JESUS said unto him (Judas), Friend (Greek "hetairos"), wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on JESUS, and took HIM."
The verse above ( Mt. 26:50) fulfilled the prophecy recorded in Psalm 41:9:
"Yea, MINE own familiar* friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of MY bread, hath lifted up his heel against me."
* Hebrew "shalom" = English "peace".
While Judas was CHRIST's "friend" only through his feigned and hypocritical discipleship, he perfectly fits in the context of a "familiar friend" ( Ps. 41:9) as John 13:18 & 26-27 describes: "I know whom I have chosen:He that eateth bread with ME hath lifted up his heel against ME."
But here, "friend" translates from the Greek noun root (transliterated "hetairos"; pronounced "het-ah-EE-ros"). This term speaks of two close associates who are bound by mutual obligations such as in business ventures wherein both must equally trust, confide, and depend upon the other. Such is the use of the term "friend" in this parable as well as that used by the householder when responding to the employee's complaint concerning his wages ( Mt. 20:13):
"But he (the householder) answered one of them, and said, Friend (Greek "hetairos"), I do thee (the employee) no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?"
The king's use of the word "friend" proves highly ironic for this attendee was unconcerned, and possibly even rebellious toward the dress requirement. By blatantly violating such a visible requirement as refusing to wear a "wedding garment", this attendee revealed his lack of cooperation and resistance to other obligations as well (cp. Ps. 55:12-14 & 20-21).
Of note, JESUS addressed Judah Iscariot as "friend" when Judas betrayed HIM ( Mt. 26:50):
"JESUS said unto him (Judas), Friend (Greek "hetairos"), wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on JESUS, and took HIM."
The verse above ( Mt. 26:50) fulfilled the prophecy recorded in Psalm 41:9:
"Yea, MINE own familiar* friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of MY bread, hath lifted up his heel against me."
* Hebrew "shalom" = English "peace".
While Judas was CHRIST's "friend" only through his feigned and hypocritical discipleship, he perfectly fits in the context of a "familiar friend" ( Ps. 41:9) as John 13:18 & 26-27 describes: "I know whom I have chosen:He that eateth bread with ME hath lifted up his heel against ME."
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