Topical Bible: Invited

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In the biblical context, the concept of being "invited" often carries significant spiritual and theological implications. The term is frequently associated with God's call to individuals and groups to partake in His divine plan, fellowship, and salvation. The notion of invitation is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating both God's initiative in reaching out to humanity and the human response to His call.

Old Testament Context

While the specific term "invited" may not be prevalent in the Old Testament, the concept is evident in various narratives and prophetic messages. For instance, God’s call to Abraham to leave his homeland and journey to a land that He would show him (Genesis 12:1) can be seen as an invitation to participate in God's covenantal promises. Similarly, the Israelites were invited to be God's chosen people, set apart to live according to His statutes and to be a light to the nations (Exodus 19:5-6).

The prophetic literature often extends invitations to repentance and renewal. Isaiah 55:1-3 is a poignant example: "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk, without money and without cost. Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the theme of invitation is central to the ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus frequently extends invitations to individuals to follow Him, as seen in His call to the disciples (Matthew 4:19: "Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men"). This invitation is not merely to physical proximity but to a transformative relationship and mission.

The parables of Jesus often illustrate the kingdom of God as a banquet or wedding feast to which many are invited. In the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:16-24), Jesus describes a man who prepares a great feast and invites many guests. When the initial invitees make excuses and refuse to come, the invitation is extended to the poor, crippled, blind, and lame, symbolizing the inclusive nature of God's kingdom and the call to all people.

The invitation to salvation is a recurring theme in the apostolic writings. In Revelation 3:20 , Jesus extends a personal invitation: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me." This verse emphasizes the personal and relational aspect of Christ's invitation to fellowship and communion.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of being invited underscores the grace and initiative of God in the salvation process. It highlights the universal scope of the gospel message, as God's invitation is extended to all humanity, regardless of status, ethnicity, or past transgressions. The response to God's invitation is a matter of personal faith and obedience, as seen in the call to repentance and belief in the gospel (Mark 1:15).

The invitation also implies a responsibility on the part of the invitee. Accepting God's invitation involves a commitment to discipleship, transformation, and participation in the life of the church. The parables of Jesus often warn of the consequences of rejecting God's invitation, underscoring the urgency and importance of responding in faith.

In summary, the biblical theme of being "invited" reflects God's gracious outreach to humanity, calling individuals into a covenantal relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a call to experience the fullness of life in God's kingdom and to participate in His redemptive mission in the world.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

(imp. & p. p.) of Invite.

Greek

2564. kaleo -- to call
... word Definition to call NASB Word Usage call (13), called (99), calling (2), calls
(7), give (1), invite (2), invited (15), invited guests (1), invites (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2564.htm - 10k

2822. kletos -- called
... Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: kletos Phonetic Spelling: (klay-tos')
Short Definition: called, summoned Definition: called, invited, summoned by ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2822.htm - 7k

3333. metakaleo -- to call from one place to another
... Word Origin from meta and kaleo Definition to call from one place to another NASB
Word Usage called (1), invite (1), invited (1), summon (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3333.htm - 6k

3870. parakaleo -- to call to or for, to exhort, to encourage
... 8), exhortation* (1), exhortations (1), exhorted (2), exhorting (3), exhorts (1),
given (1), implore (4), implored (9), imploring (5), invited (2), making an ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3870.htm - 10k

4863. sunago -- to lead together, ie bring together, hence come ...
... 1), gathered (9), gathered...together (3), gathered together (14), gathered...together
(1), gathering (3), gathering together (1), invite (2), invited (1), met ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4863.htm - 9k

1528. eiskaleomai -- to call in
... Word Origin from eis and kaleo Definition to call in NASB Word Usage invited (1).
call in. From eis and kaleo; to invite in -- call in. see GREEK eis. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1528.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

7121. qara -- to call, proclaim, read
... cried (24), cries (1), cry (19), crying (2), dictated* (1), famous* (1), gave (4),
given (1), gives (1), grasps (1), guests (4), invite (6), invited (14), live ...
/hebrew/7121.htm - 7k

Library

To those who had Invited Him, and not Come to Receive Him.
... Oration III. To Those Who Had Invited Him, And Not Come To Receive Him. To Those
Who Had Invited Him, and Not Come to Receive Him. (About Easter ad362.). ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration iii to those who.htm

How the Angles, Being Invited into Britain, at First Drove Off the ...
... XV. How the Angles, being invited into Britain, at first drove off the enemy; but
not long after, making a league with them, turned their weapons against their ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xv how the angles.htm

The Weary, Pained, and Guilty, Invited.
... THE GOSPEL, AND ITS INVITATIONS. 283. " The Weary, Pained, and Guilty, Invited.
283. 7s. M. Mrs. Barbauld. The Weary, Pained, and Guilty, Invited. 1 Come! ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/283 the weary pained.htm

To Certain Holy Hermits who had Been Invited to Rome by the Pope
... LETTERS TO CERTAIN HOLY HERMITS WHO HAD BEEN INVITED TO ROME BY THE POPE.
From early years, Catherine had cherished the simple-hearted ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to certain holy hermits who.htm

Old Hundred. LM All Men Invited to Praise God.
... 4 Old Hundred. LM All Men Invited to Praise God. All Men Invited to Praise
God. (3) From all that dwell below the skies Let the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/4 old hundred l m all.htm

Therefore, after Mass, the Aforesaid Squire Invited Him to Dinner. ...
... Therefore, after mass, the aforesaid squire invited him to dinner? Therefore,
after mass, the aforesaid squire invited him to ...
/.../rolle/the fire of love/lection iii therefore after mass.htm

The Strife for Precedence at Feasts. --The Poor, not the Rich, to ...
... Section 171. The Strife for Precedence at Feasts."The Poor, not the Rich,
to be invited."Parable of the Great Supper. (Luke, xiv.). ...
/.../section 171 the strife for.htm

Of the Marriage of the King's Son, to which the Multitudes were ...
... Chapter LXXI."Of the Marriage of the King's Son, to Which the Multitudes Were Invited;
And of the Order in Which Matthew Introduces that Section as Compared ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter lxxi of the marriage of.htm

How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ...
... How Zerah, King Of The Ethiopians, Was Beaten By Asa; And How Asa, Upon Baasha's
Making War Against Him, Invited The King Of The Damascens To Assist Him; And ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how zerah king.htm

And He Spake a Parable unto those which were Bidden There...
... thee to a feast, do not go and sit at the head of the room; lest there [3] be there
a man more honourable than thou, [2056] and he that invited you come and ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xxx and he spake.htm

Thesaurus

Invited (49 Occurrences)
...Invited (49 Occurrences). Matthew 22:3 and sent out his servants to call those
who were invited to the marriage feast, but they would not come. ...
/i/invited.htm - 21k

Invite (20 Occurrences)
... Luke 14:12 He also said to the one who had invited him, "When you make a dinner
or a supper, don't call your friends, nor your brothers, nor your kinsmen, nor ...
/i/invite.htm - 12k

Dinner (23 Occurrences)
... NIV). Matthew 22:4 Again he sent out other servants, saying,'Tell those
who are invited, "Behold, I have made ready my dinner. My ...
/d/dinner.htm - 15k

Fatted (17 Occurrences)
... Matthew 22:4 Again he sent other bondmen, saying, Say to the persons invited, Behold,
I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and my fatted beasts are killed, and ...
/f/fatted.htm - 12k

Honor (240 Occurrences)
... Luke 14:7 He spoke a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they
chose the best seats, and said to them, (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/h/honor.htm - 37k

Wedding (24 Occurrences)
... Matthew 22:4 "Again he sent other servants with a message to those who were invited. ...
John 2:2 Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage. ...
/w/wedding.htm - 13k

Thyself (352 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Luke 14:8 When thou art invited by any one to a wedding, do not lay thyself
down in the first place at table, lest perhaps a more honourable than thou be ...
/t/thyself.htm - 36k

Guests (43 Occurrences)
... NIV). Matthew 22:3 and sent his servants to call the invited guests to the
wedding, but they were unwilling to come. (WEY BBE). Matthew ...
/g/guests.htm - 18k

Jael (6 Occurrences)
... As he drew near, Jael invited him to enter her tent. ... Here he sought, and was probably
invited, to take shelter in the tent of Jael (Judges 4:17-18). ...
/j/jael.htm - 14k

Lowest (28 Occurrences)
... Luke 14:9 and he who invited both of you would come and tell you,'Make room for
this person.' Then you would begin, with shame, to take the lowest place. ...
/l/lowest.htm - 15k

Resources

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Wedding Feast? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24)? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Walk to Emmaus / Emmaus Walk, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Invited: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Invited (49 Occurrences)

Matthew 22:3
and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast, but they would not come.
(WEB WEY DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 22:4
Again he sent out other servants, saying,'Tell those who are invited, "Behold, I have made ready my dinner. My cattle and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the marriage feast!"'
(WEB WEY DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 22:8
"Then he said to his servants,'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited weren't worthy.
(WEB WEY DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 25:35
for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in.
(See NAS NIV)

Luke 7:36
One of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered into the Pharisee's house, and sat at the table.
(WEB WEY NIV)

Luke 7:39
Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, "This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what kind of woman this is who touches him, that she is a sinner."
(WEB DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 11:37
When He had thus spoken, a Pharisee invited Him to breakfast at his house; so He entered and took His place at table.
(WEY NIV)

Luke 14:7
He spoke a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the best seats, and said to them,
(WEB WEY DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Luke 14:8
"When you are invited by anyone to a marriage feast, don't sit in the best seat, since perhaps someone more honorable than you might be invited by him,
(WEB DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 14:9
and he who invited both of you would come and tell you,'Make room for this person.' Then you would begin, with shame, to take the lowest place.
(WEB WEY DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 14:10
But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes, he may tell you,'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you.
(WEB WEY DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 14:12
He also said to the one who had invited him, "When you make a dinner or a supper, don't call your friends, nor your brothers, nor your kinsmen, nor rich neighbors, or perhaps they might also return the favor, and pay you back.
(WEB WEY DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Luke 14:16
But he said to him, "A certain man made a great supper, and he invited many people.
(WEB WEY DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 14:17
He sent out his servant at supper time to tell those who were invited,'Come, for everything is ready now.'
(WEB WEY DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 14:24
For I tell you that none of those men who were invited will taste of my supper.'"
(WEB WEY DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

John 1:43
The next day, having decided to leave Bethany and go into Galilee, Jesus found Philip, and invited him to follow Him.
(WEY)

John 2:2
Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage.
(WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 7:14
Then Joseph sent and invited his father Jacob and all his family, numbering seventy-five persons, to come to him,
(WEY NAS)

Acts 8:31
"Why, how can I," replied the eunuch, "unless some one explains it to me?" And he earnestly invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
(WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 10:23
Upon hearing this, Peter invited them in, and gave them a lodging. The next day he set out with them, some of the brethren from Jaffa going with him,
(WEY DBY NAS NIV)

Acts 10:24
and the day after that they reached Caesarea. There Cornelius was awaiting their arrival, and had invited all his relatives and intimate friends to be present.
(WEY)

Acts 13:42
So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.
(See NIV)

Acts 16:15
When she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and stay." So she persuaded us.
(See NIV)

Acts 18:26
He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
(See NIV)

Acts 28:14
Here we found brethren, who invited us to remain with them for a week; and so we reached Rome.
(WEY NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 28:17
After one complete day he invited the leading men among the Jews to meet him; and, when they were come together, he said to them, "As for me, brethren, although I had done nothing prejudicial to our people or contrary to the customs of our forefathers, I was handed over as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the power of the Romans.
(WEY)

Acts 28:20
For these reasons, then, I have invited you here, that I might see you and speak to you; for it is for the sake of Him who is the hope of Israel that this chain hangs upon me."
(WEY)

Revelation 19:9
He said to me, "Write,'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" He said to me, "These are true words of God."
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 31:54
And Jacob offered a sacrifice upon the mountain, and invited his brethren to eat bread: and they ate bread, and lodged on the mountain.
(DBY NIV)

Exodus 34:15
lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and then, when they go a whoring after their gods, and sacrifice unto their gods, thou be invited, and eat of their sacrifice,
(DBY)

Numbers 25:2
And they invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods; and the people ate, and bowed down to their gods.
(DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Joshua 24:9
Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel. He sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you;
(See RSV)

Judges 14:15
On the fourth day they said to Samson's wife, "Entice your husband to tell us what the riddle is, lest we burn you and your father's house with fire. Have you invited us here to impoverish us?"
(DBY NAS RSV)

1 Samuel 9:13
As soon as you have come into the city, you shall immediately find him, before he goes up to the high place to eat; for the people will not eat until he come, because he blesses the sacrifice. Afterwards those who are invited eat. Now therefore go up; for at this time you shall find him."
(WEB DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

1 Samuel 9:22
Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the guest room, and made them sit in the best place among those who were invited, who were about thirty persons.
(WEB DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

1 Samuel 9:24
The cook took up the thigh, and that which was on it, and set it before Saul. Samuel said, "Behold, that which has been reserved! Set it before yourself and eat; because for the appointed time has it been kept for you, for I said,'I have invited the people.'" So Saul ate with Samuel that day.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS NIV)

1 Samuel 16:5
He said, "Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to Yahweh. Sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice." He sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.
(See NAS RSV NIV)

2 Samuel 11:13
And David invited him, and he ate and drank before him; and he made him drunk. And in the evening he went out to lie on his couch with the servants of his lord, but did not go down to his house.
(DBY RSV)

2 Samuel 13:23
It happened after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Samuel 15:11
Two hundred men went with Absalom out of Jerusalem, who were invited, and went in their simplicity; and they didn't know anything.
(WEB JPS ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Samuel 16:11
David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, "Behold, my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeks my life. How much more this Benjamite, now? Leave him alone, and let him curse; for Yahweh has invited him.
(WEB)

1 Kings 1:9
And Adonijah sacrificed sheep and oxen and fatted cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by En-rogel, and invited all his brethren, the king's sons, and all the men of Judah, the king's servants;
(DBY NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 1:19
And he has sacrificed oxen and fatted cattle and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the sons of the king and Abiathar the priest and Joab the captain of the host; but Solomon thy servant has he not invited.
(DBY NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 1:25
For he is gone down this day, and has sacrificed oxen and fatted cattle and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the king's sons, and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest; and behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, God save king Adonijah!
(DBY NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 1:26
But me, even me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon, he has not invited.
(DBY NAS RSV)

Esther 5:12
Haman also said, "Yes, Esther the queen let no man come in with the king to the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and tomorrow I am also invited by her together with the king.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Job 1:4
And his sons went and made a feast in the house of each one on his day; and they sent and invited their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
(DBY)

Proverbs 9:18
And he hath not known that Rephaim 'are' there, In deep places of Sheol her invited ones!
(YLT)

Zephaniah 1:7
Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath invited his guests.
(WBS YLT NIV)

Subtopics

Invited

Related Terms

Reproves (9 Occurrences)

Mocker (11 Occurrences)

Corrects (4 Occurrences)

Abuse (17 Occurrences)

Insult (25 Occurrences)

Invited (49 Occurrences)

Vashti (10 Occurrences)

Lure (2 Occurrences)

Guest (24 Occurrences)