The word translated as “for” primarily means “because,” and Jesus frequently uses it at the beginning of a verse when answering questions. It also begins lines when Jesus seems to change the subject, which indicates that someone asked an unrecorded question. Because of this, it is often left out of English translations.

The “many” those “invited” at the end, which is broadened to include everyone. We have adopted the Greek phrase, hoi polloi, into English to mean the common people, but in Greek, it literally means “the many.” Here, polloi appears with out the definite article meaning “the.” The sense is more “a great many” since this word also means “great.”

Confusing the English translation is the Greek adjective translated as "invited." It means “invited” and “welcomed,” but it also means “chosen.” So, Jesus is also saying that many are “chosen.” This instantly confuses the English translation. Let us see if we can straighten it out and get why Jesus selected these words. This word is only used by Jesus once, in this verse.

The “few” who were “chosen” seems to be the select guests who were originally invited and didn’t come. However, it could also be the guest thrown out for not wearing a wedding gown. However, neither of these group comes off well in the story, which is a problem for the translators. This root word is the word sometime translated as “the elect” in the Bible and it is used to refer to that special group of people who are saved. The translators want these to be the “special people” but those people at the ones condemned by the story.

The other adjective translated as “chosen” is usually translated as “picked out,” and “selected,” words meaning something very close to “chosen.” This is because it root of is the Greek word translated as “invited” that means “chosen.” The difference is that this word has the prefix “out of” so the sense is “chosen out of” rather than just the simple “chosen.” How can we straighten this out?

This “chosen” word also means “pure.” This from it meaning as “selected” or “separated out.” The Judean idea was things use in common are not pure. Thing that are holy are separate from common, everyday things. Another big clue is how Jesus uses this word everywhere else. It isn’t a common word, but it is used by Jesus eight times. In all those places it is translated as “the elect,” which is the Greek word, eklektos adopted into English. In all those places, “pure” would work as well.

Like so many of Jesus's "punchlines," it is a play on words that is hidden in translation. The Greek word translated as "called" is only used twice by Jesus. Here, it is a play on the sound of the Greek word translated as "chosen" since both sound alike.

Like so many of Jesus's "punchlines," it is a play on words that is hidden in translation. The Greek word translated as "called" is only used twice by Jesus. Here, it is a play on the sound of the Greek word translated as "chosen" since both sound alike.