# Is “Many are called, but few are chosen” in the Bible?

> Yes. “Many are called, but few are chosen” is in the Bible, at Matthew 22:14.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/many-are-called-but-few-are-chosen
By Andrew Kittridge · November 9, 2026

Jesus says it to close his story of a king’s wedding feast.

## The verse

> For there are many who are called, but few who are chosen.”
>
> — [Matthew 22:14](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/22#14) (Lumin Translation)

These exact words are in the King James Bible. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here, and it words the verse differently.

## What it means there

In the story the invitation goes out widely, most ignore it, and one guest comes without wedding clothes. Being invited is not the same as coming on the king’s terms.

## Common questions

### Is “Many are called, but few are chosen” in the Bible?

Yes. “Many are called, but few are chosen” is in the Bible, at Matthew 22:14. These exact words are in the King James Bible. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here, and it words the verse differently. Jesus says it to close his story of a king’s wedding feast.

### Where in the Bible is “Many are called, but few are chosen”?

In Matthew 22:14. In the Lumin Translation, Matthew 22:14 reads: “For there are many who are called, but few who are chosen.””

### Who said “Many are called, but few are chosen”?

Jesus says it to close his story of a king’s wedding feast.

### What does “Many are called, but few are chosen” mean in the Bible?

In the story the invitation goes out widely, most ignore it, and one guest comes without wedding clothes. Being invited is not the same as coming on the king’s terms.

## More

- [Is “Pearls before swine” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/pearls-before-swine.md)
- [Is “See eye to eye” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/see-eye-to-eye.md)
- [Is “Swords into plowshares” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/swords-into-plowshares.md)
- [Is “The truth will set you free” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/the-truth-will-set-you-free.md)
- [Is “A wolf in sheep’s clothing” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/a-wolf-in-sheeps-clothing.md)
- [Where is “Fear not, for I am with you” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/fear-not-for-i-am-with-you.md)
- [Where is “The Lord will fight for you” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/the-lord-will-fight-for-you.md)
- [Where is “In this world you will have trouble” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/in-this-world-you-will-have-trouble.md)
- [Check any word or a whole song](https://www.lumin.faith/bible-verse-checker)