Bid
A Word with Many Meanings
The English word "bid" in the King James Version translates several different Hebrew and Greek words, each carrying its own shade of meaning. Understanding these distinctions helps readers grasp the full range of divine and human interactions described in Scripture. The word appears in contexts ranging from military commands to gracious invitations, from ritual consecration to farewell greetings.
Bidding as Command
In its most authoritative sense, "bid" means to command or direct. In Numbers 14:10, the congregation "bade" (commanded) to stone Joshua and Caleb, though God intervened to prevent it. In Matthew 1:24 (KJV), Joseph did "as the angel of the Lord had bidden him", obeying a divine command. This usage emphasizes the authority of the one bidding and the expectation of obedience from the one bidden. When God bids, it carries the full weight of divine authority.
Bidding as Invitation
The most theologically rich use of "bid" appears in Jesus' parables of invitation. In the Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22:1-14), a king sends servants to call those who were "bidden" (invited) to his son's wedding celebration. When the invited guests refuse to come, the king sends his servants to the highways and byways to invite anyone they find (Matthew 22:9). Similarly, in the Parable of the Great Supper (Luke 14:15-24), a host whose invited guests make excuses sends servants to bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.
These parables use "bid" in the sense of gracious invitation. God invites people into His kingdom, but the invitation requires a response. Those who refuse the invitation face exclusion, while those who accept, regardless of their social standing, are welcomed to the feast.
Bidding as Consecration
In Zephaniah 1:7, the Lord has "bid" His guests, meaning He has consecrated or set apart those invited to a sacrificial feast. This usage carries overtones of ritual preparation, where "bidding" means formally dedicating participants for a sacred purpose. A similar usage appears in 1 Samuel 16:5, where Samuel consecrated (bade) Jesse and his sons to the sacrifice at Bethlehem, the occasion on which David was anointed as future king.
Bidding Farewell
In Luke 9:61, a would-be disciple asked Jesus, "Lord, let me first go and bid farewell to those at my house." The Greek word here means to take leave of or say goodbye. Jesus' response: "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62), teaches that discipleship demands wholehearted commitment. Even the natural desire to say farewell must not become an excuse for delay.
The Invitation That Matters Most
Across its various uses, the concept of bidding in Scripture ultimately points to God's call upon human lives. Whether it comes as a sovereign command, a gracious invitation, a sacred consecration, or an urgent summons, God's bidding demands a response. The parables of Jesus make clear that the consequences of accepting or rejecting God's invitation are eternal.
Biblical Context
The word 'bid' appears in numerous biblical passages with varied meanings: command (Numbers 14:10; Matthew 1:24), invitation (Matthew 22:3-9; Luke 14:7-24), consecration (Zephaniah 1:7; 1 Samuel 16:5), instruction (Matthew 16:12; John 2:2), and farewell (Luke 9:61). Its most prominent theological usage is in Jesus' parables of the kingdom feast.
Theological Significance
The concept of bidding reveals the character of God as both sovereign commander and gracious host. He commands obedience, yet He also extends lavish invitations to fellowship. Jesus' feast parables show that the kingdom of God is offered freely, but acceptance is not automatic, it requires willing response. The refusal to accept God's bid carries serious consequences, while those who respond in faith receive abundant blessing.
Historical Background
In the ancient Near East, formal invitations to feasts were typically issued twice: an initial invitation and a second summons when the feast was ready. This two-stage process is reflected in Jesus' parable in Matthew 22:3-4, where servants are sent twice. Wedding feasts in Jewish culture could last up to seven days and were among the most significant social events. Refusing an invitation from a superior, especially a king, was considered a grave insult.