Bidden
The Meaning of 'Bidden' in Scripture
The English word 'bidden' is the past participle of 'bid,' meaning to call, command, or invite. In the King James Version and other translations, it captures a sense of divine summons or a purposeful invitation. Its usage is not merely social but carries significant spiritual weight, indicating a call to action, participation, or relationship initiated by God.
Key Biblical Narratives and Appearances
The most direct appearance is in 1 Samuel 9:13, where Samuel is about to bless a sacrifice and those who are 'bidden' (called/invited) must eat beforehand. This sets the stage for Saul's unexpected calling as king. The concept is profoundly developed in the New Testament, especially in Jesus's parables. In the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:16-24; Matthew 22:1-14), many are 'bidden' or invited to the feast, symbolizing God's universal call into His kingdom. The narrative tension arises from the varied responses of the invited guests.
Theological Themes of Calling and Invitation
The theme of being 'bidden' underscores God's gracious initiative. Salvation begins with God's call, as seen in the calling of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) and the disciples (Mark 1:17-20). This divine invitation is persistent and generous but also requires a response. The refusal of those first bidden in Jesus's parables opens the door for others, illustrating the expansion of God's grace to all peoples (Acts 13:46-48).
Human Response to the Divine Bid
The biblical concept challenges passive reception. To be bidden is to be presented with a choice. The proper response is acceptance and preparation, as emphasized in the wedding garment imagery of Matthew 22:11-14. The call is to repentance, faith, and discipleship. The Apostle Paul describes believers as 'called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28-30), framing the Christian life as a response to God's effective bidding.
Biblical Context
The term appears explicitly in 1 Samuel 9:13 within the narrative of Saul's anointing. The concept is far more prevalent, foundational to stories of prophetic calling (e.g., Isaiah 6:8) and the calling of disciples. It reaches its zenith in Jesus's parables of the kingdom, particularly the Great Banquet (Luke 14:16-24) and the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22:1-14), which are central to His teaching on grace and response. The epistles further develop this as the effectual call of God to salvation (e.g., Romans 8:30, 1 Corinthians 1:9).
Theological Significance
The theme of being 'bidden' is crucial for understanding the doctrine of calling (vocatio). It highlights prevenient grace—God's first move toward humanity. It teaches that entrance into God's kingdom is by invitation, not human merit. The concept also informs ecclesiology, defining the church as the community of the 'called-out ones.' Furthermore, the varied responses to the invitation illustrate human free will and responsibility within the framework of divine sovereignty, a key tension in biblical theology.
Historical Background
In the ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world, formal invitations (bids) to feasts or ceremonies were significant social contracts, implying honor, obligation, and relationship. Refusing such an invitation from a superior was a grave insult. Jesus's audiences would have immediately understood the cultural shock in His parables where invited guests casually refuse a king's summons. Archaeological findings of ancient banquet halls and invitation protocols illuminate the weight of these biblical metaphors. The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) often uses the verb kaleō ('to call') for this concept, which the New Testament authors then employ extensively.