Strong’s Greek 4619 (σιτιστός) appears once in the New Testament, Matthew 22:4, where it describes “fattened cattle”. English versions render it “fattened,” “grain-fed,” or “fatted,” highlighting animals specially fed for a celebration.

Context in Matthew 22:4

“Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who were invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.”’”

The verse belongs to the Parable of the Wedding Banquet. The king’s generous preparations portray divine lavishness toward His invited guests, underscoring both the costliness of grace and the seriousness of rejecting it.

Cultural Background

• In the ancient Mediterranean world, livestock were ordinarily pastured; grain-feeding was reserved for animals destined for high feast days.
• “Fattened” animals signaled prosperity and honor (1 Samuel 28:24; 1 Kings 4:23).
• Killing such animals marked covenantal or royal occasions (Genesis 18:7-8; 2 Samuel 6:13). To refuse attendance after such expense was a grave insult.

Theological Significance in the Parable

1. Abundant Provision: The king supplies everything needed for joyful participation. The image anticipates Isaiah 25:6 and Revelation 19:9—the ultimate marriage supper of the Lamb.
2. Prepared Sacrifice: The slaughtered, fattened animals prefigure the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, by which the kingdom banquet is made ready (Hebrews 10:10).
3. Urgent Invitation: “Everything is ready” stresses immediacy. Acceptance cannot be postponed without consequence (Matthew 22:5-7).
4. Judgment and Grace: The banquet is open to “both evil and good” when the original invitees refuse (Matthew 22:10), yet entry still requires proper attire—symbolic of the righteousness provided by God (Matthew 22:11-13).

Old Testament Parallels

• Proverbs 15:17 contrasts a “plate of vegetables” with a “fattened ox,” linking fattened meat to festive joy.
• 1 Chronicles 29:21 records Solomon’s dedication feast featuring “a thousand bulls, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs…with abundant drink offerings.”

These texts inform the Jewish hearer that killing fattened cattle represents highest celebration and covenant fellowship.

Related New Testament Imagery

While Matthew 22:4 alone uses 4619, Luke 15:23 employs the cognate term for the “fattened calf” at the prodigal’s return, reinforcing the motif of extravagant, restorative grace. Both parables attach fattened animals to joyful reconciliation initiated by the Father.

Christological Implications

The king’s prepared feast aligns with Jesus’ self-designation as the Bridegroom (Matthew 9:15). The slaughtered, fattened cattle symbolize His forthcoming death, which secures the wedding banquet. The parable therefore functions as a veiled passion prophecy: the Bridegroom’s provision precedes the banquet’s joy.

Practical and Ministry Applications

• Evangelism: Proclaim God’s completed preparation; the Gospel invites all to partake while time remains.
• Worship: Corporate gatherings mirror the foretasted banquet; believers celebrate Christ’s finished work with thankful hearts.
• Discipleship: Challenge complacency—those who decline divine generosity face severe judgment.
• Pastoral Care: Emphasize God’s surpassing grace toward repentant sinners, as seen in both Matthew 22 and Luke 15.

Summary

Strong’s 4619 paints a picture of sumptuous, sacrificial provision. In Matthew 22:4 it magnifies the King’s generosity, accentuates the majesty of the kingdom feast, and calls hearers to accept the invitation secured by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.