(Jesus continues telling his parable.) ## to make excuses ## Here it means "to say why they could not come to the dinner." ## Please excuse me ## "Please forgive me" or "Please accept my apology" ## five pairs of oxen ## Oxen are cows or bulls that people use to pull heavy loads or do other hard work. Oxen usually work in pairs. ## married a wife ## Use an expression that is natural in your language. Some languages may say "gotten married" or "taken a wife."