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Luke 14

And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.

And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.

And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?

And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;

And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?

And they could not answer him again to these things.

And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,

When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;

And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.

But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:

And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.

Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:

And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.

And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.

And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?

It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

What does Luke 14:8 mean?

Explanation

This verse from Luke 14:8 counsels against self-promotion and arrogance.

In a literal sense, Jesus is advising against taking the place of highest honor when invited to a wedding feast, suggesting that one should not assume they are the most important guest.

The deeper meaning reflects a call to humility, warning against the embarrassment that comes with overestimating one's own status.

Instead, Jesus recommends taking a humbler position, which leaves room for being honored by the host, rather than assuming honor for oneself.

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Historical Context

This teaching of Jesus comes from a time when he was dining at the house of a prominent Pharisee, as mentioned earlier in Luke 14.

During the Second Temple period of ancient Judaism, weddings and feasts were significant social events.

The seating arrangement at such events was a reflection of social hierarchy.

Taking the highest place at a table was a claim to high status and honor, and being asked to move for someone more honorable would have been a public humiliation.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse aligns with Christian teachings on virtues like humility and service rather than pride and self-promotion.

It reflects Jesus' message that "the last shall be first, and the first last" (Matthew 20:16) and his frequent calls to serve rather than seek to be served.

Different theological viewpoints might further connect this teaching with the concept of God exalting the humble and humbling those who exalt themselves.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can serve as a guide to conduct oneself with modesty and humility in social situations, in professional life, or within communities.

It encourages individuals to be considerate of others, to refrain from assuming positions of prestige without invitation, and to allow one's contributions or qualities to be recognized organically rather than forcing recognition upon oneself.

Cross-References

Proverbs 25:6-7: "Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen."
James 4:6: "But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

Matthew 23:12: "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."

Language Study

The key phrases within this verse include "bidden," "highest room," and "more honourable." The original Greek word translated as "bidden" (κληθῇς) refers to being called or invited, typically to a social event.

"Highest room" (πρωτοκλισίαν) literally means the first place or seat of honor at a meal.

The term "more honourable" (ἐντιμότερος) conveys someone with greater honor, distinction, or value in the eyes of the host.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, many ancient cultures held banquets and feasts where seating positions were indicative of social hierarchy.

In Greek and Roman societies, for example, similar customs prevailed.

In religious contexts, humility is a virtue upheld in various traditions including Buddhism's teachings against ego and pride, and Hinduism's principles that discourage arrogance.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific correlation to the topic of seating at social events, social psychology may offer insights on human behavior in hierarchical structures.

The desire for status and recognition is a well-studied phenomenon and reflects broader patterns of social dynamics that can be observed across cultures and times.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have various interpretations of this verse.

Some emphasize the practical wisdom Jesus is imparting for navigating social situations, others see it as a metaphor for the kingdom of God.

Commentators like Matthew Henry have pointed out that this teaching warns against the sin of pride and encourages the grace of humility.

Most agree that Jesus uses a commonplace situation to teach a profound spiritual truth: the values of the kingdom of God often subvert worldly values and expectations.

Luke 14

Luke 14

What does Luke 14:8 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 14:8 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?