Luke 14 (NET)

Healing Again on the Sabbath

1 Now1 one Sabbath when Jesus went to dine2 at the house of a leader3 of the Pharisees,4 they were watching5 him closely. 2 There6 right7 in front of him was a man suffering from dropsy.8 3 So9 Jesus asked10 the experts in religious law11 and the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath12 or not?” 4 But they remained silent. So13 Jesus14 took hold of the man,15 healed him, and sent him away.16 5 Then17 he said to them, “Which of you, if you have a son18 or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” 6 But19 they could not reply20 to this.

On Seeking Seats of Honor

7 Then21 when Jesus22 noticed how the guests23 chose the places of honor,24 he told them a parable. He said to them, 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast,25 do not take26 the place of honor, because a person more distinguished than you may have been invited by your host.27 9 So28 the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this man your place.’ Then, ashamed,29 you will begin to move to the least important30 place. 10 But when you are invited, go and take the least important place, so that when your host31 approaches he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up here to a better place.’32 Then you will be honored in the presence of all who share the meal with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but33 the one who humbles34 himself will be exalted.”

12 He35 said also to the man36 who had invited him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet,37 don’t invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors so you can be invited by them in return and get repaid. 13 But when you host an elaborate meal,38 invite the poor, the crippled,39 the lame, and40 the blind.41 14 Then42 you will be blessed,43 because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid44 at the resurrection of the righteous.”

The Parable of the Great Banquet

15 When45 one of those at the meal with Jesus46 heard this, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone47 who will feast48 in the kingdom of God!”49 16 But Jesus50 said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet51 and invited52 many guests.53 17 At54 the time for the banquet55 he sent his slave56 to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, because everything is now ready.’ 18 But one after another they all57 began to make excuses.58 The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field,59 and I must go out and see it. Please excuse me.’60 19 Another61 said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen,62 and I am going out63 to examine them. Please excuse me.’ 20 Another64 said, ‘I just got married, and I cannot come.’65 21 So66 the slave came back and reported this to his master. Then the master of the household was furious67 and said to his slave, ‘Go out quickly68 to the streets and alleys of the city,69 and bring in the poor,70 the crippled,71 the blind, and the lame.’ 22 Then72 the slave said, ‘Sir, what you instructed has been done, and there is still room.’73 23 So74 the master said to his75 slave, ‘Go out to the highways76 and country roads77 and urge78 people79 to come in, so that my house will be filled.80 24 For I tell you, not one of those individuals81 who were invited82 will taste my banquet!’”83

Counting the Cost

25 Now large crowds84 were accompanying Jesus,85 and turning to them he said, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate86 his own father and mother, and wife and children, and brothers and sisters, and even his own life,87 he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross88 and follow89 me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t sit down90 first and compute the cost91 to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 Otherwise,92 when he has laid93 a foundation and is not able to finish the tower,94 all who see it95 will begin to make fun of96 him. 30 They will say,97 ‘This man98 began to build and was not able to finish!’99 31 Or what king, going out to confront another king in battle, will not sit down100 first and determine whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose101 the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he cannot succeed,102 he will send a representative103 while the other is still a long way off and ask for terms of peace.104 33 In the same way therefore not one of you can be my disciple if he does not renounce all his own possessions.105

34 “Salt106 is good, but if salt loses its flavor,107 how can its flavor be restored? 35 It is of no value108 for the soil or for the manure pile; it is to be thrown out.109 The one who has ears to hear had better listen!”110

1tn Grk “Now it happened that one.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic. 2tn Grk “to eat bread,” an idiom for participating in a meal. 3tn Grk “a ruler of the Pharisees.” He was probably a synagogue official. 4sn See the note on Pharisees in 5:17. 5sn Watching…closely is a graphic term meaning to lurk and watch; see Luke 11:53-54. 6tn Grk “And there.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. 7tn Grk “behold.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) at the beginning of this statement adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1). Here it has been translated as “right” in the phrase “right in front of him,” giving a similar effect of vividness in the translation. 8sn The condition called dropsy involves swollen limbs resulting from the accumulation of fluid in the body’s tissues, especially the legs. 9tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the sequence of events (Jesus’ question was prompted by the man’s appearance). 10tn Grk “Jesus, answering, said.” This is redundant in contemporary English. In addition, since the context does not describe a previous question to Jesus (although one may well be implied), the phrase has been translated here as “Jesus asked.” 11tn That is, experts in the interpretation of the Mosaic law (traditionally, “lawyers”). 12sn “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” Will the Pharisees and experts in religious law defend tradition and speak out against doing good on the Sabbath? Has anything at all been learned since Luke 13:10-17? Has repentance come (13:6-9)? 13tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the sequence of events (Jesus’ healing the man was in response to their refusal to answer). 14tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 15tn Grk “taking hold [of the man].” The participle ἐπιλαβόμενος (epilabomeno") has been taken as indicating attendant circumstance. 16tn Or “and let him go.” 17tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative. 18tc Here “son,” found in Ì^45,75 (A) B W Ï, is the preferred reading. The other reading, “donkey” (found in א K L Ψ Ë^1,13 33 579 892 1241 2542 al lat bo), looks like an assimilation to Luke 13:15 and Deut 22:4; Isa 32:20, and was perhaps motivated by an attempt to soften the unusual collocation of “son” and “ox.” The Western ms D differs from all others and reads “sheep.” 19tn καί (kai) has been translated here as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context. The experts, who should be expected to know the law, are unable to respond to Jesus’ question. 20sn They could not reply. Twice in the scene, the experts remain silent (see v. 4). That, along with the presence of power working through Jesus, serves to indicate endorsement of his work and message. 21tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative. 22tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 23tn Grk “those who were invited.” 24tn Or “the best places.” The “places of honor” at the meal would be those closest to the host. 25tn Or “banquet.” This may not refer only to a wedding feast, because this term can have broader sense (note the usage in Esth 2:18; 9:22 LXX). However, this difference does not affect the point of the parable. 26tn Grk “do not recline in the place of honor.” 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away. 27tn Grk “by him”; the referent (the host) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 28tn Grk “host, and.” Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate this action is a result of the situation described in the previous verse. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation. 29tn Or “then in disgrace”; Grk “with shame.” In this culture avoiding shame was important. 30tn Grk “lowest place” (also in the repetition of the phrase in the next verse). 31tn Grk “the one who invited you.” 32tn Grk “Go up higher.” This means to move to a more important place. 33tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context, which involves the reversal of expected roles. 34sn The point of the statement the one who humbles himself will be exalted is humility and the reversal imagery used to underline it is common: Luke 1:52-53; 6:21; 10:15; 18:14. 35tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated. 36sn That is, the leader of the Pharisees (v. 1). 37tn The meaning of the two terms for meals here, ἄριστον (ariston) and δεῖπνον (deipnon), essentially overlap (L&N 23.22). Translators usually try to find two terms for a meal to use as equivalents (e.g., lunch and dinner, dinner and supper, etc.). In this translation “dinner” and “banquet” have been used, since the expected presence of rich neighbors later in the verse suggests a rather more elaborate occasion than an ordinary meal. 38tn This term, δοχή (doch), is a third term for a meal (see v. 12) that could also be translated “banquet, feast.” 39sn Normally the term means crippled as a result of being maimed or mutilated (L&N 23.177). 40tn Here “and” has been supplied between the last two elements in the series in keeping with English style. 41sn This list of needy is like Luke 7:22. See Deut 14:28-29; 16:11-14; 26:11-13. 42tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate that this follows from the preceding action. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation. 43sn You will be blessed. God notes and approves of such generosity. 44sn The passive verb will be repaid looks at God’s commendation. 45tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated. 46tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 47tn Grk “whoever” (the indefinite relative pronoun). This has been translated as “everyone who” to conform to contemporary English style. 48tn Or “will dine”; Grk “eat bread.” This refers to those who enjoy the endless fellowship of God’s coming rule. 49sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus. It is a realm in which Jesus rules and to which those who trust him belong. See Luke 6:20; 11:20; 17:20-21. 50tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 51tn Or “dinner.” 52sn Presumably those invited would have sent a reply with the invitation stating their desire to attend, much like a modern R.S.V.P. Then they waited for the servant to announce the beginning of the celebration (D. L. Bock, Luke [BECNT], 2:1272). 53tn The word “guests” is not in the Greek text but is implied. 54tn Grk “And at.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. 55tn Or “dinner.” 56tn See the note on the word “slave” in 7:2. 57tn Or “all unanimously” (BDAG 107 s.v. ἀπό 6). "One after another" is suggested by L&N 61.2. 58sn To make excuses and cancel at this point was an insult in the culture of the time. Regardless of customs concerning responses to invitations, refusal at this point was rude. 59sn I have bought a field. An examination of newly bought land was a common practice. It was this person’s priority. 60sn The expression Please excuse me is probably a polite way of refusing, given the dynamics of the situation, although it is important to note that an initial acceptance had probably been indicated and it was now a bit late for a refusal. The semantic equivalent of the phrase may well be “please accept my apologies.” 61tn Grk “And another.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. 62sn Five yoke of oxen. This was a wealthy man, because the normal farmer had one or two yoke of oxen. 63tn The translation “going out” for πορεύομαι (poreuomai) is used because “going” in this context could be understood to mean “I am about to” rather than the correct nuance, “I am on my way to.” 64tn Grk “And another.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. 65sn I just got married, and I cannot come. There is no request to be excused here; just a refusal. Why this disqualifies attendance is not clear. The OT freed a newly married man from certain responsibilities such as serving in the army (Deut 20:7; 24:5), but that would hardly apply to a banquet. The invitation is not respected in any of the three cases. 66tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of the preceding responses. 67tn Grk “being furious, said.” The participle ὀργισθείς (orgisqei") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 68sn It was necessary to go out quickly because the banquet was already prepared. All the food would spoil if not eaten immediately. 69tn Or “town.” 70sn The poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame. Note how the list matches v. 13, illustrating that point. Note also how the party goes on; it is not postponed until a later date. Instead new guests are invited. 71tn Grk “and the crippled.” Normally crippled as a result of being maimed or mutilated (L&N 23.177). Καί (kai) has not been translated here and before the following category (Grk “and the blind and the lame”) since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more. 72tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the order of events within the parable. 73sn And still there is room. This comment suggests the celebration was quite a big one, picturing the openness of God’s grace. 74tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the master’s response to the slave’s report. 75tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215). 76sn Go out to the highways and country roads. This suggests the inclusion of people outside the town, even beyond the needy (poor, crippled, blind, and lame) in the town, and so is an allusion to the inclusion of the Gentiles. 77tn The Greek word φραγμός (fragmo") refers to a fence, wall, or hedge surrounding a vineyard (BDAG 1064 s.v. 1). “Highways” and “country roads” probably refer not to separate places, but to the situation outside the town where the rural roads run right alongside the hedges or fences surrounding the fields (cf. J. A. Fitzmyer, Luke [AB], 1057). 78tn Traditionally “force” or “compel,” but according to BDAG 60 s.v. ἀναγκάζω 2 this is a weakened nuance: “strongly urge/invite.” The meaning in this context is more like “persuade.” 79tn The word “people” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context. 80sn So that my house will be filled. God will bless many people. 81tn The Greek word here is ἀνήρ (anhr), which frequently stresses males or husbands (in contrast to women or wives). However, the emphasis in the present context is on identifying these individuals as the ones previously invited, examples of which were given in vv. 18-20. Cf. also BDAG 79 s.v. ἀνήρ 2. 82sn None of those individuals who were invited. This is both the point and the warning. To be a part of the original invitation does not mean one automatically has access to blessing. One must respond when the summons comes in order to participate. The summons came in the person of Jesus and his proclamation of the kingdom. The statement here refers to the fact that many in Israel will not be blessed with participation, for they have ignored the summons when it came. 83tn Or “dinner.” 84sn It is important to note that the following remarks are not just to disciples, but to the large crowds who were following Jesus. 85tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 86tn This figurative use operates on a relative scale. God is to be loved more than family or self. 87tn Grk “his own soul,” but ψυχή (yuch) is frequently used of one’s physical life. It clearly has that meaning in this context. 88sn It was customary practice in a Roman crucifixion for the prisoner to be made to carry his own cross. Jesus is speaking figuratively here in the context of rejection. If the priority is not one’s allegiance to Jesus, then one will not follow him in the face of possible rejection; see Luke 9:23. 89tn Grk “and come after.” In combination with the verb ἔρχομαι (ercomai) the improper preposition ὀπίσω (opisw) means “follow.” 90tn The participle καθίσας (kaqisas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 91tn The first illustration involves checking to see if enough funds exist to build a watchtower. Both ψηφίζω (yhfizw, “compute”) and δαπάνη (dapanh, “cost”) are economic terms. 92tn Grk “to complete it, lest.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation and ἵνα μήποτε ({ina mhpote, “lest”) has been translated as “Otherwise.” 93tn The participle θέντος (qentos) has been taken temporally. 94tn The words “the tower” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context. 95tn The word “it” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context. 96tn Or “mock,” “ridicule.” The person who did not plan ahead becomes an object of joking and ridicule. 97tn Grk “make fun of him, saying.” 98sn The phrase this man is often used in Luke in a derogatory sense; see “this one” and expressions like it in Luke 5:21; 7:39; 13:32; 23:4, 14, 22, 35. 99sn The failure to finish the building project leads to embarrassment (in a culture where avoiding public shame was extremely important). The half completed tower testified to poor preparation and planning. 100tn The participle καθίσας (kaqisa") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 101tn On the meaning of this verb see also L&N 55.3, “to meet in battle, to face in battle.” 102tn Grk “And if not.” Here δέ (de) has not been translated; “succeed” is implied and has been supplied in the translation for clarity. 103tn Grk “a messenger.” 104sn This image is slightly different from the former one about the tower (vv. 28-30). The first part of the illustration (sit down first and determine) deals with preparation. The second part of the illustration (ask for terms of peace) has to do with recognizing who is stronger. This could well suggest thinking about what refusing the “stronger one” (God) might mean, and thus constitutes a warning. Achieving peace with God, the more powerful king, is the point of the illustration. 105tn Grk “Likewise therefore every one of you who does not renounce all his own possessions cannot be my disciple.” The complex double negation is potentially confusing to the modern reader and has been simplified in the translation. See L&N 57.70.sn The application of the saying is this: Discipleship requires that God be in first place. The reference to renunciation of all his own possessions refers to all earthly attachments that have first place. 106tn Grk “Now salt…”; here οὖν has not been translated.sn Salt was used as seasoning or fertilizer (BDAG 41 s.v. ἅλας a), or as a preservative. If salt ceased to be useful, it was thrown away. With this illustration Jesus warned about a disciple who ceased to follow him. 107sn The difficulty of this saying is understanding how salt could lose its flavor since its chemical properties cannot change. It is thus often assumed that Jesus was referring to chemically impure salt, perhaps a natural salt which, when exposed to the elements, had all the genuine salt leached out, leaving only the sediment or impurities behind. Others have suggested the background of the saying is the use of salt blocks by Arab bakers to line the floor of their ovens: Under the intense heat these blocks would eventually crystallize and undergo a change in chemical composition, finally being thrown out as unserviceable. A saying in the Talmud (b. Bekhorot 8b) attributed to R. Joshua ben Chananja (ca. a.d. 90), when asked the question “When salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again?” is said to have replied, “By salting it with the afterbirth of a mule.” He was then asked, “Then does the mule (being sterile) bear young?” to which he replied: “Can salt lose its flavor?” The point appears to be, both are impossible. The saying, while admittedly late, suggests that culturally the loss of flavor by salt was regarded as an impossibility. Genuine salt can never lose its flavor. In this case the saying by Jesus here may be similar to Matt 19:24, where it is likewise impossible for the camel to go through the eye of a sewing needle. 108tn Or “It is not useful” (L&N 65.32). 109tn Grk “they throw it out.” The third person plural with unspecified subject is a circumlocution for the passive here. 110tn The translation “had better listen!” captures the force of the third person imperative more effectively than the traditional “let him hear,” which sounds more like a permissive than an imperative to the modern English reader. This was Jesus’ common expression to listen and heed carefully (cf. Matt 11:15; 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9, 23; Luke 8:8).