Luke 14:7-24 Parables of the feast and great supper

In Luke 14, Luke presents two parables by Jesus.

The parable of the feast is a setup for
the parable of the great supper.

The parables of the feast and great supper fit in with the idea of "taking it to the streets". However, the viewpoint is important in understanding the parables.

The sending out to the "streets" and "hedges" in the parable of the Great Supper has both an interesting interpretation and an interesting misinterpretation.

More: Streets: Flowing after a path into a plaza

Luke 14:7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, [kjv]

ελεγεν δε προς τους κεκλημενους παραβολην επεχων πως τας πρωτοκλισιας εξελεγοντο λεγων προς αυτους [gnt]

14:8 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; [kjv]

οταν κληθης υπο τινος εις γαμους μη κατακλιθης εις την πρωτοκλισιαν μηποτε εντιμοτερος σου η κεκλημενος υπ αυτου [gnt]

14:9 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. [kjv]

και ελθων ο σε και αυτον καλεσας ερει σοι δος τουτω τοπον και τοτε αρξη μετα αισχυνης τον εσχατον τοπον κατεχειν [gnt]

This happens in real life when, for example, someone wants a Ph.D. degree (even if it comes from a diploma mill or a school with questionable quality) so that that person can try to impress others and make them think that they know more than they do.

Matthew 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, [kjv]

παντα δε τα εργα αυτων ποιουσιν προς το θεαθηναι τοις ανθρωποις πλατυνουσιν γαρ τα φυλακτηρια αυτων και μεγαλυνουσιν τα κρασπεδα [gnt]

Luke 14:7

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

Greek: ελεγεν δε προς τους κεκλημενους παραβολην επεχων πως τας πρωτοκλισιας εξελεγοντο λεγων προς αυτους

Luke 14:8

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KJV: 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;

Greek: οταν κληθης υπο τινος εις γαμους μη κατακλιθης εις την πρωτοκλισιαν μηποτε εντιμοτερος σου η κεκλημενος υπ αυτου

Luke 14:9

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KJV: 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.

Greek: και ελθων ο σε και αυτον καλεσας ερει σοι δος τουτω τοπον και τοτε αρξη μετ μετα αισχυνης τον εσχατον τοπον κατεχειν

*G152 *6 αἰσχύνη (ahee-skhoo'-nay) : from G153; shame or disgrace (abstractly or concretely):--dishonesty, shame.

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αισχυνης *3

Luke 14:9 ... thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.
2 Corinthians 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in ...
Hebrews 12:2 ... endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at ...

αισχυνη *2

Philippians 3:19 ... whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
Revelation 3:18 ... that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness ...

αισχυνας

Jude 1:13 ... of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom ...

*G152 *6 αἰσχύνη (ahee-skhoo'-nay) : from G153; shame or disgrace (abstractly or concretely):--dishonesty, shame.

Words: αισχυνας αισχυνη=2 αισχυνης=3

The ancient Greek word "αἰσχύνη" ≈ "shame, disgrace" and comes from the ancient Greek word "αἶσχος" ≈ "shame, disgrace, ugliness, deformity".

*G808 *2 ἀσχημοσύνη (as-kay-mos-oo'-nay) : from G809; an indecency; by implication, the pudenda:--shame, that which is unseemly.

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ασχημοσυνην *2

Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural ...
Revelation 16:15 ... and they see his shame.

*G808 *2 ἀσχημοσύνη (as-kay-mos-oo'-nay) : from G809; an indecency; by implication, the pudenda:--shame, that which is unseemly.

Words: ασχημοσυνην=2

The ancient Greek word "αἰσχύνη" ≈ "shame, disgrace" would appear to be related to or influenced by the ancient Greek word "ἄσχημος" ≈ "ugly, bad, nasty" and comes from the negation prefix "α" ≈ "(negation)" and the ancient Greek word "σχήμα" ≈ "figure, shape" and in the English "schema" and "schematic" and "scheme". Someone who appears ugly can be, literally, "without form" as in "without a nice form".

Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. [kjv]

ομοιως τε και οι αρσενες αφεντες την φυσικην χρησιν της θηλειας εξεκαυθησαν εν τη ορεξει αυτων εις αλληλους αρσενες εν αρσεσιν την ασχημοσυνην κατεργαζομενοι και την αντιμισθιαν ην εδει της πλανης αυτων εν αυτοις απολαμβανοντες [gnt]

Romans 1:27

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KJV: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

Greek: ομοιως τε και οι αρρενες αρσενες αφεντες την φυσικην χρησιν της θηλειας εξεκαυθησαν εν τη ορεξει αυτων εις αλληλους αρσενες εν αρσεσιν την ασχημοσυνην κατεργαζομενοι και την αντιμισθιαν ην εδει της πλανης αυτων εν εαυτοις αυτοις απολαμβανοντες

Luke 14:10 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. [kjv]

αλλ οταν κληθης πορευθεις αναπεσε εις τον εσχατον τοπον ινα οταν ελθη ο κεκληκως σε ερει σοι φιλε προσαναβηθι ανωτερον τοτε εσται σοι δοξα ενωπιον παντων των συνανακειμενων σοι [gnt]

14:11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. [kjv]

οτι πας ο υψων εαυτον ταπεινωθησεται και ο ταπεινων εαυτον υψωθησεται [gnt]

The KJV (King James Version) uses the word "abased" for the Greek word that means "humbled".

Luke 14:10

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KJV: 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.

Greek: αλλ οταν κληθης πορευθεις αναπεσον αναπεσε εις τον εσχατον τοπον ινα οταν ελθη ο κεκληκως σε ειπη ερει σοι φιλε προσαναβηθι ανωτερον τοτε εσται σοι δοξα ενωπιον παντων των συνανακειμενων σοι

Luke 14:11

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

Greek: οτι πας ο υψων εαυτον ταπεινωθησεται και ο ταπεινων εαυτον υψωθησεται

Luke 14:12 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. [kjv]

ελεγεν δε και τω κεκληκοτι αυτον οταν ποιης αριστον η δειπνον μη φωνει τους φιλους σου μηδε τους αδελφους σου μηδε τους συγγενεις σου μηδε γειτονας πλουσιους μηποτε και αυτοι αντικαλεσωσιν σε και γενηται ανταποδομα σοι [gnt]

Luke 14:12

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KJV: 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.

Greek: ελεγεν δε και τω κεκληκοτι αυτον οταν ποιης αριστον η δειπνον μη φωνει τους φιλους σου μηδε τους αδελφους σου μηδε τους συγγενεις σου μηδε γειτονας πλουσιους μηποτε και αυτοι σε αντικαλεσωσιν σε και γενηται ανταποδομα σοι ανταποδομα

Message of Jesus to John the Baptist (in physical prison):

Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. [kjv]

Six noun‑verb pairs decoded
6.	poor=fallen, beggars	start	gospel=good news preached
5.	dead=asleep	then	raised=wake up you deadhead
4.	deaf=not listening	then	hear=listen and understand	repent
3.	lepers=sinners	then	cleansed=be born again, cleansed in the blood	Ask
2.	lame=passive	then	walk=active start walking in righteousness	Seek
1.	blind=not seeing	then	sight=look up/ahead and see God & others	Knock

The top-down verses (in English) may be more understandable as a bottom-up progression (as events unfold in time) using the Greek meanings of the words. Approaches to change: (stop, repent, be cleansed and walk).

11:6 And blessed is he, who soever shall not be offended in me. [kjv]

… blessid… sclaundrid … [wy]

… happy … offended … [ty]

The ways that six items can be ordered is 6! = 6*5*4*3*2*1 = 720 ways. Of these six items in Matthew 11:6, only two sequences fit - forward or backwards. Is this a coincidence?

Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. [kjv]

11:6 And blessed is he, who soever shall not be offended in me. [kjv]

The ways that six items can be ordered is 6! = 6*5*4*3*2*1 = 720 ways. Of these six items in Matthew 11:6, only two sequences fit - forward or backwards. Is this a coincidence?

More: Matthew 11:1-6: Trapped by an offensive misinterpretation of Jesus

Luke 14:13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: [kjv]

αλλ οταν δοχην ποιης καλει πτωχους αναπειρους χωλους τυφλους [gnt]

… facis convivium … pauperes debiles claudos caecos [v]

The idea of a "feast" appears to come from the Latin word "convivium" ≈ "banquet, party, feast" and as a follow-on from the previous verse. The previous verse talks of a "dinner" or "supper".

The "poor" are the "fallen" who need the "good news".
The "lame" are those who need to start "walking" in righteousness.
The "blind" are those who need to "look up" and "see" God and others.
The "maimed" (with a translation issue) appear to be those who are "too busy" doing other things.

*G376 *2 ἀνάπηρος (an-ap'-ay-ros) : from G303 (in the sense of intensity) and peros (maimed); crippled:--maimed.

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αναπηρους *2

Luke 14:13 ... a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
Luke 14:21 ... hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

*G376 *2 ἀνάπηρος (an-ap'-ay-ros) : from G303 (in the sense of intensity) and peros (maimed); crippled:--maimed.

Words: αναπηρους=2

The ancient Greek word "ἀνάπηρος" ≈ "crippled" appears in some Greek manuscripts (only in two verses in this parable) as a way to better fit the superficial meaning of the other words of "poor", "lame" and "blind".

The KJV translates as "maimed" The ancient Greek word "ἀνάπειρα" ≈ "testing, trial" as in a military or naval exercise. It appears that the underlying meaning is that of someone who is too "busy" going through some type of "exercise" or "maneuver". This meaning appears to better fit the overall context of these parables.

*G1403 *2 δοχή (dokh-ay') : from G1209; a reception, i.e. convivial entertainment:--feast.

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δοχην *2

Luke 5:29 ... made him a great feast in his own house: ...
Luke 14:13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, ...

*G1403 *2 δοχή (dokh-ay') : from G1209; a reception, i.e. convivial entertainment:--feast.

Words: δοχην=2

The ancient Greek word "δοχή" ≈ "receptacle". In the GNT (Greek New Testament), this word is assumed to mean a "feast". Taking the idea of the actual meaning of a "receptacle", the "feast" may have been what we would call a "reception" and not a much larger "feast".

The modern Greek word "δοχείο" (tho-KHEE-o) ≈ "container, receptacle".

This Greek word for "container" or "receptacle" is part of the ancient Greek word "πανδοχειον" ≈ "inn" as used by Luke in the story of the good Samaritan.

More: Luke 2:7 no room at the inn

More: Matthew 5:17 Leave the light on but do not use the law as a residence inn

Luke 14:13

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

Greek: αλλ οταν ποιης δοχην ποιης καλει πτωχους αναπηρους αναπειρους χωλους τυφλους

Latin: sed cum facis convivium voca pauperes debiles claudos caecos

Luke 10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. [kjv]

και προσελθων κατεδησεν τα τραυματα αυτου επιχεων ελαιον και οινον επιβιβασας δε αυτον επι το ιδιον κτηνος ηγαγεν αυτον εις πανδοχειον και επεμεληθη αυτου [gnt]

10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. [kjv]

και επι την αυριον εκβαλων δυο δηναρια εδωκεν τω πανδοχει και ειπεν επιμεληθητι αυτου και ο τι αν προσδαπανησης εγω εν τω επανερχεσθαι με αποδωσω σοι [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "πανδοχειον" ≈ "inn" as used by Luke in the story of the good Samaritan.

The modern Greek word "πανδοχείο" (pan-tho-KHEE-o) ≈ "inn, guest-house".

Luke 10:34

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KJV: And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

Greek: και προσελθων κατεδησεν τα τραυματα αυτου επιχεων ελαιον και οινον επιβιβασας δε αυτον επι το ιδιον κτηνος ηγαγεν αυτον εις πανδοχειον και επεμεληθη αυτου

Luke 10:35

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KJV: And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

Greek: και επι την αυριον εξελθων εκβαλων δυο δηναρια εδωκεν τω πανδοχει και ειπεν αυτω επιμεληθητι αυτου και ο τι αν προσδαπανησης εγω εν τω επανερχεσθαι με αποδωσω σοι

Luke 5:29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. [kjv]

και εποιησεν δοχην μεγαλην λευις αυτω εν τη οικια αυτου και ην οχλος πολυς τελωνων και αλλων οι ησαν μετ αυτων κατακειμενοι [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "δοχή" ≈ "receptacle". In the GNT, this word is assumed to mean a "feast". Taking the idea of the actual meaning of a "receptacle", the "feast" may have been what we would call a "reception" and not a much larger "feast".

The first "great" is that of "size" and is the source of the English prefix "mega".
The second "great" is that of "many" and is the source of the English prefix "poly".

Luke 5:29

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KJV: And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

Greek: και εποιησεν δοχην μεγαλην ο λευις αυτω εν τη οικια αυτου και ην οχλος τελωνων πολυς τελωνων και αλλων οι ησαν μετ αυτων κατακειμενοι

Let us return to the parable in Luke 14.

Luke 14:13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: [kjv]

αλλ οταν δοχην ποιης καλει πτωχους αναπειρους χωλους τυφλους [gnt]

14:14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. [kjv]

και μακαριος εση οτι ουκ εχουσιν ανταποδουναι σοι ανταποδοθησεται γαρ σοι εν τη αναστασει των δικαιων [gnt]

The "blessed" is that of "happy" or "content".

The KJV uses "recompense" for a word that means one's "just desserts".

Details are left as a future topic.

Luke 14:14

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

Greek: και μακαριος εση οτι ουκ εχουσιν ανταποδουναι σοι ανταποδοθησεται γαρ σοι εν τη αναστασει των δικαιων

Luke 14:15 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. [kjv]

ακουσας δε τις των συνανακειμενων ταυτα ειπεν αυτω μακαριος οστις φαγεται αρτον εν τη βασιλεια του θεου [gnt]

Since Luke (and Mark) always use "kingdom of God" while Matthew uses both "kingdom of God" and "kingdom of heaven" one must be careful to determine which of the two Luke (or Mark) might mean.

More: Matthew 11:12-14 Exploring the Kingdom of Heaven

To this remark, Jesus continues with the parable of the great feast. First, some background is useful.

Luke 14:15

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KJV: 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.

Greek: ακουσας δε τις των συνανακειμενων ταυτα ειπεν αυτω μακαριος ος οστις φαγεται αρτον εν τη βασιλεια του θεου

The Greek language had few words for what today is called a "street". The KJV translates as "street" words that often had other meanings.

Way: To follow "after" a "path" was a "method" and the source of the English word "method".
Traffic: A thoroughfare where there was movement and hustle and bustle and "flow" of traffic was one type of "street".
Place: A large "plaza" or open area, some with "corners", is often translated as "street".

One might need to find a "path" through the "flow" of "traffic" through a "plaza".

More: Streets: Flowing after a path into a plaza

Isaiah 15:3 In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly. [kjv]

εν ταις πλατειαις αυτης περιζωσασθε σακκους και κοπτεσθε επι των δωματων αυτης και εν ταις ρυμαις αυτης παντες ολολυζετε μετα κλαυθμου [lxx]

Isaiah uses the word for "street" in two ways in the LXX (Septuagint), neither of which have a primary meaning of "street".

The first is that of an open area or plaza.
The second is that of a body in motion as in the hustle and bustle of a thoroughfare.

Isaiah 15:3

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KJV: In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.

Hebrew: בחוצתיו חגרו שק על גגותיה וברחבתיה כלה ייליל ירד בבכי׃

Greek: εν ταις πλατειαις αυτης περιζωσασθε σακκους και κοπτεσθε επι των δωματων αυτης και εν ταις ρυμαις αυτης παντες ολολυζετε μετα κλαυθμου

Brenton: Gird yourselves with sackcloth in her streets: and lament upon her roofs, and in her streets, and in her ways; howl all of you with weeping.

Latin: in triviis eius accincti sunt sacco super tecta eius et in plateis eius omnis ululat descendit in fletum

*H2351 חוּץ חוּץ (khoots) : or (shortened) chuts {khoots}; (both forms feminine in the plural) from an unused root meaning to sever; properly, separate by a wall, i.e. outside, outdoors:--abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without.

The Hebrew word "בחוצתיו" (be-hu-so-taw) ≈ "in their streets".

*H7339 רְחוֹב רְחוֹב (rekh-obe') : or rchowb {rekh-obe'}; from H7337; a width, i.e. (concretely) avenue or area:--broad place (way), street.

The Hebrew word "וברחבתיה" (u-bir-ho-bo-te-ha) ≈ "and in their streets".

Jesus is speaking in Luke.

Luke 14:16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: [kjv]

ο δε ειπεν αυτω ανθρωπος τις εποιει δειπνον μεγα και εκαλεσεν πολλους [gnt]

14:17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. [kjv]

και απεστειλεν τον δουλον αυτου τη ωρα του δειπνου ειπειν τοις κεκλημενοις ερχεσθε οτι ηδη ετοιμα εστιν [gnt]

14:18 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. [kjv]

και ηρξαντο απο μιας παντες παραιτεισθαι ο πρωτος ειπεν αυτω αγρον ηγορασα και εχω αναγκην εξελθων ιδειν αυτον ερωτω σε εχε με παρητημενον [gnt]

Luke 14:16

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

Greek: ο δε ειπεν αυτω ανθρωπος τις εποιησεν εποιει δειπνον μεγα και εκαλεσεν πολλους

Luke 14:17

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

Greek: και απεστειλεν τον δουλον αυτου τη ωρα του δειπνου ειπειν τοις κεκλημενοις ερχεσθε οτι ηδη ετοιμα εστιν παντα

When a cadet at West Point has done (wrong) or not done something (that was to be done), the required response is "No excuse sir" (starting in 1976, it became "no excuse sir/ma'am"). There may be "reasons" but there are no "excuses".

One might not have known about something (ignorance) or chose to ignore something known. There could be "reasons" that could not be anticipated. It does not matter. There is "no excuse".

More: USMA at West Point

Luke 14:18 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. [kjv]

The Greek that the KJV translates as "excuse" has the prefix "παρά" ≈ "beyond" and an inflection of the same verb for "αἰτία" ≈ "cause, reason" which is used by Aristotle in his explanation of four causes or reasons. Thus, the "excuse" is that of going "beyond reasons".

For comparison, the ancient Greek word "παράπονο" ≈ "complaint, grievance" and is, literally, that which goes "beyond the pain".

More: Going beyond the prefix para

Luke 14:18

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KJV: 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.

Greek: και ηρξαντο απο μιας παραιτεισθαι παντες παραιτεισθαι ο πρωτος ειπεν αυτω αγρον ηγορασα και εχω αναγκην εξελθειν και εξελθων ιδειν αυτον ερωτω σε εχε με παρητημενον

*G3868 *12 παραιτέομαι (par-ahee-teh'-om-ahee) : from G3844 and the middle voice of G154; to beg off, i.e. deprecate, decline, shun:--avoid, (make) excuse, intreat, refuse, reject.

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παραιτου *4

1 Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, ...
1 Timothy 5:11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against ...
2 Timothy 2:23 ... and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
Titus 3:10 ... and second admonition reject;

παρητημενον *2

Luke 14:18 ... 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.
Luke 14:19 ... thee have me excused.

παρητουντο

Mark 15:6 Now at that feast he released unto them one ...

παραιτεισθαι

Luke 14:18 ... 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.

παραιτουμαι

Acts 25:11 ... any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but ...

παρητησαντο

Hebrews 12:19 ... of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should ...

παραιτησησθε

Hebrews 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on ...

παραιτησαμενοι

Hebrews 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on ...

*G3868 *12 παραιτέομαι (par-ahee-teh'-om-ahee) : from G3844 and the middle voice of G154; to beg off, i.e. deprecate, decline, shun:--avoid, (make) excuse, intreat, refuse, reject.

Words: παραιτεισθαι παραιτησαμενοι παραιτησησθε παραιτου=4 παραιτουμαι παρητημενον=2 παρητησαντο παρητουντο

Luke 14:19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. [kjv]

και ετερος ειπεν ζευγη βοων ηγορασα πεντε και πορευομαι δοκιμασαι αυτα ερωτω σε εχε με παρητημενον [gnt]

14:20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. [kjv]

και ετερος ειπεν γυναικα εγημα και δια τουτο ου δυναμαι ελθειν [gnt]

The Greek word for physically testing is used here. The Greek word for intellectually testing is translated as "temptation" in the KJV.

Did the oxen need to be "tested" right now?
Could the man not bring his wife?

More: Matthew 4:1-11 Examining evil temptations

More: Do not mention temptations nor attempt to be a pirate

Luke 14:19

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

Greek: και ετερος ειπεν ζευγη βοων ηγορασα πεντε και πορευομαι δοκιμασαι αυτα ερωτω σε εχε με παρητημενον

Luke 14:20

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

Greek: και ετερος ειπεν γυναικα εγημα και δια τουτο ου δυναμαι ελθειν

Luke 14:21 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. [kjv]

και παραγενομενος ο δουλος απηγγειλεν τω κυριω αυτου ταυτα τοτε οργισθεις ο οικοδεσποτης ειπεν τω δουλω αυτου εξελθε ταχεως εις τας πλατειας και ρυμας της πολεως και τους πτωχους και αναπειρους και τυφλους και χωλους εισαγαγε ωδε [gnt]

In this parable, the "master of the house" is Jesus. The guests are too busy for Jesus so Jesus sends out invitations to outsiders.

*G3617 *12 οἰκοδεσπότης (oy-kod-es-pot'-ace) : from G3624 and G1203; the head of a family:--goodman (of the house), householder, master of the house.

Usage

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οικοδεσποτης *5

Matthew 21:33 ... parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, ...
Matthew 24:43 ... this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what ...
Luke 12:39 ... know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour ...
Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to ...
Luke 14:21 ... lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his ...

οικοδεσποτη *4

Matthew 13:52 ... is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of ...
Matthew 20:1 ... is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early ...
Mark 14:14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where ...
Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith ...

οικοδεσποτου *2

Matthew 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, ...
Matthew 20:11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,

οικοδεσποτην

Matthew 10:25 ... lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more ...

*G3617 *12 οἰκοδεσπότης (oy-kod-es-pot'-ace) : from G3624 and G1203; the head of a family:--goodman (of the house), householder, master of the house.

Words: οικοδεσποτη=4 οικοδεσποτην οικοδεσποτης=5 οικοδεσποτου=2

In this parable, both words often translated as "street" are used.

The first is that of an open area or plaza.
The second is that of a body in motion as in the hustle and bustle of a thoroughfare.

The KJV uses "lanes" for "streets" instead of "streets" and "streets" which would follow the way the words were translated in other places.

Luke 14:21

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KJV: 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.

Greek: και παραγενομενος ο δουλος εκεινος απηγγειλεν τω κυριω αυτου ταυτα τοτε οργισθεις ο οικοδεσποτης ειπεν τω δουλω αυτου εξελθε ταχεως εις τας πλατειας και ρυμας της πολεως και τους πτωχους και αναπηρους και χωλους αναπειρους και τυφλους και χωλους εισαγαγε ωδε

Luke 14:22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. [kjv]

και ειπεν ο δουλος κυριε γεγονεν ο επεταξας και ετι τοπος εστιν [gnt]

14:23 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. [kjv]

και ειπεν ο κυριος προς τον δουλον εξελθε εις τας οδους και φραγμους και αναγκασον εισελθειν ινα γεμισθη μου ο οικος [gnt]

… vias … sepes … conpelle … [v]

14:24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper. [kjv]

λεγω γαρ υμιν οτι ουδεις των ανδρων εκεινων των κεκλημενων γευσεται μου του δειπνου [gnt]

The "highways" is that of "paths".
The "hedges" is that of "barriers".

The Latin influenced the KJV translation as "compel". The Greek is that of "necessity".

*G5418 *4 φραγμός (frag-mos') : from G5420; a fence, or inclosing barrier (literally or figuratively):--hedge (+ round about), partition.

Usage

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φραγμον *2

Matthew 21:33 ... planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and ...
Mark 12:1 ... a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, ...

φραγμους

Luke 14:23 ... into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, ...

φραγμου

Ephesians 2:14 ... and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

*G5418 *4 φραγμός (frag-mos') : from G5420; a fence, or inclosing barrier (literally or figuratively):--hedge (+ round about), partition.

Words: φραγμον=2 φραγμου φραγμους

The ancient Greek word "φραγμός" ≈ "restraint, barrier" and comes from "φράσσω" ≈ "to fence, hedge, secure".

Luke 14:22

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

Greek: και ειπεν ο δουλος κυριε γεγονεν ως ο επεταξας και ετι τοπος εστιν

Luke 14:23

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KJV: 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.

Greek: και ειπεν ο κυριος προς τον δουλον εξελθε εις τας οδους και φραγμους και αναγκασον εισελθειν ινα γεμισθη μου ο οικος μου

Latin: et ait dominus servo exi in vias et sepes et conpelle intrare ut impleatur domus mea

Luke 14:24

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

Greek: λεγω γαρ υμιν οτι ουδεις των ανδρων εκεινων των κεκλημενων γευσεται μου του δειπνου

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. [kjv]

ιδου εστηκα επι την θυραν και κρουω εαν τις ακουση της φωνης μου και ανοιξη την θυραν εισελευσομαι προς αυτον και δειπνησω μετ αυτου και αυτος μετ εμου [gnt]

Some churches only allow the part of Jesus they like into their church. The church at Laodicia appears to not want Jesus in their church. Jesus is at the church door knocking.

Have some churches today "separated" or "uprooted" themselves from (the love of) Jesus?
Are some churches today "strangers" to Jesus?
Are some churches today "blind" to the true and complete Jesus?

Might those in this church be too busy "ministering" to others and not "examining" or "thinking" about the entirety of Jesus?

The "hear" in Greek has a connotation of hearing with understanding. The Greek for "voice" is, literally, "light" into the "mind" and can be a play on words with "murders".

More: Revelation 3:14-22 Laodicea

More: Music: Anacrusis and knocking

Alan Kay (American computer scientist) . Talk at Creative Think seminar, 20 July 1982.

A change in perspective is worth 80 IQ points.
Perspective is worth 80 IQ points.
Point of view is worth 80 IQ points

Kay uses the example of solving problems using polar coordinates rather than Cartesian coordinates. Each works better in certain circumstances. Kay developed (invented) object-oriented and user interface ideas that changed computer science and led to the modern window interface with icons, the mouse, etc.

Necker Cube

Principles of duality in many fields allow the same problem to be addressed from two seemingly different points of view.

More: Duality principles

More: Alan Kay

Luke 14:23 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. [kjv]

Perspective is a "point of view". The "point of view" is very important. A church might "misinterpret" this verse as follows.

We need to invite all those outsiders into our church (building) for our dinner.

Consider Jesus being "outside the church" (building) as part of his "universal church". Jesus is saying to go out and bring in those "wandering" along the "highways" or "paths".

Luke 14:23 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. [kjv]

In addition, bring in those who have created artificial church "barriers" or "hedges". Jesus is knocking at the door at the church at Laodicea in Revelation and they will not let him in. Many churches today only allow part of what Jesus says into their church. if those churches let down their "hedge" or "barrier", Jesus has an open invitation to his dinner reception.

Ephesians 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; [kjv]

αυτος γαρ εστιν η ειρηνη ημων ο ποιησας τα αμφοτερα εν και το μεσοτοιχον του φραγμου λυσας [gnt]

Ephesians 2:14

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KJV: For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Greek: αυτος γαρ εστιν η ειρηνη ημων ο ποιησας τα αμφοτερα εν και το μεσοτοιχον του φραγμου λυσας

Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [kjv]

8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [kjv]

Some pastors will make the bold claim that "Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ". From the Greek text, the only "other (different)" "creature" that can separate "you" from the "love of Christ" is "you". So, Paul's list omits "false teaching", "deception", and other things that he covers in following chapters.

Discussion: What might be an ulterior motive as to why a pastor would make such a claim that does not fit the text?

More: Romans 8: Battle cry separation for the love of Christ (part 2)

Luke 14:23 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. [kjv]

Discuss:

1. In what ways can churches misinterpret what Jesus is saying to remove "walls" or "partitions" and allow or invite the outside culture that is against the Bible to come into their church. One view of this is to throw pearls before swine.
2. In what ways can churches create "walls" or "partitions" to keep or separate them from the love of Christ? That is, Jesus is knocking at the door and they do not want him in their church.
3: When confronted with what Jesus really says, how many churches (and members of those churches) make "excuses" as to why they do not need to know about all that Jesus says?

If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself. Saint Augustine (Early Christian father)

Do people today pick and choose which parts of the Bible they will believe?
Do pastors today pick and choose which parts of the Bible they will believe? Do they then pass on those parts to their flock and not tell them about other parts?

More: Augustine of Hippo

Note that you can ignore parts of the Gospel that you do not know about or do not understand (ignorance of the law) or you can ignore parts of the Gospel in order to deceive others (and yourself).

Luke continues with verses on counting the cost.

Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? [kjv]

14:31 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? [kjv]

In Luke 14:27-38, Jesus talks about counting the cost - with two examples.

More: Luke 14:25-30 Counting the cost