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.

But {G235} when {G3752} thou art bidden {G2564}, go {G4198} and sit down {G377} in {G1519} the lowest {G2078} room {G5117}; that {G2443} when {G3752} he that bade {G2564} thee {G4571} cometh {G2064}, he may say {G2036} unto thee {G4671}, Friend {G5384}, go up {G4320} higher {G511}: then {G5119} shalt thou {G4671} have {G2071} worship {G1391} in the presence {G1799} of them that sit at meat {G4873} with thee {G4671}.

Instead, when you are invited, go and sit in the least important place; so that when the one who invited you comes, he will say to you, ‘Go on up to a better seat.’ Then you will be honored in front of everyone sitting with you.

But when you are invited, go and sit in the last place, so that your host will come and tell you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in front of everyone at the table with you.

But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest place; that when he that hath bidden thee cometh, he may say to thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have glory in the presence of all that sit at meat with thee.

Luke 14:10 (KJV) presents a profound teaching by Jesus on the virtue of humility, delivered in the context of a social gathering. It encourages a counter-cultural approach to seeking honor, suggesting that true elevation comes not from self-promotion, but from a humble posture.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse by Jesus at a Sabbath meal in the house of a prominent Pharisee. Having observed guests eagerly taking the most prominent seats (Luke 14:7), Jesus offers a parable about choosing the lowest place. His teaching challenges the social norms of the time, which often prioritized status and public recognition at banquets and public gatherings. This instruction is part of a broader lesson on the nature of true honor in the Kingdom of God.

Key Themes

  • Humility Over Self-Exaltation: The core message is that actively seeking the lowest place, rather than the highest, leads to genuine honor. This principle is succinctly summarized in Luke 14:11: "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
  • Divine Perspective on Honor: The "worship" (doxa, meaning 'honor' or 'glory') received is not self-appointed, but bestowed by the host. This illustrates that true honor comes from God, who sees and rewards the humble heart, often in unexpected ways (Proverbs 25:6-7).
  • Authenticity and Integrity: By choosing the lowest seat, one demonstrates a lack of self-importance and a trust that their true worth will be recognized by the host, not by their own maneuvering or prideful display.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "lowest room" translates the Greek eschatos topos (ἔσχατος τόπος), which literally means 'last place' or 'lowest place'. It refers to the least prominent seating position at a banquet table, not necessarily a separate room. The word "worship" in "then shalt thou have worship" comes from the Greek doxa (δόξα). While doxa can mean divine adoration or divine glory, in this context, it signifies 'honor', 'esteem', or 'respect' given by others, particularly by the host or those present. It highlights the public recognition that comes from humility.

Practical Application

Luke 14:10 offers timeless wisdom for how we conduct ourselves in all areas of life, from social interactions to our spiritual walk. It teaches us to:

  • Cultivate Humility: Rather than striving for recognition or status, we should focus on serving others and trusting that true honor comes from God. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
  • Seek God's Approval: Our ultimate goal should not be human applause, but the approval of our divine host. When God exalts, it is genuine and lasting (1 Peter 5:6).
  • Avoid Self-Promotion: This verse serves as a caution against pride and the pursuit of superficial accolades. True spiritual growth often begins with a recognition of our dependence on God and a humble spirit.

By embodying the humility taught in this verse, believers can find genuine honor and peace, reflecting the character of Christ who humbled himself to the point of death on a cross.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 25:6

    ¶ Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great [men]:

  • Proverbs 25:7

    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.

  • Proverbs 15:33

    ¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility.

  • 1 Samuel 15:17

    And Samuel said, When thou [wast] little in thine own sight, [wast] thou not [made] the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?

  • Isaiah 60:14

    The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

  • Revelation 3:9

    Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

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