Luke 14:13

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

But {G235} when {G3752} thou makest {G4160} a feast {G1403}, call {G2564} the poor {G4434}, the maimed {G376}, the lame {G5560}, the blind {G5185}:

Instead, when you have a party, invite poor people, disfigured people, the crippled, the blind!

But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind,

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

Luke 14:13 is part of a larger discourse by Jesus on humility and true hospitality, delivered at a dinner in the house of a prominent Pharisee. Following His teaching on choosing the lowest seat at a feast, Jesus turns His attention to the host, offering radical advice on whom to invite.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' parable about choosing the lower seats at a feast, where He teaches about humility and being exalted by God rather than by men (Luke 14:7-11). Jesus observes the social dynamics of the feast and challenges the conventional wisdom of inviting guests who can reciprocate. His instruction in verse 13 represents a profound shift from a transactional view of hospitality to one rooted in selfless generosity, reflecting the values of God's Kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Selfless Hospitality: The core message is to extend kindness and generosity without expectation of return. Instead of inviting friends, brothers, kinsmen, or rich neighbors who might invite you back, Jesus instructs the host to invite those who cannot possibly repay them. This challenges the social norms of the day, which often used feasts as opportunities for networking and status-building.
  • Care for the Marginalized: Jesus specifically names "the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind." These were often the most vulnerable and marginalized members of society, typically excluded from prominent social gatherings due to their physical conditions or economic status. By advocating for their inclusion, Jesus highlights God's heart for the overlooked and disadvantaged. This resonates with the broader biblical call to serve 'the least of these'.
  • Divine Reward: Though not explicitly stated in verse 13, the following verse, Luke 14:14, promises a divine reward for such selfless acts: "thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just." This shifts the focus from earthly reciprocity to eternal blessing, emphasizing that true generosity is recognized and rewarded by God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek terms used for the invited guests are significant:

  • Ptochos (poor): Refers to those who are utterly destitute, beggars, often dependent on others for survival.
  • Anapēros (maimed): Describes someone crippled or disabled, often unable to work or move easily.
  • Chōlos (lame): Indicates someone who is physically impaired in their legs or feet, hindering their mobility.
  • Typhlos (blind): Refers to those without sight, who would have faced significant challenges in daily life and social interaction.

These terms collectively paint a picture of individuals who were physically disadvantaged and often economically impoverished, making them dependent on charity and typically excluded from the social circles of the wealthy.

Practical Application

Luke 14:13 challenges believers to rethink their approach to hospitality and generosity. It calls us to:

  • Practice Radical Generosity: Look for opportunities to give, serve, and include those who cannot repay you, whether with time, resources, or social influence.
  • Prioritize the Marginalized: Intentionally seek out and minister to those who are overlooked, disadvantaged, or excluded by society, reflecting God's compassion for the vulnerable.
  • Seek Heavenly, Not Earthly, Reward: Perform acts of kindness and charity with an eye towards God's approval and eternal reward, rather than seeking immediate recognition or reciprocal favors from people. This verse encourages us to live out Kingdom values in a world often driven by self-interest and social climbing.
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.

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 58:10

    And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noonday:

  • Proverbs 14:31

    ¶ He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

  • Job 29:15

    I was eyes to the blind, and feet [was] I to the lame.

  • Job 29:16

    I [was] a father to the poor: and the cause [which] I knew not I searched out.

  • Isaiah 58:7

    [Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

  • Hebrews 13:2

    Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

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