Luke 14:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} thou shalt be {G2071} blessed {G3107}; for {G3754} they cannot {G3756}{G2192} recompense {G467} thee {G4671}: for {G1063} thou {G4671} shalt be recompensed {G467} at {G1722} the resurrection {G386} of the just {G1342}.

Complete Jewish Bible

How blessed you will be that they have nothing with which to repay you! For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Berean Standard Bible

and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

American Standard Version

and thou shalt be blessed; because they have not wherewith to recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed in the resurrection of the just.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 14:14 encapsulates a profound teaching from Jesus on the nature of true blessedness and divine recompense. It instructs believers to extend hospitality and generosity not to those who can reciprocate, but to the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind—those who are unable to repay. This selfless act, performed without expectation of earthly return, is promised a future, ultimate reward from God Himself, to be received at the resurrection of the just. The verse thus redefines conventional social reciprocity, elevating altruistic service as a pathway to eternal blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant section in [Luke 14](/luke/14 "Luke 14 - Humility and Hospitality") that begins with Jesus attending a Sabbath meal at the house of a prominent Pharisee. The immediate preceding verses ([Luke 14:7-11](/luke/14-7-11 "Luke 14:7-11 - Parable of the Wedding Feast")) detail Jesus' parable on humility, advising guests to take the lowest seat to be honored, rather than seeking the highest. Following this, [Luke 14:12-14](/luke/14-12-14 "Luke 14:12-14 - Instruction on Inviting the Needy") directly addresses the host, challenging the common practice of inviting only those who can reciprocate. Verse 14 serves as the climactic promise and motivation for this radical shift in hospitality, setting the stage for the subsequent parable of the great supper ([Luke 14:15-24](/luke/14-15-24 "Luke 14:15-24 - Parable of the Great Supper")), which further illustrates the invitation of the marginalized.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, hospitality was a cornerstone of social life and religious duty. Feasts and invitations often served social functions, reinforcing status, building alliances, and creating networks of reciprocal favors. Guests were typically chosen from one's social equals or superiors, ensuring that the host would receive a return invitation or benefit. The poor, disabled, and marginalized were often excluded from such social gatherings, relegated to the fringes of society. Jesus' instruction to invite these very individuals was revolutionary, directly challenging the prevailing social norms and the self-serving motivations behind much of the era's hospitality. It was a call to embody a counter-cultural ethic rooted in God's kingdom values, where status and worth are not determined by human ability to repay.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 14:14 contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **divine reversal**, where the last shall be first and the humble exalted, as seen in [Luke 1:52-53](/luke/1-52-53 "Luke 1:52-53 - Mary's Magnificat"). It underscores the importance of **true humility** and **selfless generosity**, contrasting earthly gain with heavenly reward. The verse also emphasizes **God's justice** and His role as the ultimate rewarder, a concept deeply rooted in the Old Testament (e.g., [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord")). Finally, it introduces a crucial **eschatological dimension** by pointing to the "resurrection of the just," connecting present acts of righteousness with future divine recompense, a theme prevalent in Jesus' teachings on the Kingdom of God and the end times.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Greek, _makários'_):** This word signifies a state of supreme happiness, fortunate, or well-off, often implying a divine favor or approval. It denotes an inner joy and contentment that comes from God, independent of external circumstances. In the Beatitudes ([Matthew 5:3-12](/matthew/5-3-12 "Matthew 5:3-12 - The Beatitudes")), Jesus uses this term to describe those who are truly favored by God, often those who are poor in spirit, meek, or persecuted for righteousness' sake. Here, it is applied to those who practice selfless generosity.
* **Recompense (Greek, _antapodídōmi'_):** Derived from "anti" (in return for) and "apodidomi" (to give back), this verb means to pay back, give in return, or requite, whether good or evil. In this context, it refers to receiving a return for a favor or service. Jesus' point is that when one gives without the possibility of human "antapodidomi," the divine "antapodidomi" is assured and superior.
* **Resurrection (Greek, _anástasis'_):** Literally meaning "a standing up again," this term refers to a resurrection from death, a restoration to life. In the New Testament, it primarily refers to the bodily resurrection of the dead, both of the righteous and the unrighteous, at the end of the age. Here, it specifically points to the resurrection of those deemed righteous by God, at which time they will receive their promised reward.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt be blessed;":** This opening clause presents the central promise. The "blessedness" is not merely a feeling but a state of divine favor and well-being bestowed upon the one who practices selfless hospitality. It is a spiritual and eternal blessing, far surpassing any temporary human commendation or material gain.
* **"for they cannot recompense thee:":** This clause provides the rationale for the blessing. The recipients of the hospitality (the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind) are specifically chosen because they lack the means or ability to repay the host in kind. This absence of human reciprocity is precisely what qualifies the act for divine recognition and reward, ensuring that the motive is pure and not self-serving.
* **"for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.":** This final clause specifies the nature and timing of the reward. The "recompense" is not from humans, but from God, and it is not immediate or earthly, but eschatological. It will be given "at the resurrection of the just," referring to the future bodily resurrection of the righteous, when God will fully vindicate and reward those who have lived according to His kingdom principles. This promise shifts the focus from temporal gain to eternal glory.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 14:14 employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is central, setting up a clear distinction between earthly reciprocity and divine recompense. The host is encouraged to abandon the conventional practice of inviting those who can repay, in favor of inviting those who cannot, thereby shifting the source of reward from human to divine. This creates a **Paradox**: by giving without expectation of earthly return, one secures a far greater, eternal reward. The verse also utilizes **Eschatological Language**, specifically "the resurrection of the just," which points to a future, ultimate event that serves as the ultimate motivation for present selfless action. This future orientation elevates the significance of the present deed, grounding it in God's ultimate plan of justice and reward.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 14:14 profoundly reorients our understanding of generosity and reward, shifting the focus from human-centric reciprocity to divine recompense. It teaches that true blessedness comes not from what we gain from others, but from what God provides in response to our selfless obedience. This principle aligns with the broader biblical theme that God is the ultimate provider and judge, who sees and rewards actions done in secret and for His glory, especially those extended to the vulnerable and marginalized. It challenges believers to cultivate a heart of pure, unadulterated love, motivated by faith in God's character and His promise of eternal justice. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate accounting is with God, not with people.

* [Matthew 6:1-4](/matthew/6-1-4 "Matthew 6:1-4 - Giving to the Needy")
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith and Reward")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 14:14 calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our motives for good deeds and acts of service. Are we serving others with an unspoken expectation of recognition, appreciation, or a returned favor? Or are we genuinely extending ourselves out of pure love and obedience to God, trusting Him alone for our ultimate reward? This verse challenges us to step outside our comfort zones and intentionally seek out opportunities to bless those who are often overlooked, marginalized, or unable to reciprocate. It encourages us to invite the "poor, maimed, lame, and blind" into our lives, our homes, and our communities, not for what they can do for us, but for what God will do through us and for us in eternity. Embracing this principle cultivates a spirit of humility, generosity, and unwavering faith in God's perfect justice and abundant provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my underlying motivations when I offer help or hospitality to others? Am I seeking human recognition or divine approval?**
* **Who are the "poor, maimed, lame, and blind" in my life or community whom I might be overlooking? How can I intentionally extend hospitality to them?**
* **How does the promise of "recompense at the resurrection of the just" influence my willingness to serve without immediate earthly reward?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more selfless spirit in my daily interactions, trusting God as my ultimate rewarder?**

### FAQ

**What does "the resurrection of the just" specifically refer to?**

Answer: "The resurrection of the just" refers to the future event, at the end of the age, when righteous believers will be raised from the dead to receive their eternal reward and live in God's presence. This is distinct from a general resurrection, as it specifically highlights those who are deemed "just" or righteous in God's sight, often through faith in Christ and obedience to His commands. It points to a time of vindication, judgment, and the full establishment of God's kingdom, where those who have served Him faithfully, especially by loving the marginalized, will receive their promised inheritance. Jesus speaks of this future reality in other passages, such as [John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - Resurrection of Life and Condemnation"), where He distinguishes between the resurrection of life and the resurrection of condemnation.

**Does this verse mean we should never accept thanks or appreciation for our good deeds?**

Answer: No, the verse does not forbid accepting thanks or appreciation. Rather, it challenges the *motivation* behind our actions. The emphasis is on giving without the *expectation* of reciprocity, particularly from those who cannot repay. It aims to purify our motives, ensuring that our generosity stems from a heart of love and obedience to God, rather than a desire for human praise or a return on investment. While it is natural and appropriate to receive thanks, the core teaching is that our ultimate reward comes from God, not from human acknowledgment. As [Matthew 6:1](/matthew/6-1 "Matthew 6:1 - Giving Alms") warns, performing righteous acts "to be seen by others" forfeits the heavenly reward.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 14:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of one who gave everything without expectation of human recompense. Though He was "rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Giving")). Jesus consistently ministered to the "poor, maimed, lame, and blind" – the outcasts, the sick, the sinners – not because they could repay Him, but out of boundless love and compassion, offering them the ultimate spiritual and physical healing. His entire life was a selfless act of giving, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, where He "gave his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His resurrection is the ultimate "resurrection of the just," not only for Himself but also as the firstfruits of all who believe in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). Through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, He secured the "recompense" for all who are justified by faith in Him, promising them eternal life and a share in His glorious resurrection ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")). Thus, our blessedness and future reward are entirely dependent on His selfless act and His triumphant resurrection.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 19:17

¶ He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Acts 24:15

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

John 5:29

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Matthew 25:34

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Matthew 25:40

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.

Matthew 6:4

That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Daniel 12:2

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.