Luke 14:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} said he {G2036} unto him {G846}, A certain {G5100} man {G444} made {G4160} a great {G3173} supper {G1173}, and {G2532} bade {G2564} many {G4183}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But he replied, “Once a man gave a banquet and invited many people.

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus replied, “A certain man prepared a great banquet and invited many guests.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 14:16 introduces the Parable of the Great Supper, a profound teaching from Jesus that vividly illustrates the boundless generosity of God's invitation to His kingdom and the initial, widespread nature of this divine call. This verse sets the stage for a narrative that explores humanity's varied responses to God's gracious offer of fellowship and salvation, revealing the immense value and significance of the spiritual feast prepared for all.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This parable is delivered by Jesus during a Sabbath meal at the home of a leading Pharisee, immediately following a series of teachings on humility and the proper way to host a banquet (Luke 14:7-14). The direct catalyst for the parable is a guest's pious, yet perhaps superficial, remark: "[Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God](/luke/14-15 "Luke 14:15 - Blessedness in the Kingdom of God")" (Luke 14:15). Jesus uses this comment as an opportunity to elaborate on the true nature of the kingdom invitation and the surprising responses it elicits, setting up the subsequent verses that detail the excuses of those initially invited. The parable thus serves as a critical bridge, moving from the social etiquette of banquets to the profound spiritual realities of God's kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, banquets and feasts held immense social, religious, and even political significance. They were not merely meals but elaborate events symbolizing fellowship, honor, and often, the celebration of a covenant or a special occasion. It was customary for a host to send out an initial invitation (as described in Luke 14:16) and then, once the meal was prepared, to dispatch servants with a second, urgent call: "Come, for everything is now ready" (Luke 14:17). This two-stage invitation system highlights the host's meticulous planning and the expectation of attendance. Furthermore, feasts were a common metaphor in prophetic literature for the anticipated messianic age and the joyous ingathering of God's people, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 25:6](/isaiah/25-6 "Isaiah 25:6 - The Feast on Mount Zion"). Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial for grasping the parable's immediate impact on its original audience.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 14:16 establishes several foundational themes that resonate throughout the parable and the broader Lukan narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Invitation**, portraying God (represented by "a certain man") as the generous and proactive host who initiates the call to His kingdom. Secondly, the phrase "bade many" introduces the theme of **Universal Call**, emphasizing that God's initial invitation is broad and inclusive, extended to a wide array of individuals. This sets the stage for the shocking theme of **Rejection of Grace**, as the subsequent verses will reveal the various excuses offered by those initially invited. Finally, the "great supper" itself serves as a powerful symbol for the **Abundance and Joy of the Kingdom of God**, portraying God's reign not as a burdensome obligation but as a lavish celebration, a concept echoed in other kingdom parables like [the Parable of the Wedding Feast](/matthew/22-1-14 "Matthew 22:1-14 - The Parable of the Wedding Feast") in Matthew.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** This term refers to a human being, a person. In this parable, "a certain man" is a symbolic figure representing God, the divine host who initiates the grand invitation. The use of "man" allows for a relatable, earthly scenario to convey a profound spiritual truth about God's character and actions.
* **great (Greek, _mégas'_):** This adjective signifies something large, important, or significant in scale, intensity, or quality. When applied to the "supper," it emphasizes the lavishness, magnitude, and profound importance of the event. It is not a casual meal but a magnificent banquet, underscoring the immense value and rich provision associated with God's kingdom.
* **supper (Greek, _deîpnon'_):** Referring to the chief meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening, this word denotes a substantial and significant repast, often a formal dinner or feast. Its usage here highlights the celebratory and communal nature of the event, symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment, joy, and fellowship found in God's presence and His kingdom.
* **bade (Greek, _kaléō'_):** This verb means "to call," "to invite," or "to summon." It signifies an active, intentional, and authoritative outreach from the host. In the context of the parable, it emphasizes God's deliberate and gracious initiative in extending the invitation to humanity, demonstrating His desire for relationship and participation in His blessings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said he unto him,"**: This opening clause firmly places the parable within its immediate literary context. "He" refers to Jesus, and "him" refers to the guest who had just spoken about eating bread in the kingdom of God (Luke 14:15). It signals Jesus' direct response and the commencement of a new teaching, presented as a story.
* **"A certain man made a great supper,"**: This introduces the central allegorical figure of the host, who represents God, and the central event, the "great supper." The "great supper" symbolizes the Kingdom of God, with all its abundant blessings, joy, and the offer of salvation. The act of "making" emphasizes the host's initiative, preparation, and generosity in providing such a magnificent feast.
* **"and bade many:"**: This final clause highlights the initial scope and nature of the invitation. "Bade" (invited) signifies a deliberate and gracious act, while "many" indicates that the invitation was broad, inclusive, and extended to a wide range of people, demonstrating the host's desire for a full house and God's universal call to humanity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Luke 14:16, and indeed the entire passage, is **Parable**. Jesus uses this short, allegorical narrative about a common social event—a supper—to convey profound spiritual truths about the Kingdom of God, divine invitation, and human response. Within this parable, **Symbolism** is heavily utilized: "a certain man" symbolizes God, the sovereign and generous host; the "great supper" symbolizes the abundant blessings, joy, and salvation offered within the Kingdom of God; and "many" symbolizes the broad, initial scope of God's universal invitation to humanity. This verse also exhibits **Foreshadowing**, as the initial, widespread invitation sets the stage for the surprising rejections that will follow in the subsequent verses, building narrative tension and preparing the listener for the parable's deeper, more challenging implications.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 14:16 profoundly illustrates the theological truth of God's sovereign initiative and boundless grace. The "great supper" represents the rich, abundant blessings of His kingdom, which God, as the benevolent host, generously prepares and offers to humanity. This is not a meager meal but a magnificent feast, signifying the immense value and profound joy of fellowship with God and participation in His redemptive plan. The act of "bidding many" underscores God's universal love and His desire that all might come to repentance and partake in the spiritual nourishment He provides. It speaks to the open-handedness of divine grace, extended without prejudice, inviting all who would hear to come and experience the fullness of life found in His presence.

* [Isaiah 25:6](/isaiah/25-6 "Isaiah 25:6 - The Feast on Mount Zion"): "On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines."
* [Matthew 22:1-14](/matthew/22-1-14 "Matthew 22:1-14 - The Parable of the Wedding Feast"): This parallel parable of the wedding feast shares the theme of a king preparing a great celebration and inviting many, only to face rejection and subsequent invitations to others.
* [Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"): "Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 14:16 serves as a powerful reminder of the persistent and gracious invitation God extends to each one of us to enter into His kingdom and partake in His abundant blessings. The "great supper" is not merely a historical event but an ongoing reality, a spiritual banquet prepared for all who would accept. This verse challenges us to consider our own posture toward God's invitation: Do we recognize the immense value and joy of what is being offered? Are we quick to respond with gratitude and eagerness, or do we, like those in the subsequent verses of the parable, find ourselves prone to making excuses rooted in worldly concerns and distractions? Our daily lives are filled with competing invitations and demands, but this parable calls us to prioritize the most important invitation we will ever receive—the call to fellowship with God and participation in His eternal kingdom. It urges us to examine our hearts, ensuring that we are not allowing the mundane or the temporary to overshadow the eternal and the divine.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I perceive God's invitation to His kingdom? Is it a "great supper" of immense joy and blessing, or do I view it as a burdensome obligation?**
* **What are the "excuses" or worldly concerns in my own life that might be hindering me from fully embracing God's gracious call?**
* **In what practical ways can I better prioritize God's kingdom and His invitation above other competing demands and desires in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "great supper" in this parable?**

Answer: The "great supper" in this parable is highly symbolic. It represents the abundant blessings, joy, and fellowship found in the Kingdom of God. More specifically, it points to God's gracious offer of salvation, eternal life, and intimate communion with Him. It's a metaphor for the rich spiritual provision God makes available to humanity, a feast prepared for all who would accept His invitation, culminating in the ultimate celebration of His redemptive plan.

**Who does "a certain man" represent in this parable?**

Answer: In the Parable of the Great Supper, "a certain man" unequivocally represents God Himself. He is portrayed as the generous and benevolent host who initiates the grand invitation to His divine banquet. This highlights God's sovereignty, His proactive love, and His earnest desire to gather humanity into fellowship with Himself, offering them the fullness of His grace and the blessings of His kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 14:16, the opening of the Parable of the Great Supper, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one who tells the parable, but the very embodiment of the "great supper" and the divine host. The "great supper" itself points to the lavish provision of salvation made possible through Christ's atoning work. He is the [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the [living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, Living Water"), the true sustenance for which humanity hungers. Through His incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection, Jesus extended the ultimate invitation to "many," not just to a temporal feast, but to eternal life and communion with God. His sacrifice on the cross prepared the way for this spiritual banquet, establishing the New Covenant, a covenant of grace that invites all to partake. The "great supper" foreshadows the eschatological reality of the [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), where Christ is both the groom and the central figure of the celebration, ushering His redeemed people into eternal fellowship. Thus, the invitation of Luke 14:16 is ultimately an invitation to come to Christ, to receive His finished work, and to feast on the spiritual realities He provides.

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

Matthew 22:2

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

Matthew 22:14

For many are called, but few [are] chosen.

Revelation 22:17

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Isaiah 25:6

¶ And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

Isaiah 25:7

And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.

Isaiah 55:1

¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.