Luke 14:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} sent {G649} his {G846} servant {G1401} at supper {G1173} time {G5610} to say {G2036} to them that were bidden {G2564}, Come {G2064}; for {G3754} all things {G3956} are {G2076} now {G2235} ready {G2092}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the time came for the banquet, he sent his slave to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come! Everything is ready!’

Berean Standard Bible

When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’

American Standard Version

and he sent forth his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 14:17 is a pivotal verse within Jesus's Parable of the Great Supper, depicting the host's servant announcing to the previously invited guests that the long-anticipated feast is now fully prepared and ready for their immediate enjoyment. This declaration underscores the divine readiness and urgent availability of God's gracious invitation to His kingdom, emphasizing that the time for acceptance and participation has definitively arrived.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus's Parable of the Great Supper, found in [Luke 14:15-24](/luke/14-15-24 "The Parable of the Great Supper"). The parable itself is prompted by a guest's pious exclamation, "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God" ([Luke 14:15](/luke/14-15 "Luke 14:15 - Blessed in the Kingdom of God")). It follows Jesus's earlier teachings on humility at feasts ([Luke 14:7-11](/luke/14-7-11 "Luke 14:7-11 - Humility at Feasts")) and the radical call to invite the marginalized and poor to one's banquets, promising a resurrection reward ([Luke 14:12-14](/luke/14-12-14 "Luke 14:12-14 - Inviting the Poor")). The parable then illustrates the rejection of the initial, privileged invitees and the subsequent invitation extended to the outcasts, directly connecting to the themes of God's kingdom, inclusion, and the nature of true discipleship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern culture, it was customary for a host to send out two invitations for a significant feast. The first was a preliminary invitation to gauge interest and allow guests to prepare. The second, delivered when the meal was actually ready, served as the definitive call to "come." This second summons was a matter of honor and social expectation; to decline at this stage, especially with flimsy excuses, was a grave insult to the host. The "supper time" (Greek: _deîpnon_) typically referred to the main meal of the day, usually eaten in the evening, signifying a substantial and important social event, often lasting for hours. The host's meticulous preparations, including the slaughter of animals and cooking, meant that the "all things are now ready" announcement was a declaration of completed, irreversible arrangements.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 14:17 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader narrative of [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "The Gospel of Luke"). Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Invitation and God's Readiness**. The host's meticulous preparation and the servant's urgent summons underscore God's complete provision for salvation and fellowship, emphasizing that the kingdom of God is not a future hope but a present reality, fully prepared and available. Secondly, the verse introduces the **Urgency of Response**. The phrase "now ready" demands an immediate decision, contrasting with the later excuses of the initially invited guests who prioritize worldly concerns over the divine call. This urgency is a recurring motif in Jesus's ministry, as seen in His declaration that [the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - The Kingdom of God is at Hand"). Lastly, it foreshadows the **Rejection of the Privileged and the Inclusion of the Marginalized**. While this verse focuses on the initial call to those "bidden," the subsequent verses of the parable reveal their rejection, setting the stage for the radical extension of the invitation to the poor, crippled, blind, and lame, a central theme of [Luke's portrayal of Jesus's ministry](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus's Mission Statement").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From δέω, meaning "to bind." A slave, bond-servant, or one in subjection. In this context, the _doûlos_ is not merely an employee but one entirely at the disposal of the master, acting on his behalf with full authority. This emphasizes the host's direct involvement and the servant's faithful representation of the master's will, highlighting the authoritative nature of the invitation.
* **supper (Greek, _deîpnon'_):** The chief meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening. This term signifies a significant, often festive, occasion rather than a casual meal. The use of _deîpnon_ underscores the importance, richness, and celebratory nature of the banquet being offered, symbolizing the abundant blessings and fellowship of God's kingdom.
* **ready (Greek, _hétoimos'_):** From an old noun signifying "fitness." Adjusted, prepared, or made ready. This word conveys a powerful sense of completion and preparedness. It signifies that the work of preparation is fully accomplished, and there is nothing left to do on the part of the host or the guests for the feast to commence. It implies a state of perfect readiness, emphasizing the immediacy and availability of the divine invitation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And sent his servant at supper time":** This opening clause establishes the host's initiative and the specific timing of the final summons. The act of sending a "servant" (doûlos) implies the host's authority and the servant's role as a faithful messenger. The "supper time" indicates the climactic moment, the culmination of all preparations, signifying that the feast is now at its peak readiness.
* **"to say to them that were bidden,":** This specifies the recipient of the message: those who had already received an initial invitation. The phrase "them that were bidden" (Greek: _kaléō_) highlights a prior, personal, and intentional invitation, implying a relationship or expectation between the host and these specific guests. It sets up the later irony of their refusal.
* **"Come;":** This is a direct, imperative command, a simple yet powerful invitation. It conveys urgency and expectation. The single word encapsulates the entire purpose of the servant's mission – to bring the guests into the prepared feast. It is an open, unconditional summons to immediate participation.
* **"for all things are now ready.":** This clause provides the compelling reason for the "Come!" command. The declaration "all things are now ready" (Greek: _pâs hétoimos_) signifies the absolute completion and abundance of the preparations. The word "now" (Greek: _ḗdē_) adds a crucial element of immediacy, stressing that the moment for partaking has arrived and any delay is unwarranted. This phrase powerfully conveys the lavish provision and the perfect timing of the host's arrangements.

#### Literary Devices
The Parable of the Great Supper, of which [Luke 14:17](/luke/14-17 "Luke 14:17 - The Invitation is Ready") is a central part, is itself a masterclass in **Allegory** and **Symbolism**. The host represents God, the servant symbolizes those who proclaim God's invitation (prophets, John the Baptist, Jesus, and His disciples), and the "great supper" is a powerful **Symbol** for the blessings of the Kingdom of God, often understood as salvation, fellowship with God, and ultimately the eschatological banquet. The phrase "all things are now ready" conveys a sense of **Urgency** and **Immediacy**, emphasizing that the window of opportunity for acceptance is open and requires an immediate response. There is also an element of **Irony** implicit in this verse, as the subsequent narrative reveals that those initially "bidden" – who should have been the most eager – ultimately reject the invitation, highlighting the unexpected nature of God's grace and the human tendency to prioritize worldly concerns over divine calling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 14:17 profoundly articulates the nature of God's gracious invitation to humanity. It underscores that God, as the ultimate host, has meticulously prepared a lavish spiritual feast – the blessings of His kingdom and eternal life – and that this provision is now fully complete and available. The "readiness" signifies that the work necessary for human salvation and fellowship with God has been accomplished, removing any prerequisite for human effort or self-preparation beyond a simple, immediate response of faith. This verse highlights God's initiative, His boundless generosity, and the critical importance of responding to His call without delay, as the opportunity is present and waiting.

* [Matthew 22:4](/matthew/22-4 "Matthew 22:4 - The Wedding Feast Invitation") – "Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage."
* [Isaiah 25:6](/isaiah/25-6 "Isaiah 25:6 - The Feast on Mount Zion") – "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."
* [Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") – "And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 14:17 serves as a powerful reminder of God's ongoing, gracious invitation to each of us. The declaration "all things are now ready" means that the pathway to reconciliation, peace, and eternal life through Christ has been fully established; there is nothing more for us to do to earn or prepare for this divine banquet. Our part is simply to "Come." This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: are we responding with eager acceptance to God's continuous call, or are we, like the initially invited guests, allowing worldly distractions and perceived obligations to prevent us from partaking in the spiritual feast God has prepared? It calls us to embrace the immediacy of God's grace and to live in the abundance of His provision, not delaying our spiritual journey or presuming upon future opportunities. Furthermore, as recipients of this glorious invitation, we are also called to be like the servant, faithfully proclaiming to others that God's kingdom is at hand and that "all things are now ready" for those who will come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "preparations" or perceived obligations in my life might be preventing me from fully accepting God's present invitation?**
* **How does the "now ready" aspect of God's invitation impact my understanding of salvation and grace?**
* **In what ways can I, as a believer, embody the servant's role, inviting others to the spiritual feast that God has prepared?**
* **What does it mean to truly "come" to the feast God has prepared, beyond a mere intellectual acknowledgment?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "supper time" in this verse?**

Answer: "Supper time" (Greek: _deîpnon_) refers to the main meal of the day, typically an evening feast. Its significance lies in indicating a major, often celebratory, social event that required extensive preparation. In the parable, it emphasizes the importance and richness of the banquet being offered, symbolizing the abundant blessings and fellowship of God's kingdom. The timing also implies a point of no return for the preparations; the food is cooked, and it's time to eat.

**Who are "them that were bidden" and why is this distinction important?**

Answer: "Them that were bidden" refers to those who had received an initial, preliminary invitation to the feast. This distinction is crucial because it highlights that the host had a specific group in mind, likely friends, family, or prominent members of the community, who were expected to attend. Their subsequent rejection of the final invitation, despite their prior commitment, forms the central conflict of the parable and sets the stage for the radical extension of the invitation to others, as described in [Luke 14:21-23](/luke/14-21-23 "Luke 14:21-23 - The Invitation to the Outcasts"). The parable often allegorically represents the Jewish people as the initially invited, who largely rejected Jesus's ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 14:17 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who is both the ultimate Host and the very essence of the "all things are now ready" declaration. The "great supper" symbolizes the new covenant, the Kingdom of God, and the lavish provision of salvation made possible through His life, death, and resurrection. Jesus's ministry was the very act of God sending His "servant" – indeed, His Son – to proclaim that the time had come, that the long-awaited Messianic banquet was prepared. His atoning sacrifice on the cross completed all that was necessary for humanity's reconciliation with God, making "all things ready" for our spiritual nourishment and eternal fellowship. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus is the one who has prepared the feast, and His resurrection is the definitive proof that the work is finished and the invitation to "Come" is now eternally open. He is the door ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")), the way, the truth, and the life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way")), through whom we access the abundant life He offers ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). The ultimate fulfillment awaits in the [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), where Christ, the Bridegroom, will share the eternal feast with His redeemed bride.

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 9:1

¶ Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

Proverbs 9:5

Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine [which] I have mingled.

Matthew 10:1

¶ And when he had called unto [him] his twelve disciples, he gave them power [against] unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Matthew 10:4

Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Matthew 11:27

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him].

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Matthew 22:3

And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.