Luke 14:23

KJV

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [them] to come in, that my house may be filled.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the lord {G2962} said {G2036} unto {G4314} the servant {G1401}, Go out {G1831} into {G1519} the highways {G3598} and {G2532} hedges {G5418}, and {G2532} compel {G315} them to come in {G1525}, that {G2443} my {G3450} house {G3624} may be filled {G1072}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The master said to the slave, ‘Go out to the country roads and boundary walls, and insistently persuade people to come in, so that my house will be full.

Berean Standard Bible

So the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.

American Standard Version

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and constrain them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 14:23 concludes the Parable of the Great Supper, where a master, whose initial guests offered excuses for declining his invitation, instructs his servant to extend the invitation to the marginalized and forgotten. The command to "compel them to come in" highlights the master's fervent desire for his house to be full, underscoring God's earnest and inclusive invitation to His kingdom, especially towards those overlooked by society, and the urgency with which this divine call is to be proclaimed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic command within Jesus' Parable of the Great Supper, recorded in [Luke 14:15-24](/luke/14-15-24 "Luke 14:15-24 - The Parable of the Great Supper"). Jesus tells this parable during a Sabbath meal at the house of a prominent Pharisee, following a teaching on humility and the proper guests to invite to a banquet ([Luke 14:7-14](/luke/14-7-14 "Luke 14:7-14 - Teachings on Humility and Hospitality")). The parable serves as a direct response to a guest's pious exclamation about the blessedness of eating bread in the kingdom of God ([Luke 14:15](/luke/14-15 "Luke 14:15 - Blessed is he who will eat bread in the kingdom of God")). It illustrates God's generous yet rejected invitation to His kingdom, the subsequent extension of that invitation to the unexpected, and the ultimate filling of His heavenly banquet hall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient banquets were significant social events, symbolizing status, fellowship, and celebration. Invitations were highly valued, and a refusal, especially with flimsy excuses, was a grave insult to the host. The "highways and hedges" (Greek: _hodous kai phragmous_) refer to the roadsides and the areas just outside the city gates, places where the poor, the disabled, beggars, and travelers would congregate. Culturally, these individuals were often marginalized and excluded from formal society and religious gatherings. By commanding the servant to invite these people, Jesus challenges the social norms and religious exclusivity of His day, revealing God's heart for the outcast and His desire to include all who will respond, irrespective of their social standing or perceived worthiness.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 14:23 powerfully contributes to several key themes in Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It emphasizes **God's inclusive invitation**, demonstrating that the divine call to salvation extends beyond the socially elite or religiously privileged to embrace the marginalized and forgotten, reflecting God's impartial love. The command to "compel them to come in" highlights the **urgency and earnestness of the Gospel message**, revealing God's passionate desire for His kingdom to be populated. Furthermore, the parable, culminating in this verse, underscores the theme of **rejection and replacement**, where those initially invited and expected to participate in God's kingdom are replaced by those considered unworthy, serving as a warning against spiritual apathy and neglecting God's gracious call, a theme also echoed in the [Parable of the Wedding Feast](/matthew/22-1-14 "Matthew 22:1-14 - The Parable of the Wedding Feast").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **compel (Greek, _anankázō'_):** This word (G315) means "to necessitate" or "to constrain." In this context, it implies a strong, earnest, and persistent persuasion, rather than physical force. The master's urgency is so great that he wants his servant to overcome any reluctance, shyness, or perceived unworthiness on the part of the invited guests, using compelling entreaty and fervent invitation to ensure they come. It reflects the host's passionate desire for his house to be full.
* **highways (Greek, _hodós'_):** This term (G3598) refers to a "road" or "way." In the parable, "highways" (along with "hedges") symbolize the public thoroughfares and outer areas where the poor, the lame, the blind, and other outcasts of society would be found. It signifies those outside the conventional social and religious circles, representing the marginalized, the unexpected, and ultimately, the Gentiles who would receive the Gospel after Israel's widespread rejection.
* **filled (Greek, _gemízō'_):** This word (G1072) means "to fill entirely" or "to be full." It expresses the ultimate goal of the master's command: his desire for his house, his banquet hall, to be completely full of guests. Theologically, this signifies God's earnest desire for His kingdom to be fully populated with those who respond to His gracious invitation, leaving no empty seats at the heavenly feast.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the lord said unto the servant":** This sets the scene, identifying the speaker as the master of the house (representing God) and the recipient of the command as his servant (representing those who proclaim the Gospel). It highlights the divine authority and the delegated mission.
* **"Go out into the highways and hedges":** This is the specific directive, indicating the target audience for the renewed invitation. "Highways" refer to public roads, and "hedges" to the boundaries or outskirts of fields, symbolizing the places where the poor, the marginalized, and those typically excluded from society would be found. It signifies an expansive, unconventional reach beyond the expected invitees.
* **"and compel them to come in":** This crucial phrase conveys the intensity and urgency of the master's desire. "Compel" here means to strongly urge, persuade, or press, overcoming any hesitation or perceived unworthiness, rather than physical coercion. It reflects the fervency of the invitation and the master's determination to see his house filled.
* **"that my house may be filled":** This states the ultimate purpose and motivation behind the master's command. The master desires a full house, emphasizing God's earnest desire for all who will respond to His invitation to enter His kingdom and partake in the blessings of His fellowship. It underscores the divine longing for all to come to salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 14:23, as part of the larger narrative, employs several powerful literary devices. The primary device is the **Parable** itself, a short, illustrative story that conveys a moral or spiritual lesson. Jesus uses this common teaching method to reveal profound truths about the Kingdom of God and God's character. Within the verse, **Symbolism** is prominent: the "highways and hedges" are symbolic of the marginalized, the outcasts, and eventually the Gentiles, who would embrace the Gospel. The "house" or "banquet hall" symbolizes God's kingdom or the fellowship of believers. The master's command to "compel" carries a sense of **Urgency** and **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the master's fervent desire for a full house, which translates to God's passionate longing for all to enter His kingdom. This urgent tone serves to impress upon the listeners the seriousness and immediacy of God's invitation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 14:23 stands as a powerful testament to God's expansive grace and His relentless pursuit of humanity. It dismantles human-made barriers of social status, wealth, and religious pedigree, revealing that God's invitation to His kingdom is open to all, especially those overlooked and deemed unworthy by societal standards. The master's insistence on filling his house reflects God's deep desire for fellowship with His creation, a desire so profound that He will go to extraordinary lengths to gather His people. This verse challenges believers to embody this same inclusive spirit in their evangelism, recognizing that the Gospel is for everyone and should be proclaimed with urgency and persistent love.

* [Matthew 22:8-10](/matthew/22-8-10 "Matthew 22:8-10 - The Wedding Feast Extended")
* [Isaiah 55:1-3](/isaiah/55-1-3 "Isaiah 55:1-3 - Invitation to God's Feast")
* [Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 14:23 profoundly challenges our understanding of God's heart and our role in His mission. It calls us to move beyond our comfort zones and preconceived notions of who is "worthy" of God's invitation. The master's command to "go out" means actively seeking those on the "highways and hedges" of our own communities – the lonely, the marginalized, the forgotten, the broken, and those who feel excluded by traditional religious structures. The urgency to "compel them to come in" is not about coercion, but about a passionate, persistent, and loving persuasion that overcomes reluctance, fear, or feelings of unworthiness. It means sharing the Gospel with such conviction and genuine care that people are drawn to the overwhelming goodness and grace of God. This verse reminds us that God's desire is for His house to be full, and He invites us to be His hands and feet in extending that boundless invitation to every corner of society.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who are the "highways and hedges" in my community, and how can I intentionally reach out to them with the Gospel?**
* **What excuses might people have today for not accepting God's invitation, and how can I lovingly "compel" them (persuade them earnestly) to come in?**
* **Does my life and ministry reflect God's urgent desire for His house to be filled, or have I become complacent in sharing His invitation?**
* **How does understanding God's inclusive heart, as revealed in this parable, change my perspective on evangelism and discipleship?**

### FAQ

**Does "compel them to come in" mean we should force people to convert to Christianity?**

Answer: No, the Greek word _anankázō_ (G315), translated "compel," does not imply physical coercion or forced conversion. In this context, it signifies a strong, urgent, and persistent persuasion. The master's desire for his house to be full is so great that he wants his servant to go to every length to invite people, overcoming their reluctance, shyness, or feelings of unworthiness through earnest entreaty and compelling invitation. It speaks to the passionate and relentless nature of God's invitation, not a violation of human free will. Jesus consistently invited people to follow Him, but never forced them, as seen in His interaction with the rich young ruler in [Matthew 19:16-22](/matthew/19-16-22 "Matthew 19:16-22 - The Rich Young Ruler"). The "compelling" is through the winsome and urgent proclamation of the good news.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 14:23, with its master's fervent desire to fill his house, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of the master's inclusive invitation, consistently reaching out to the marginalized and socially outcast throughout His ministry, dining with tax collectors and sinners ([Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Welcomes Sinners")). He is the ultimate host, preparing a banquet not just for a select few, but for all who will come to Him. The "compelling" nature of the invitation is seen in Christ's own passionate pursuit of the lost, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, which makes the invitation universally available. His commission to His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")) is the ongoing fulfillment of the master's command to "go out into the highways and hedges." Through Christ, God's house—His eternal kingdom—is indeed being filled, as people from every tribe, tongue, and nation are welcomed to the [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), a feast prepared since the foundation of the world ([Matthew 25:34](/matthew/25-34 "Matthew 25:34 - Inherit the Kingdom Prepared for You")).

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 22:9

Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

Matthew 22:10

So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

Colossians 1:28

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Acts 13:47

For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

Acts 13:48

And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

2 Corinthians 5:11

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.