Luke 14:24

KJV

For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, That {G3754} none {G3762} of those {G1565} men {G435} which {G3588} were bidden {G2564} shall taste {G1089} of my {G3450} supper {G1173}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet!’”

Berean Standard Bible

For I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will taste my banquet.’”

American Standard Version

For I say unto you, that none of those men that were bidden shall taste of my supper.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 14:24 serves as the climactic and definitive statement concluding Jesus' Parable of the Great Supper, emphatically declaring the irreversible exclusion of those who initially received and then spurned the host's gracious invitation. This verse underscores the severe consequences of rejecting God's call to the Kingdom, highlighting a divine judgment upon those who prioritize worldly concerns over the spiritual feast offered by the Lord. It encapsulates the parable's warning that opportunity, once refused, may be irrevocably lost.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 14:24 provides the stark conclusion to the Parable of the Great Supper, recounted by Jesus in [Luke 14:16-24](/luke/14-16-24 "Luke 14:16-24 - The Parable of the Great Supper"). This parable is situated within a broader section of Luke's Gospel (chapters 13-17) where Jesus frequently teaches about the nature of the Kingdom of God, often through parables that challenge conventional wisdom and societal norms. The immediate catalyst for the parable is a guest's pious, yet perhaps superficial, declaration at a Sabbath meal, "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God" ([Luke 14:15](/luke/14-15 "Luke 14:15 - Blessed is he who eats in the Kingdom")). Jesus' parable directly responds to this, illustrating *who* will truly partake in the Kingdom feast and *who* will be excluded, thus setting a sober tone for the subsequent teachings on discipleship and the cost of following Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of the parable—a great supper or banquet—was a significant social and religious event in ancient Jewish culture, symbolizing fellowship, celebration, and often, covenantal blessings. Feasts were central to communal life and religious festivals. The custom involved sending out initial invitations, and then a second call when the meal was ready. To refuse the second call after accepting the first was a grave insult to the host, implying a profound disrespect for his generosity and status. Jesus' audience, particularly the Pharisees and lawyers present at the meal ([Luke 14:1](/luke/14-1 "Luke 14:1 - Jesus at a Pharisee's House")), would have understood the social transgression inherent in the invited guests' excuses. This cultural backdrop amplifies the severity of the host's declaration in [Luke 14:24](/luke/14-24 "Luke 14:24 - None Shall Taste My Supper"), making the judgment against the original invitees particularly sharp and culturally resonant.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 14:24 contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **rejection of God's gracious invitation**. The "men which were bidden" represent those, particularly the Jewish leaders of Jesus' day, who were initially privileged with God's revelation and invitation to His covenant, yet chose to reject it for worldly pursuits. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **divine judgment and exclusion** for those who spurn God's offer. The "supper" symbolizes the Messianic banquet, the ultimate fellowship and blessing of the Kingdom of God, from which the unrepentant will be forever barred. Thirdly, while not explicit in this verse alone, it is the culmination of the parable's broader theme of **God's radical inclusivity**. Because the initially invited guests refuse, the host extends his invitation to the marginalized—the poor, maimed, lame, and blind ([Luke 14:21](/luke/14-21 "Luke 14:21 - Invite the Poor and Lame")), and even those from the "highways and hedges" ([Luke 14:23](/luke/14-23 "Luke 14:23 - Compel Them to Come In")), foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles and outcasts into God's Kingdom. This highlights God's unwavering desire to fill His house, even if it means bypassing those who consider themselves worthy but are in fact unwilling.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bidden (Greek, _kaléō_'):** From G2564, meaning "to call (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)." In this context, it emphasizes that the original guests were not merely invited, but specifically and formally "called" to the supper. This highlights the deliberate nature of their refusal, as they were not ignorant of the invitation or its significance. Their rejection was a conscious act against a direct and gracious summons.
* **taste (Greek, _geúomai_'):** From G1089, a primary verb meaning "to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience (good or ill)." The use of "taste" here is highly significant. It implies not just a refusal to eat the meal, but a complete and utter deprivation of the experience of the supper. It signifies a definitive and final exclusion from the blessings and joy associated with the Messianic banquet, emphasizing the totality of their loss.
* **supper (Greek, _deîpnon_'):** From G1173, referring to "dinner, i.e. the chief meal (usually in the evening)." In the cultural context, the _deîpnon_ was the most important meal of the day, often a festive and communal event. In this parable, "my supper" (Jesus' supper) transcends a mere physical meal, symbolizing the ultimate spiritual feast of salvation, fellowship with God, and the blessings of the Kingdom of Heaven. The exclusion from "my supper" is thus an exclusion from the deepest spiritual realities and eternal joy offered by Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I say unto you":** This introductory phrase, common in Jesus' teachings, signals a solemn and authoritative declaration. It emphasizes the truth and certainty of what is about to be stated, coming directly from Jesus (as the host's voice in the parable). It commands attention and underscores the gravity of the pronouncement.
* **"That none of those men which were bidden":** This clause identifies the specific group being addressed: the original invitees who, despite being called, offered excuses and refused to attend. The phrase "none of those men" is absolute, indicating a complete and unyielding exclusion. It highlights the consequence of their deliberate choice to prioritize their own affairs over the host's generous invitation.
* **"shall taste of my supper.":** This is the pronouncement of judgment. The future tense "shall taste" (or "will taste") indicates a definitive and irreversible outcome. The phrase "my supper" (referring to the host's supper, which Jesus identifies as His own) underscores the personal nature of the rejection and the personal ownership of the feast. Their refusal to come means they will be forever deprived of the experience and blessings of this symbolic feast.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "supper" symbolizing the Kingdom of God and its blessings, and the "bidden men" representing those who reject God's gracious invitation. The act of "tasting" is a **metonymy**, standing for the full experience and participation in the feast. The host's declaration is an example of **hyperbole** in its absolute exclusion ("none of those men"), emphasizing the severity of the spiritual consequences. The entire parable, culminating in this verse, functions as an **allegory**, where the characters and events represent deeper spiritual truths about God's invitation, human response, and divine judgment. The definitive nature of the statement also gives it the force of a **pronouncement of judgment**, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the fate of those who refuse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 14:24 powerfully encapsulates the theological truth that God's gracious invitation to salvation and fellowship is not to be taken lightly. It speaks to the seriousness of rejecting divine grace and the reality of spiritual consequences. The parable, and this verse in particular, serves as a stark warning against spiritual complacency, self-righteousness, and the prioritization of worldly concerns over the eternal call of God. It highlights that while God's invitation is broad, there is a point of no return for those who persistently refuse His overtures, leading to their exclusion from the ultimate divine banquet. This exclusion is not arbitrary, but a direct consequence of their own choices.

* [Matthew 22:8](/matthew/22-8 "Matthew 22:8 - The Wedding Feast Parable")
* [Hebrews 12:25](/hebrews/12-25 "Hebrews 12:25 - Do Not Refuse Him Who Speaks")
* [Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 14:24 compels us to deeply examine our own hearts and priorities. Are we, like the initially invited guests, making excuses for not fully engaging with God's call on our lives? The "supper" represents not only salvation but also ongoing fellowship, service, and participation in the Kingdom of God. We must ask ourselves if we are allowing the cares of this world—our careers, possessions, social engagements, or even seemingly legitimate responsibilities—to distract us from the primary invitation to draw near to God and participate in His divine purposes. This verse serves as a solemn reminder that God's grace, while boundless, is not to be presumed upon. Our response to His invitation must be one of eager acceptance and humble obedience, lest we find ourselves, by our own choices, outside the joyous feast He has prepared. It calls us to a life of active discipleship, valuing the spiritual above the temporal, and responding with urgency to the opportunities God places before us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "excuses" might I be making that prevent me from fully embracing God's will or participating in His kingdom work?**
* **How does my daily life reflect my appreciation for God's gracious invitation to His "supper"?**
* **Am I actively pursuing deeper fellowship with God, or am I spiritually complacent, assuming my place at the feast is guaranteed regardless of my response?**

### FAQ

**What does "my supper" symbolize in Luke 14:24?**

Answer: In Luke 14:24, "my supper" symbolizes the Messianic banquet, which is a rich biblical metaphor for the Kingdom of God and the ultimate blessings of salvation and eternal fellowship with God. It represents the joyous, abundant, and intimate communion that God offers to those who accept His invitation. This imagery is found throughout scripture, often depicting the culmination of God's redemptive plan, such as in [Isaiah 25:6-9](/isaiah/25-6-9 "Isaiah 25:6-9 - The Feast on Mount Zion") and later in the New Testament as the [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb").

**Who are "those men which were bidden" in this verse?**

Answer: In the immediate context of the parable, "those men which were bidden" represent the original invitees who, despite receiving a gracious invitation, offered various excuses to avoid attending the supper. Theologically, they are often understood to symbolize the Jewish people, particularly the religious leaders of Jesus' day, who had been given God's covenant and law (the initial invitation), but largely rejected Jesus' offer of the Kingdom (the second call to the supper) due to their own self-righteousness, worldly priorities, and refusal to acknowledge Him as Messiah. This rejection then led to the invitation being extended to the marginalized and Gentiles, as seen in the broader parable of [Luke 14:16-24](/luke/14-16-24 "Luke 14:16-24 - The Parable of the Great Supper").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 14:24, though spoken by the host in a parable, carries the authoritative voice of Jesus Himself, revealing a profound truth about His identity and mission. The "supper" is explicitly "my supper," underscoring that the Kingdom of God and its blessings are intrinsically linked to Christ. He is the one who prepares the feast, and He is the one who extends the invitation. The exclusion of "none of those men which were bidden" foreshadows the tragic reality that many who were first in line for God's covenant blessings, particularly those who rejected Jesus during His earthly ministry, would ultimately be excluded from the Kingdom. This verse finds its fulfillment in the New Testament's consistent portrayal of Jesus as the sole gateway to salvation and eternal life. Just as Jesus declared Himself to be [the door](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door") and [the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way"), His invitation is the only one that truly matters. Those who refuse His call, like the original guests, effectively shut themselves out of the eternal feast. Conversely, the subsequent invitation to the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind ([Luke 14:21](/luke/14-21 "Luke 14:21 - Invite the Poor and Lame")) finds its fulfillment in Christ's inclusive gospel, which welcomes all who humble themselves and come to Him, regardless of their past or social standing, culminating in the ultimate [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") where believers feast with their Savior for eternity.

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 21:43

Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

Acts 13:46

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

John 3:36

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Matthew 22:8

Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.

John 8:24

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am [he], ye shall die in your sins.

Hebrews 12:25

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven:

Hebrews 12:26

Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.