Luke 14:25

KJV

¶ And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} there went {G4848} great {G4183} multitudes {G3793} with him {G846}: and {G2532} he turned {G4762}, and said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846},

Complete Jewish Bible

Large crowds were traveling along with Yeshua. Turning, he said to them,

Berean Standard Bible

Large crowds were now traveling with Jesus, and He turned and said to them,

American Standard Version

Now there went with him great multitudes: and he turned, and said unto them,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 14:25 serves as a pivotal transitional verse within Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem, marking a deliberate shift from His general teachings and parables to a direct, challenging exposition on the radical nature of true discipleship. It highlights the immense popularity Jesus enjoyed, as "great multitudes" accompanied Him, setting the stage for His subsequent, stringent demands that would differentiate casual admirers from committed followers, thereby clarifying the profound cost of kingdom participation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the [Parable of the Great Supper](/luke/14-16-24 "Luke 14:16-24 - The Parable of the Great Supper"), where Jesus illustrates the rejection of God's gracious invitation by those preoccupied with worldly concerns and the subsequent inclusion of the marginalized. The narrative then shifts from a private dinner setting with Pharisees and lawyers to a public encounter with a large following. Jesus' act of "turning" in Luke 14:25 signals a deliberate and intentional shift in His discourse, moving from indirect parables to direct, demanding statements about the prerequisites for following Him. The verses that immediately follow ([Luke 14:26-33](/luke/14-26-33 "Luke 14:26-33 - The Cost of Discipleship")) are among the most challenging in the Gospels, detailing the necessity of supreme allegiance, self-denial, and careful calculation of the cost of discipleship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, large crowds often followed charismatic religious leaders, especially those performing miracles or speaking with authority, as Jesus did. Many in these "multitudes" likely harbored diverse expectations, ranging from physical healing and provision (as seen in the feeding of the five thousand in [Luke 9:10-17](/luke/9-10-17 "Luke 9:10-17 - Feeding the Five Thousand")) to the hope of a political Messiah who would liberate Israel from Roman rule. The concept of "discipleship" (μάθησις, _mathēsis_) was common in Jewish society, where students would commit to a rabbi, learning his teachings and imitating his way of life. However, Jesus' demands for discipleship, particularly those articulated immediately after this verse, far exceeded conventional rabbinic expectations, challenging deeply ingrained cultural values concerning family loyalty and personal possessions.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 14:25 contributes significantly to several key themes in Luke's Gospel. It sharply contrasts the superficial interest of the **Crowds vs. the Radical Demands of Discipleship**, emphasizing that genuine allegiance to Jesus requires more than mere physical proximity or admiration. The verse also underscores **Jesus' Intentional Teaching**, as His act of "turning" signifies a deliberate and purposeful address designed to clarify the true nature of following Him, moving beyond general invitations to specific, costly requirements. This sets the stage for the theme of **Counting the Cost**, which is fully developed in the subsequent verses, challenging individuals to assess their commitment to the kingdom of God over all earthly allegiances, echoing earlier calls to [take up one's cross daily](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Call to Self-Denial").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **multitudes (Greek, _óchlos'_):** This word (G3793) refers to a throng, a large, often unorganized crowd, or even the rabble. In the Gospels, _óchlos_ frequently describes the general populace who followed Jesus, often drawn by His miracles or teachings but not necessarily committed to His radical demands. It contrasts with _mathētēs_ (disciple), implying a less committed, more transient group.
* **turned (Greek, _stréphō'_):** This verb (G4762) means "to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse." The aorist participle form (_strapheis_) indicates a decisive, completed action. Jesus' act of turning was not casual but a deliberate, abrupt reorientation of His body and attention towards the crowd, signaling a significant shift in the nature of His address and the gravity of the message He was about to deliver.
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This primary verb (G2036) means "to speak or say (by word or writing)." Used in the definite past tense here, it emphasizes the authoritative and direct nature of Jesus' forthcoming words. Unlike a casual remark, what Jesus was about to "say" was a formal, intentional declaration, a direct challenge to the "great multitudes" who were following Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there went great multitudes with him:"** This phrase establishes the immense popularity and widespread following Jesus had attained. The "great multitudes" signify a diverse group of people, likely drawn by various motivations—curiosity, hope for healing, desire for a political Messiah, or simply the compelling nature of His teachings. Their presence underscores the public nature of Jesus' ministry and the broad appeal He commanded.
* **"and he turned,"** This clause marks a crucial pivot point. Jesus' physical act of turning signifies a deliberate shift in His focus and posture. It indicates that He was moving from a more general mode of interaction or teaching to a direct, intentional address specifically aimed at the large crowd accompanying Him. This action prepares the audience for a message of particular importance and gravity.
* **"and said unto them,"** This final clause indicates that Jesus was about to deliver a direct, personal, and challenging message to the very people who were following Him. The use of "said unto them" implies an authoritative declaration, not a casual remark. It sets the stage for the profound and often difficult teachings on discipleship that immediately follow, which would test the sincerity and depth of their commitment.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 14:25 functions as a powerful **Transition** in the narrative, moving the reader from the preceding parables to the stark realities of discipleship. It employs **Contrast** by implicitly distinguishing between the superficial engagement of the "great multitudes" and the profound commitment Jesus is about to demand from true followers. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' deliberate act of "turning" and addressing the crowd directly builds anticipation for the challenging and often counter-cultural teachings on the cost of discipleship that are immediately to follow, preparing the audience for a radical redefinition of what it means to follow Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 14:25 is theologically significant as it highlights the critical distinction between nominal association with Christ and genuine, transformative discipleship. It underscores that following Jesus is not a passive or convenient endeavor but a costly, deliberate commitment that demands reordering one's entire life around His lordship. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' radical redefinition of "family" and "possessions" in light of kingdom priorities, challenging the common human tendency to seek comfort and self-preservation over sacrificial obedience. It reveals Jesus' intent to clarify the terms of discipleship, ensuring that those who claim to follow Him understand the profound implications of such a choice, moving beyond mere admiration to active, self-denying participation in His mission.

* [Matthew 10:37-39](/matthew/10-37-39 "Matthew 10:37-39 - The Cost of Following Christ")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Counting All Things Loss for Christ")
* [Luke 9:57-62](/luke/9-57-62 "Luke 9:57-62 - Excuses for Not Following Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 14:25 serves as a timeless mirror for every individual who claims to follow Christ. It challenges us to honestly assess the depth and sincerity of our commitment. Are we merely part of the "multitude," drawn by the perceived benefits, blessings, or social aspects of Christianity, or are we truly committed disciples, willing to embrace the radical demands of the Gospel? This verse reminds us that genuine faith requires more than superficial interest or emotional enthusiasm; it calls for a deep, personal commitment that often involves sacrifice, a reordering of priorities, and a willingness to surrender everything to Christ's lordship. It compels us to examine our motives for following Jesus and to ensure our allegiance is unwavering, even when the path becomes difficult, unpopular, or personally costly. True discipleship is not about what we gain, but about what we are willing to give up for the sake of the Kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my primary motivations for following Jesus? Am I drawn by His teachings and miracles, or by a deep commitment to His lordship, even when it demands personal sacrifice?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be acting more like part of the "multitude" rather than a committed disciple?**
* **How does Jesus' act of "turning" challenge me to consider the seriousness and intentionality required for true discipleship?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus turn to address the crowds *at this moment*?**

Answer: Jesus' act of "turning" at this specific juncture in [Luke 14](/luke/14 "Luke 14 - Teachings on Humility and Discipleship") is highly significant. It follows a series of parables and teachings, including the [Parable of the Great Supper](/luke/14-16-24 "Luke 14:16-24 - The Parable of the Great Supper"), which highlighted the rejection of God's invitation by those preoccupied with worldly concerns. By turning to the "great multitudes," Jesus was deliberately shifting from general instruction to a direct, personal challenge. He understood that many in the crowd were following Him for superficial reasons – perhaps seeking healing, food, or a political Messiah – without grasping the true, costly nature of His kingdom. This moment was a strategic opportunity to clarify the profound demands of discipleship, sifting out casual followers from those truly willing to commit their lives to Him, as detailed in the subsequent verses of [Luke 14:26-33](/luke/14-26-33 "Luke 14:26-33 - The Cost of Discipleship").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 14:25, though seemingly a simple transitional verse, profoundly points to Christ's own example as the ultimate Disciple and the fulfillment of the costly demands He was about to lay upon His followers. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, perfectly embodied the radical commitment He demanded. He "turned" not only to address the crowds but also to set His face resolutely towards Jerusalem and the cross, demonstrating supreme allegiance to His Father's will above all earthly ties or personal comfort ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")). His life was a testament to "hating" (in the comparative sense of loving less) all things that would hinder His mission, even His own life, ultimately laying it down as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The call to costly discipleship in [Luke 14:26-33](/luke/14-26-33 "Luke 14:26-33 - The Cost of Discipleship") is not an arbitrary burden but an invitation to participate in the very pattern of Christ's self-emptying love and obedience ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Thus, the "great multitudes" are called to follow not merely a teacher or miracle-worker, but the One who perfectly modeled the life of radical, self-sacrificial devotion, enabling His disciples to live in union with Him and share in His sufferings and ultimately, His glory ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ Through Suffering")).

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

John 6:24

When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.

John 6:27

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

Luke 12:1

¶ In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.