For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have [sufficient] to finish [it]?
For {G1063} which {G5101} of {G1537} you {G5216}, intending {G2309} to build {G3618} a tower {G4444}, sitteth {G2523} not {G3780} down {G2523} first {G4412}, and counteth {G5585} the cost {G1160}, whether {G1487} he have {G2192} sufficient to {G4314} finish {G535} it?
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Don’t you sit down and estimate the cost, to see if you have enough capital to complete it?
Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doth not first sit down and count the cost, whether he have wherewith to complete it?
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Proverbs 24:27
¶ Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house. -
Matthew 10:22
And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. -
Joshua 24:19
And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he [is] an holy God; he [is] a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. -
Joshua 24:24
And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey. -
Luke 14:33
So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. -
Matthew 20:22
But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. -
Matthew 20:23
And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but [it shall be given to them] for whom it is prepared of my Father.
Commentary on Luke 14:28 (KJV)
Luke 14:28 is part of a profound discourse by Jesus concerning the true nature and demands of discipleship. In this verse, Jesus employs a practical parable to illustrate the necessity of careful consideration before committing to follow Him. It serves as a call to introspection, ensuring that one fully understands the commitment required for a genuine relationship with Christ.
Context
This verse is one of two short parables (the tower builder and the king going to war) that Jesus uses immediately after stating the stringent requirements for being His disciple. Prior to this, He speaks of the need to prioritize Him above even family members, and to bear one's own cross (Luke 14:27). The parables serve to emphasize that embarking on the journey of discipleship is a monumental undertaking, not to be entered into lightly. They culminate in the statement that true disciples must forsake all that they have (Luke 14:33).
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "tower" (Greek: pyrgos) could refer to various structures, such as a watchtower in a vineyard, a defensive fortification, or even the foundation of a larger building. The specific type of tower is less important than the fact that it represents a substantial, costly, and time-consuming endeavor.
The phrase "counteth the cost" (Greek: psēphizō) literally means "to count with pebbles," which was an ancient method of calculation. It signifies a careful, deliberate, and thorough computation or assessment. This emphasizes that the evaluation should be meticulous and honest.
Practical Application
Luke 14:28 calls all who consider themselves followers of Christ to a profound self-examination: