Luke 14:28

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?

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

  • Forethought and Prudence: The parable highlights the wisdom of planning and assessing resources before undertaking any significant project. Just as a builder would not start construction without knowing if they could finish, so too should one consider the spiritual journey.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: This is the central spiritual message. Following Jesus is not a casual decision or a superficial addition to one's life. It demands a deep, all-encompassing commitment that may involve sacrifice, self-denial, and a reordering of priorities. Jesus is not discouraging followers but ensuring they understand the profound nature of their decision.
  • Genuine Commitment: The parable underscores the need for wholehearted devotion. A half-hearted or uninformed commitment is prone to failure and brings shame, similar to an unfinished tower. True discipleship requires perseverance and a willingness to endure.

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:

  • Honest Self-Assessment: It challenges us to honestly evaluate our commitment to Jesus. Are we prepared for the sacrifices, challenges, and lifelong dedication that discipleship entails?
  • Avoiding Spiritual Failure: Just as an unfinished tower becomes a laughingstock, an uncommitted or superficial faith can lead to spiritual failure and a lack of fruitfulness. The parable encourages a commitment that endures to the end.
  • Prioritizing Christ: Understanding the "cost" helps us to truly value what we gain in Christ and to correctly prioritize Him above all earthly possessions, relationships, or ambitions. This wisdom leads to a more stable and resilient faith, enabling us to endure to the end (Matthew 24:13).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back