Luke 14:29

KJV

Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish [it], all that behold [it] begin to mock him,

KJV (with Strong's)

Lest {G3363} haply {G3379}, after he {G846} hath laid {G5087} the foundation {G2310}, and {G2532} is {G2480} not {G3361} able {G2480} to finish {G1615} it, all {G3956} that behold {G2334} it begin {G756} to mock {G1702} him {G846},

Complete Jewish Bible

If you don’t, then when you have laid the foundation but can’t finish, all the onlookers start making fun of you

Berean Standard Bible

Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him,

American Standard Version

Lest haply, when he hath laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all that behold begin to mock him,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 14:29 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' parable of the tower builder, serving as a stark warning about the critical importance of foresight, careful calculation, and unwavering commitment before embarking on any significant endeavor, particularly the demanding journey of discipleship. It underscores the profound shame and public ridicule that result from initiating a project, especially one with spiritual implications, without the necessary resolve or resources to see it through to completion, highlighting the necessity of counting the cost.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger, crucial discourse by Jesus concerning the radical demands of discipleship, immediately following His declaration that "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple" [Luke 14:26](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - The Cost of Discipleship"). Jesus is addressing "great multitudes" [Luke 14:25](/luke/14-25 "Luke 14:25 - Great Multitudes Following Jesus"), indicating that His message is for all who would consider following Him. The parable of the tower builder (Luke 14:28-30) and the subsequent parable of the warring king (Luke 14:31-32) both serve as practical illustrations of the principle of "counting the cost" before committing to a significant undertaking. Verse 29 specifically articulates the negative consequence of failing to do so in the tower builder's scenario, setting up the broader spiritual application for discipleship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, public reputation and honor were paramount. To start a building project, especially a tower—which could signify anything from a watchtower for a vineyard to a defensive structure or even a grand residence—was a public declaration of one's wealth, capability, and intention. Failing to complete such a project, particularly after laying the foundation, would not only result in wasted resources but, more significantly, in immense public shame, ridicule, and a profound loss of honor. People would "mock him" [Luke 14:29](/luke/14-29 "Luke 14:29 - The Mockery of Failure"), a severe social consequence in a communal society. This cultural emphasis on honor and shame makes Jesus' illustration particularly potent and relatable to His audience, highlighting the gravity of an unfulfilled commitment.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 14:29 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Luke and Jesus' teaching. It strongly emphasizes the theme of **Radical Discipleship**, underscoring that following Jesus is not a casual or impulsive decision but requires deliberate and unwavering commitment, as seen throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke "The Gospel of Luke"). It also highlights the theme of **Foresight and Prudence**, advocating for careful planning and a realistic assessment of one's resources and resolve before embarking on any significant endeavor, a principle echoed in wisdom literature like [Proverbs 21:5](/proverbs/21-5 "Proverbs 21:5 - Diligent Planning"). Furthermore, the verse touches upon the theme of **Integrity and Perseverance**, warning against the negative testimony and public discredit that arise from an uncompleted task, thereby implicitly encouraging believers to "not grow weary in doing good" [Galatians 6:9](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Not Growing Weary").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **foundation (Greek, _themélios'_):** From a derivative of _títhēmi_ (to place), this word refers to something put down, a substructure of a building. It can be used literally or figuratively. In this context, it literally refers to the base of the tower, but figuratively it represents the initial commitment or beginning of the journey of discipleship. Once this is laid, there is a public expectation of completion.
* **able (Greek, _ischýō'_):** Derived from _ischýs_ (strength), this verb means to have or exercise force, to be strong, or to be capable. The phrase "is not able to finish" therefore points to a lack of strength, capacity, or resources—whether spiritual, emotional, or physical—to complete the task once it has been started. It implies a failure in assessment of one's own capabilities.
* **mock (Greek, _empaízō'_):** From _en_ (in) and _paízō_ (to play), this word means to jeer at, deride, or make sport of someone. It conveys a strong sense of public ridicule and scorn, indicating the severe humiliation and loss of credibility that would befall the builder who fails to complete his project. This highlights the social and reputational cost of an unfulfilled commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation":** This opening phrase, "Lest haply" (Greek: _hína mḗpote_), introduces a cautionary purpose clause, meaning "in order that not perhaps" or "lest perchance." It sets up the potential, yet avoidable, negative outcome. "Laying the foundation" signifies the initial, visible act of commitment to a significant undertaking, whether a literal building project or, in the parable's spiritual application, the public profession of faith or the beginning of one's walk with Christ.
* **"and is not able to finish [it]":** This clause describes the failure to complete the started project. The inability to "finish" (Greek: _ekteléō_, to complete fully) implies a deficiency in resources, perseverance, or foresight. It suggests that the initial enthusiasm or commitment was not matched by the sustained capacity or resolve required for completion, leading to an abandoned or incomplete work.
* **"all that behold [it] begin to mock him":** This final clause details the consequence of the failure. "All that behold [it]" refers to the public, the community, who witness the incomplete work. "Begin to mock him" (Greek: _árchomai empaízō_) indicates the immediate and widespread ridicule and scorn that the failed builder will face. This public humiliation underscores the severe social and reputational cost of an unfulfilled commitment, serving as a powerful deterrent in Jesus' teaching on discipleship.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Luke 14:29 is **Parable**, as it is part of Jesus' larger illustrative story of the tower builder. This parable functions as an **Allegory**, where the literal act of building a tower symbolizes the spiritual journey of discipleship. The act of "laying the foundation" represents the initial commitment to Christ, and the failure to "finish" symbolizes a lack of perseverance or a superficial understanding of what discipleship entails. The consequence of "mockery" serves as a powerful **Metonymy** for the shame, loss of testimony, and spiritual barrenness that can result from an uncommitted or abandoned faith. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as the potential for mockery in the parable foreshadows the spiritual consequences for those who begin to follow Christ without fully counting the cost.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 14:29 profoundly emphasizes the gravity of commitment in the Christian life, urging believers to approach their faith with intentionality and a realistic understanding of its demands. It highlights that true discipleship is not merely an initial surge of enthusiasm but a sustained journey requiring perseverance and a willingness to embrace sacrifice. The potential for public mockery in the parable serves as a spiritual warning against a superficial or uncommitted faith that ultimately brings dishonor not only to the individual but, more significantly, to the name of Christ. This passage underscores God's call for integrity and faithfulness from His followers, reminding us that a genuine relationship with Him involves a wholehearted dedication to the path He sets before us.

* [Proverbs 24:27](/proverbs/24-27 "Proverbs 24:27 - Prepare Your Work Outside")
* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Enduring to the End")
* [Hebrews 10:38-39](/hebrews/10-38-39 "Hebrews 10:38-39 - Perseverance of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 14:29 serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination, challenging us to honestly assess the depth of our commitment not just to Christ, but to any significant undertaking we begin. It calls us to move beyond superficial enthusiasm to a sober evaluation of what is truly required to complete the task at hand, especially in our spiritual walk. This isn't about self-reliance, but about discerning God's call, understanding the sacrifices involved, and then, in reliance on His grace, committing fully to the journey. An uncompleted spiritual work not only brings personal disappointment but can also hinder our witness and bring reproach upon the very faith we profess. Therefore, this verse urges us to cultivate a spirit of perseverance, integrity, and diligent planning, ensuring that our actions consistently align with our initial declarations of faith and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, particularly my spiritual life, have I laid a "foundation" but struggled to "finish" the work?**
* **What "costs" of discipleship might I have underestimated, and how can I better prepare myself for them?**
* **How does the fear of "mockery" (or shame) influence my willingness to commit fully or to persevere through challenges?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure that my commitment to Christ is not just an initial profession, but a lifelong, persevering journey?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse imply that we must rely solely on our own strength to finish what we start in the Christian life?**

Answer: Not at all. While Luke 14:29 emphasizes the human responsibility to count the cost and commit fully, it does not advocate for self-reliance. Instead, it highlights the importance of realistic assessment and the potential consequences of a superficial commitment. True Christian perseverance is always empowered by God's grace and the indwelling Holy Spirit. We are called to "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling" [Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12 - Working Out Salvation"), but immediately after, Paul adds, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" [God Working in Us](/philippians/2-13 "God Working in Us"). Therefore, counting the cost means understanding our limitations and the need for divine enablement to finish the race set before us.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 14:29 serves as a cautionary tale for human discipleship, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in Jesus Himself, who perfectly "counted the cost" and fully completed the work His Father gave Him. Unlike the tower builder who fails, Jesus, the Master Builder, meticulously planned and perfectly executed His mission. From the very beginning, He knew the path of suffering and sacrifice that lay before Him, declaring that He "must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised" [Luke 9:22](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - Jesus Foretells His Death"). His unwavering commitment culminated in His cry from the cross, "It is finished!" [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished!"), signifying the complete and perfect accomplishment of His redemptive work. He laid the ultimate "foundation," which is Himself, the "chief cornerstone" [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone"), and brought His saving work to glorious completion, securing salvation for all who believe. His life is the perfect example of counting the cost and finishing the work, providing not only a model for our perseverance but also the very power by which we are enabled to endure to the end [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus").

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.