Luke 14:30

Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Saying {G3004}, This {G3754}{G3778} man {G444} began {G756} to build {G3618}, and {G2532} was {G2480} not {G3756} able {G2480} to finish {G1615}.

and say, ‘This is the man who began to build, but couldn’t finish!’

saying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’

saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Luke 14:30 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' teaching on the cost of true discipleship. It serves as the judgmental observation made by onlookers about the man who, in Jesus' parable, began to build a tower but was unable to complete it.

Context

This verse is the concluding remark to the parable of the tower builder, found in Luke 14:28-29. Jesus uses this short story to illustrate the critical need for careful foresight and calculation before embarking on a significant undertaking, particularly the commitment to follow Him. The crowd's derisive comment highlights the shame and folly of starting something grand without the means or resolve to finish, making one a laughingstock in the community.

Key Themes

  • Counting the Cost: The central message is that becoming a follower of Jesus is not a casual decision but requires a profound commitment, demanding one to "forsake all that he hath". The parable warns against superficial enthusiasm without deep resolve.
  • Foresight and Planning: Just as a builder assesses resources, potential disciples must consider the challenges and sacrifices involved in living a life devoted to Christ. This spiritual prudence is essential.
  • Perseverance and Commitment: The verse underscores the importance of endurance. True faith is not just about starting well, but about faithfully continuing to the end, demonstrating unwavering commitment.
  • Public Witness: The failure to finish brings public shame and ridicule. Spiritually, a half-hearted or abandoned commitment can damage one's witness to others and bring discredit to the Christian faith.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "began to build" (Greek: ēnērxato oikodomēsai) emphasizes the initiation of the project, indicating an enthusiastic start. The crucial part is "was not able to finish" (Greek: ouk ischusen ekteleisai), which highlights a lack of strength or capacity to complete the task. This inability stems not from a lack of desire, but from a failure to adequately plan and assess the resources needed from the outset, leading to an embarrassing public failure.

Practical Application

Luke 14:30 serves as a powerful warning against impulsive or shallow commitments, both in spiritual life and in everyday affairs. It challenges us to:

  • Examine Our Hearts: Before making significant commitments, especially regarding our faith journey, we should honestly assess our readiness for the challenges and sacrifices involved in following Christ.
  • Rely on God's Strength: While the parable focuses on human planning, the ultimate ability to persevere in faith comes from God. We are called to count the cost, but also to trust that God, who began a good work in us, will bring it to completion. Our planning should be coupled with prayer and divine reliance.
  • Live With Integrity: Our actions should align with our intentions. Failure to finish what we start, especially in matters of faith, can undermine our credibility and witness to a watching world, impacting how others perceive the gospel.

This verse reminds us that genuine discipleship requires a full and informed commitment, not just an enthusiastic start, ensuring we can complete the spiritual journey we begin.

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.

  • Hebrews 6:11

    And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

  • 2 John 1:8

    Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:11

    ¶ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:14

    If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

  • 2 Peter 2:19

    While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

  • 2 Peter 2:22

    But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

  • Hebrews 6:4

    For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
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