Luke 14:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 14:30 presents the critical observation of onlookers regarding a man who commenced building a tower but failed to complete it, serving as a stark illustration within Jesus' teaching on the absolute cost of discipleship. This verse underscores the folly and public shame associated with initiating a significant endeavor without adequately assessing the resources and commitment required for its successful completion, thereby highlighting the necessity of careful foresight and unwavering resolve in following Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the concluding remark of Jesus' parable of the tower builder, found in [Luke 14:28-29](/luke/14-28-29 "Luke 14:28-29 - The Parable of the Tower Builder"). It is immediately preceded by Jesus' challenging statements about the radical demands of discipleship, including the necessity of loving Him above family and carrying one's cross daily ([Luke 14:26-27](/luke/14-26-27 "Luke 14:26-27 - The Cost of Discipleship")). The parable itself is part of a larger discourse on the nature of true discipleship, which culminates in the parable of the king going to war ([Luke 14:31-32](/luke/14-31-32 "Luke 14:31-32 - The Parable of the King Going to War")) and the summary statement that "whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple" ([Luke 14:33](/luke/14-33 "Luke 14:33 - Forsaking All")). Thus, Luke 14:30 serves as a practical, cautionary tale, illustrating the consequences of a superficial commitment within this broader teaching.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, building projects, especially large ones like towers, were significant undertakings that required substantial resources, labor, and time. Such projects were often public spectacles, and their successful completion brought honor, while failure resulted in immense shame and ridicule for the builder. Reputation was paramount, and a visible, unfinished project would serve as a constant reminder of one's miscalculation or inability. Furthermore, the act of "counting the cost" (λογίζομαι, _logizomai_) was a common and prudent practice in any major venture, from business transactions to military campaigns. Jesus draws upon this universally understood principle to convey a profound spiritual truth, grounding His teaching in the everyday experiences and cultural values of His audience.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 14:30 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and Jesus' teaching. The primary theme is the **Cost of Discipleship**, emphasizing that following Jesus is not a casual decision but demands total commitment and sacrifice, as highlighted in the broader context of [Luke 14](/luke/14 "Luke 14 - Teachings on Discipleship"). It also underscores the importance of **Foresight and Prudence**, urging potential disciples to carefully consider the challenges and sacrifices involved before embarking on the journey. The verse implicitly promotes **Perseverance and Endurance**, suggesting that true faith is demonstrated not merely by an enthusiastic start but by faithfully continuing to the end, a concept echoed in passages like [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Enduring to the End"). Finally, it touches upon **Public Witness and Integrity**, as the failure to finish brings public shame, illustrating how a half-hearted or abandoned commitment can discredit one's witness and the Christian faith itself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Saying (Greek, _légō_):** This word signifies a systematic or set discourse, implying that the onlookers' comment is a considered observation, not merely a casual utterance. It highlights the public and judgmental nature of their assessment.
* **began (Greek, _árchomai_):** This verb denotes the commencement of an action in time, emphasizing the initiation of the building project. It suggests an initial enthusiasm or intention, setting up the contrast with the subsequent inability to complete.
* **able (Greek, _ischýō_):** Derived from a word meaning "force" or "strength," this term indicates the capacity or power to accomplish something. Its negation ("not able") points to a fundamental lack of strength, resources, or resolve necessary to complete the task, rather than just a lack of desire.
* **finish (Greek, _ekteléō_):** This word, formed from _ek_ (out of) and _teléō_ (to complete), means "to complete fully" or "to bring to a perfect end." It emphasizes the ultimate goal of the project and the absolute failure to reach that culmination, leaving the work undone.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Saying, This man began to build":** This clause introduces the critical commentary from the onlookers, setting the scene for their judgment. It highlights the initial action of the builder, implying a public declaration of intent or a visible commencement of the project. The emphasis is on the *beginning* of the work, suggesting an initial enthusiasm or overconfidence.
* **"and was not able to finish.":** This is the damning conclusion drawn by the observers. The conjunction "and" (καί, _kai_) links the initial action with the subsequent failure, creating a stark contrast. The phrase "was not able" (οὐκ ἴσχυσεν, _ouk ischysen_) points to a complete lack of capacity or strength to complete the task, implying a fundamental miscalculation of resources, commitment, or perseverance from the outset. The word "finish" (ἐκτελέσαι, _ektelesai_) underscores the ultimate goal of completion, making the failure all the more pronounced and publicly embarrassing.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several literary devices in this short parable and the onlookers' reaction. The entire passage is a **Parable**, a short, illustrative story that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson. Specifically, it functions as an **Allegory** where the builder represents a potential disciple, the tower represents the commitment to follow Christ, and the act of "counting the cost" symbolizes the necessary self-assessment before embarking on discipleship. There is clear **Irony** in the situation: the man started with grand intentions but ended in public disgrace. The unfinished tower itself is a powerful **Symbolism** of a half-hearted or abandoned commitment, serving as a visible testament to failure. The onlookers' derisive comment also highlights the concept of **Public Shame and Ridicule**, a significant social consequence in ancient cultures, which Jesus uses to underscore the gravity of failing in one's commitment to Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 14:30 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of discipleship, emphasizing that a genuine commitment to Christ requires more than an initial burst of enthusiasm; it demands a sober assessment of the lifelong journey and the unwavering resolve to persevere. It challenges the notion of superficial faith, asserting that true discipleship is characterized by integrity and endurance, reflecting the steadfastness of the God we serve. The failure to finish, in this context, is not merely a practical mishap but a spiritual failure that brings dishonor to the commitment made and, by extension, to the one who calls us.

* [Proverbs 24:27](/proverbs/24-27 "Proverbs 24:27 - Prepare Your Work Outside")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Faithfulness to Complete His Work")
* [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Hebrews 10:36 - Perseverance for the Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 14:30 is a piercing call to self-examination for anyone considering or already on the path of Christian discipleship. It compels us to move beyond emotional responses or fleeting desires and to deeply consider the full implications of following Christ. This means honestly assessing our willingness to embrace sacrifice, endure hardship, and prioritize His kingdom above all else. The parable reminds us that while God's grace is boundless, our commitment must be intentional and sustained. It challenges us to cultivate spiritual discipline, seek divine strength, and rely on the Holy Spirit to empower our perseverance, ensuring that our walk with Christ is not merely a promising start but a faithful completion that brings glory to God and bears witness to His transforming power in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "towers" have I started in my spiritual life without adequately counting the cost, and what were the consequences?**
* **How does this verse challenge my approach to commitment, both in my faith and in other areas of my life?**
* **In what areas of my discipleship do I need to ask God for greater strength and perseverance to "finish"?**
* **How might my "unfinished" spiritual commitments impact my witness to others or the credibility of the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**Does this parable imply that salvation is based on works or our ability to "finish"?**

Answer: No, the parable of the tower builder, and specifically [Luke 14:30](/luke/14-30 "Luke 14:30 - The Unfinished Tower"), does not teach that salvation is earned by human effort or ability to "finish" spiritual tasks. Instead, it speaks to the nature of discipleship, which is the lived out response to salvation. Jesus is illustrating the seriousness of committing to follow Him. Salvation is a gift of grace received through faith in Christ ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). However, true faith is not passive; it leads to a transformed life of active obedience and commitment. The parable warns against a superficial or impulsive decision to follow Christ without understanding the radical demands it entails. It emphasizes that genuine discipleship requires a deep, informed, and sustained commitment, not merely an initial profession of faith. The "ability to finish" in this context refers to the resolve and perseverance that characterize a true disciple, empowered by God's grace, rather than a self-reliant work that earns salvation.

**What does it mean to "count the cost" in practical terms for a modern believer?**

Answer: To "count the cost" for a modern believer, as illustrated in [Luke 14:28](/luke/14-28 "Luke 14:28 - Counting the Cost"), means to realistically assess what it entails to live as a follower of Jesus in today's world. Practically, this involves understanding that discipleship may require:
1. **Prioritizing Christ:** Placing Jesus above all other relationships, ambitions, and possessions ([Luke 14:26](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - Loving Christ Above All")).
2. **Embracing Sacrifice:** Being willing to give up personal comforts, desires, or even social standing for the sake of the Gospel.
3. **Enduring Hardship:** Recognizing that following Christ may involve persecution, ridicule, or difficult circumstances ([Luke 14:27](/luke/14-27 "Luke 14:27 - Carrying the Cross")).
4. **Continuous Commitment:** Understanding that discipleship is a lifelong journey of learning, growing, and obeying, not a one-time decision.
5. **Stewardship of Resources:** Being prepared to use one's time, talents, and finances in service to God's kingdom.
It's an honest self-assessment of one's readiness to fully commit to Christ's Lordship, trusting that He provides the strength to fulfill what He calls us to.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 14:30 warns against the human failure to finish, it implicitly points to the perfect completion found in Christ. Jesus Himself is the ultimate builder who began His Father's work and flawlessly brought it to completion. Unlike the man in the parable, Jesus "was able to finish" every task and fulfill every prophecy concerning Him. From His perfect obedience to the Father's will ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do God's Will")) to His atoning sacrifice on the cross, where He declared, "It is finished!" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished!")), Christ perfectly accomplished all that He set out to do. He is the one who, having begun a good work in us, is faithful to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Faithfulness to Complete His Work")). Therefore, our ability to "finish" the race of faith is not rooted in our own strength or foresight alone, but in our union with Him who finished the work perfectly and empowers us by His Spirit to persevere to the end. He is the author and finisher of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")), ensuring that those truly committed to Him will not be left with an unfinished spiritual tower, but will be brought to glorious completion in Him.

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

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,