Luke 14:31

KJV

Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

KJV (with Strong's)

Or {G2228} what {G5101} king {G935}, going {G4198} to make {G4820} war {G4171} against {G1519} another {G2087} king {G935}, sitteth {G2523} not {G3780} down {G2523} first {G4412}, and consulteth {G1011} whether {G1487} he be {G2076} able {G1415} with {G1722} ten {G1176} thousand {G5505} to meet {G528} him that cometh {G2064} against {G1909} him {G846} with {G3326} twenty {G1501} thousand {G5505}?

Complete Jewish Bible

“Or again, suppose one king is going out to wage war with another king. Doesn’t he first sit down and consider whether he, with his ten thousand troops, has enough strength to meet the other one, who is coming against him with twenty thousand?

Berean Standard Bible

Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand?

American Standard Version

Or what king, as he goeth to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 14:31 presents a vivid rhetorical question from Jesus, serving as the second of two parables illustrating the profound necessity of "counting the cost" before committing to discipleship. Through the scenario of a king contemplating war against a numerically superior foe, Jesus challenges His audience to engage in careful, strategic deliberation and honest self-assessment regarding their capacity and commitment to follow Him, emphasizing that true allegiance demands foresight and a full understanding of the sacrifices and challenges involved.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' discourse on the demands of discipleship, found in [Luke 14:25-35](/luke/14-25-35 "Luke 14:25-35 - The Cost of Discipleship"). It immediately follows the parable of the tower builder ([Luke 14:28-30](/luke/14-28-30 "Luke 14:28-30 - The Parable of the Tower Builder")), which also stresses the importance of foresight and calculation. Both illustrations serve to underscore the same core message: that following Jesus is not a casual or impulsive decision, but one requiring serious, deliberate consideration of the commitment involved. The king's strategic planning mirrors the builder's initial assessment, reinforcing the idea that a lack of preparation leads to inevitable failure and ridicule. Jesus uses these relatable, everyday scenarios to drive home a profound spiritual truth about the nature of true allegiance to the Kingdom of God, culminating in the call to "forsake all that he hath" in [Luke 14:33](/luke/14-33 "Luke 14:33 - Forsaking All").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, warfare was a common and perilous undertaking, often determining the fate of nations and rulers. Kings were expected to be shrewd strategists, and a failure to adequately assess military strength, logistical needs, and enemy capabilities before engaging in battle could lead to catastrophic defeat, loss of territory, and even the downfall of a dynasty. The imagery of a king "sitting down first" to "consult" was a well-understood practice of prudent leadership, involving councils, intelligence gathering, and a realistic appraisal of resources. The numerical disparity of "ten thousand" against "twenty thousand" was a stark and easily graspable representation of overwhelming odds, highlighting a situation where a king *must* deliberate carefully or face certain destruction. This cultural understanding of military strategy and its high stakes made Jesus' analogy immediately relevant and impactful to His audience, emphasizing the gravity of the decision to follow Him.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' teaching. Foremost is the theme of **Counting the Cost of Discipleship**, which permeates Jesus' call to follow Him. It is not merely an invitation but a summons to radical commitment, as seen in passages like [Luke 9:23-26](/luke/9-23-26 "Luke 9:23-26 - Taking Up the Cross"). The king's careful calculation highlights the theme of **Strategic Wisdom and Foresight** in spiritual matters; just as earthly endeavors require careful planning, so too does the journey of faith. This wisdom prevents superficial or short-lived commitments, ensuring that those who embark on the path of discipleship are prepared for its demands. Finally, the overwhelming odds presented (10,000 vs. 20,000) subtly introduces the theme of **The Demands of the Kingdom**, implying that following Christ will involve facing significant opposition and challenges that cannot be overcome with half-hearted effort. It underscores that the Kingdom of God requires total allegiance and readiness to face spiritual battles, a concept echoed in the call to be "salt" that has not lost its savor in [Luke 14:34-35](/luke/14-34-35 "Luke 14:34-35 - Salt of the Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **consulteth (Greek, _bouleúō_):** From _boulē_, meaning "to advise, i.e. (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication) resolve." This word emphasizes a deliberate, thoughtful process of taking counsel and making a reasoned decision. It implies a careful weighing of options, resources, and potential outcomes before action is taken. In the context of the king, it signifies a strategic and prudent assessment of the situation, not a hasty or impulsive choice. For the potential disciple, it underscores the need for profound introspection and a clear understanding of the commitment to Christ.
* **able (Greek, _dynatós_):** From _dýnamai_, meaning "powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible." This term speaks to the capacity or strength required to meet a challenge. The king consults whether he is _able_ to succeed given the odds. Applied to discipleship, it questions whether one possesses the inner resolve, spiritual strength, and willingness to make the necessary sacrifices to truly follow Christ. It's not about human ability in isolation, but the readiness to rely on divine enablement for the demanding journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Or what king, going to make war against another king,"**: This clause sets the stage for the analogy, presenting a common and serious scenario in the ancient world. It immediately conveys a situation of high stakes, where a king's very kingdom and life might be on the line. The "other king" represents an opposing force, symbolizing the challenges and adversaries a disciple might face.
* **"sitteth not down first, and consulteth"**: This is the pivotal action of the analogy. The phrase "sitteth not down first" implies a deliberate, unhurried posture of contemplation and planning. The act of "consulting" highlights the intellectual and strategic engagement required. It's a rhetorical question, implying that any sensible king would *certainly* do this, thus establishing a universal principle of prudence.
* **"whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?"**: This final clause specifies the nature of the consultation: assessing one's capability against a superior force. The numerical disparity (10,000 vs. 20,000) vividly illustrates overwhelming odds, making the king's careful deliberation all the more critical. For the disciple, this signifies the need to realistically appraise the spiritual battles and sacrifices inherent in following Christ, ensuring they are prepared for the immense demands of the Kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs a powerful **Rhetorical Question** in [Luke 14:31](/luke/14-31 "Luke 14:31 - The King's Calculation") to engage His audience and emphasize a self-evident truth. The question, "Or what king... sitteth not down first, and consulteth...?", is not meant to elicit an answer but to affirm that any wise king would indeed perform such a crucial calculation. This technique forces the listener to agree with the premise, thereby accepting the underlying principle Jesus is teaching. Furthermore, the verse functions as an **Analogy** or **Parable**, drawing a parallel between the practical wisdom required for earthly warfare and the spiritual prudence necessary for discipleship. The king's strategic assessment serves as a mirror for the potential disciple's need to "count the cost" before committing to Christ. The stark **Contrast** in military strength (ten thousand against twenty thousand) also serves as a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the odds to underscore the absolute necessity of careful planning and the dire consequences of unpreparedness in the spiritual realm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 14:31 profoundly underscores the radical nature of Christian discipleship, revealing that following Jesus is not a casual affiliation but a life-altering commitment demanding full awareness and intentionality. The king's careful calculation serves as a divine invitation to sober self-assessment, not to discourage but to ensure genuine, enduring commitment. It highlights that the journey of faith involves spiritual warfare and significant challenges, requiring a willingness to surrender everything for the Kingdom's sake. This passage, alongside the preceding parable of the tower builder, firmly establishes that true discipleship is a deliberate, costly, and all-encompassing endeavor, emphasizing the wisdom of foresight in spiritual matters.

* [Matthew 10:37-39](/matthew/10-37-39 "Matthew 10:37-39 - The Cost of Following Jesus")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Counting All Things Loss for Christ")
* [Hebrews 12:1-3](/hebrews/12-1-3 "Hebrews 12:1-3 - Running the Race with Perseverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 14:31 serves as a timeless call to intentionality and wholehearted commitment in our walk with Christ. It challenges us to move beyond superficial faith and to genuinely assess what it means to follow Jesus in every area of our lives. Just as a king would never enter battle unprepared, we are urged to approach discipleship with a clear understanding of its demands—which may include sacrifice, perseverance through hardship, and facing opposition from the world. This isn't about discouraging us, but about cultivating a faith that is robust and resilient, built on a foundation of deliberate choice rather than fleeting emotion. It prompts us to ask whether we are truly ready to surrender our comfort, ambitions, and even our very lives for the sake of the Kingdom. This principle of careful assessment extends beyond initial conversion, urging us to continually reaffirm our dedication and to approach every significant life decision—career, relationships, finances—with the same spiritual wisdom and foresight, ensuring our choices align with God's will and our commitment to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be attempting to "make war" for Christ without first "sitting down and consulting" the cost?**
* **What specific sacrifices or challenges do I anticipate in my walk with Christ, and how am I preparing to meet them?**
* **How does the king's strategic wisdom inform my approach to spiritual growth and service?**
* **Am I truly willing to surrender "all that I have" for Christ, or are there hidden reservations I need to address?**

### FAQ
**Does Jesus want us to be discouraged by the cost of discipleship?**

Answer: No, Jesus' intention is not to discourage potential followers but to ensure genuine and lasting commitment. By presenting the high cost upfront, He filters out those who would follow Him superficially or for selfish gain, preventing them from experiencing disillusionment later. His parables of the tower builder and the warring king are practical lessons in foresight and prudence, emphasizing that true discipleship requires a deliberate, informed decision. He desires followers who understand the full implications and are prepared to endure, rather than those who would start with enthusiasm only to falter when challenges arise. The goal is a deep, abiding faith, not a shallow, temporary one.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Luke 14:31](/luke/14-31 "Luke 14:31 - The King's Calculation") speaks to the disciple's need to count the cost, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Christ Himself, the true King who perfectly "counted the cost" before embarking on His mission. Before His incarnation, Jesus, the divine Son, knew the immense "cost" of leaving His heavenly glory ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")) to enter a fallen world, suffer, and die. His journey to the cross was not a hasty decision but a deliberate, foreordained act of divine wisdom and love. He "set His face to go to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")), fully aware of the suffering that awaited Him ([Mark 10:33-34](/mark/10-33-34 "Mark 10:33-34 - Jesus Foretells His Death a Third Time")). Unlike the king who might retreat if the odds were too great, Christ, the Lamb of God, willingly faced and overcame the overwhelming "twenty thousand" of sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His perfect sacrifice ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His victory on the cross and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")) ensures that while our discipleship has a cost, it is ultimately empowered by His infinite payment and guaranteed triumph. We are called to count our cost, but He has already paid the ultimate one, enabling us to follow Him in victory.

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

Proverbs 20:18

¶ [Every] purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

2 Kings 18:20

Thou sayest, (but [they are but] vain words,) [I have] counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?

2 Kings 18:22

But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: [is] not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?

1 Kings 20:11

And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell [him], Let not him that girdeth on [his harness] boast himself as he that putteth it off.

Proverbs 25:8

¶ Go not forth hastily to strive, lest [thou know not] what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.