Luke 14:32

Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

Or else {G1490}, while the other {G846} is {G5607} yet {G2089} a great way off {G4206}, he sendeth {G649} an ambassage {G4242}, and desireth {G2065} conditions {G4314} of peace {G1515}.

If he hasn’t, then while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation to inquire about terms for peace.

And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace.

Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and asketh conditions of peace.

Luke 14:32 KJV is part of Jesus' profound teaching on the cost of discipleship, emphasizing the need for careful consideration before committing to follow Him. This verse concludes the parable of a king preparing for war, serving as a vital illustration of spiritual foresight.

Context

This verse immediately follows the parable of a king with 10,000 soldiers contemplating battle against an enemy with 20,000 (Luke 14:31). Jesus uses this analogy, along with the preceding parable of a man building a tower (Luke 14:28-30), to underscore the importance of "counting the cost." The audience would have understood the gravity of military decisions and the necessity of strategic planning in ancient warfare. The idea of sending an "ambassage" to "desire conditions of peace" was a common diplomatic maneuver when one side recognized its disadvantage, aiming to avoid utter defeat.

Key Themes

  • Prudence and Foresight: The verse highlights the wisdom of assessing one's resources and capability before engaging in a major undertaking. Spiritually, this means understanding the full implications of what it means to be a disciple of Christ.
  • Realistic Self-Assessment: The king acknowledges his numerical inferiority and acts accordingly. For believers, this translates to recognizing our own limitations and the demands of true faith, rather than entering commitment lightly.
  • The Seriousness of Discipleship: Jesus is not advocating for half-hearted commitment but for a clear-eyed understanding that following Him requires total surrender and dedication. Failure to count the cost can lead to spiritual failure or an inability to endure.
  • Seeking "Peace" (Spiritual Surrender): In the parable's literal sense, seeking peace means avoiding a disastrous war. Metaphorically, if one is not prepared for the full commitment of discipleship, the "conditions of peace" might represent a recognition of one's inability to truly follow Christ, leading to a different path than full devotion.

Linguistic Insights

The term "ambassage" comes from the Greek word presbeia (πρεσβεία), referring to a formal delegation or embassy. This signifies a deliberate, official act of negotiation. "Desireth conditions of peace" translates the Greek ta pros eirenen (τὰ πρὸς εἰρήνην), meaning "the things pertaining to peace" or "terms for peace." It emphasizes the act of negotiating specific terms to avoid conflict, rather than simply wishing for peace.

Practical Application

For those considering or living out their Christian faith, Luke 14:32 serves as a powerful reminder:

  • Evaluate Your Commitment: Are you truly prepared for the demands of following Jesus, which include loving Him above all others and carrying your cross?
  • Avoid Superficial Faith: Don't enter into faith on a whim or based on popular sentiment. True discipleship requires a deep understanding and willingness to sacrifice.
  • Embrace Humility: Acknowledge that you cannot "win" against the spiritual battles or meet God's standards in your own strength. This humility leads to greater reliance on God's grace and a more robust faith.
  • Perseverance: By counting the cost upfront, believers are better equipped to persevere through trials and temptations, understanding the commitment they made.

This verse encourages a deliberate, informed, and wholehearted commitment to Christ, ensuring that one's faith is built on a solid foundation, ready for the journey ahead.

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.

  • Acts 12:20

    ¶ And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's [country].

  • Luke 12:58

    When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, [as thou art] in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

  • Matthew 5:25

    Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

  • James 4:6

    But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

  • James 4:10

    Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

  • 1 Kings 20:31

    ¶ And his servants said unto him, Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel [are] merciful kings: let us, I pray thee, put sackcloth on our loins, and ropes upon our heads, and go out to the king of Israel: peradventure he will save thy life.

  • 1 Kings 20:34

    And [Benhadad] said unto him, The cities, which my father took from thy father, I will restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. Then [said Ahab], I will send thee away with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and sent him away.

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