Luke 14:32

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 14:32 concludes Jesus' parable of the king preparing for war, serving as a poignant illustration within His broader teaching on the cost of discipleship. It depicts a king, realizing his numerical disadvantage against an approaching enemy, wisely choosing to send an envoy to negotiate terms of peace rather than face certain defeat. This verse underscores the critical importance of foresight, realistic self-assessment, and strategic deliberation before embarking on any significant undertaking, particularly the lifelong commitment of following Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a sequence of teachings by Jesus concerning the demands of discipleship, beginning in [Luke 14:25](/luke/14-25 "Luke 14:25 - Great Crowds Follow Jesus"). Jesus addresses large crowds, challenging them to count the cost of following Him. He uses two parables: first, a man building a tower who fails to calculate the expense ([Luke 14:28-30](/luke/14-28-30 "Luke 14:28-30 - The Parable of the Tower Builder")), and second, a king preparing for war who assesses his military strength against an adversary ([Luke 14:31](/luke/14-31 "Luke 14:31 - The Parable of the King Going to War")). Luke 14:32 provides the resolution to the king's dilemma, directly preceding Jesus' concluding statement that "whoever does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple" ([Luke 14:33](/luke/14-33 "Luke 14:33 - The Cost of Discipleship")). The entire passage emphasizes radical commitment and the necessity of sober evaluation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, military conflict was a frequent reality, and the stakes were incredibly high, often involving the survival of kingdoms and the lives of entire populations. Strategic planning, including assessing one's forces against an enemy's, was paramount. Diplomacy, including sending an "ambassage" (an embassy or delegation) to "desire conditions of peace," was a recognized and common practice for avoiding a devastating war when one side knew it was outmatched. Such negotiations were not signs of weakness but of pragmatic wisdom, aiming to secure the best possible outcome (even if it meant surrender or tribute) rather than total annihilation. The audience would have readily grasped the gravity of such a decision and the wisdom in avoiding a battle one could not win.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 14:32 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader narrative of [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "The Gospel According To Luke"). It powerfully illustrates **prudence and foresight**, urging listeners to consider the full implications before making a significant commitment, especially to Christ. This ties into the theme of **realistic self-assessment**, as the king acknowledges his limitations and acts accordingly, mirroring the spiritual need for individuals to recognize their own inability to follow Christ without total surrender. The verse reinforces the **seriousness of discipleship**, emphasizing that following Jesus is not a casual decision but demands radical, all-encompassing dedication, as highlighted in [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross"). Finally, the act of "seeking conditions of peace" can be seen as a metaphorical representation of **spiritual surrender**—acknowledging one's inability to "win" against the demands of discipleship on one's own terms and instead submitting to God's terms for true peace and salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **else (Greek, _ei dè mḗ(ge)_):** This conjunction introduces an alternative or a consequence if the preceding condition (counting the cost) is not met. It implies a necessary choice or outcome, highlighting the gravity of the decision. In this context, it sets up the "what if" scenario for the king who fails to assess his strength.
* **ambassage (Greek, _presbeía_):** Derived from a word meaning "seniority" or "eldership," this term refers to a formal delegation or embassy, often comprised of older, respected individuals. The act of sending an "ambassage" signifies a deliberate, official, and weighty diplomatic maneuver, not a casual message. It implies a serious attempt at negotiation and a recognition of the situation's gravity.
* **desireth (Greek, _erōtáō_):** This verb means "to interrogate" or, by implication, "to request" or "to ask." It denotes an active, intentional seeking or petitioning. The king is not passively hoping for peace but actively initiating a request for terms, indicating a proactive effort to avert disaster.
* **conditions of peace (Greek, _prós eirḗnē_):** This phrase literally means "the things pertaining to peace" or "terms for peace." The preposition _prós_ (G4314) indicates direction or relation "toward" something, emphasizing the active pursuit of peace. _Eirḗnē_ (G1515) signifies peace, prosperity, and wholeness. Together, it refers to the specific stipulations or agreements necessary to establish a state of peace and avoid conflict. It's not just a desire for peace in general, but for concrete terms that will bring about a cessation of hostilities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Or else, while the other is yet a great way off,"**: This opening clause presents a critical alternative to the king's initial consideration. The phrase "or else" (Greek: _ei dè mḗge_) introduces a contingency, suggesting that if the king does not first assess his strength (as per [Luke 14:31](/luke/14-31 "Luke 14:31 - The Parable of the King Going to War")), then this alternative action becomes necessary. The enemy is "yet a great way off" (Greek: _éti pórrhō_), indicating that there is still time for a strategic decision before direct confrontation, emphasizing the wisdom of proactive measures rather than reactive desperation. This highlights the opportunity for foresight before the point of no return.
* **"he sendeth an ambassage,"**: Faced with an insurmountable numerical disadvantage, the king takes decisive action. He "sendeth" (Greek: _apostéllō_, "to send out on a mission") a formal "ambassage" (Greek: _presbeía_). This act is not a sign of weakness but of shrewdness. It represents a calculated diplomatic move, dispatching an official delegation to engage in negotiations. This action demonstrates a pragmatic recognition of reality and a willingness to avoid a catastrophic outcome through strategic means.
* **"and desireth conditions of peace."**: The purpose of the ambassage is to "desireth" (Greek: _erōtáō_, "to request" or "ask for") "conditions of peace" (Greek: _ta prós eirḗnēn_, "the things pertaining to peace"). This refers to the specific terms or stipulations that would bring about a cessation of hostilities. The king is not merely wishing for peace but actively seeking to negotiate the terms of surrender or a non-aggression pact. This illustrates the king's wisdom in seeking a resolution that, while perhaps costly, is preferable to utter destruction, underscoring the necessity of making peace when one cannot win.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Luke 14:32, as part of the larger passage, is **Analogy** or **Parable**. Jesus uses the relatable scenario of a king preparing for war to illustrate a deeper spiritual truth about the cost of discipleship. The king's strategic assessment and subsequent diplomatic action serve as a **Metaphor** for the spiritual foresight required of those who would follow Christ. The "conditions of peace" can be understood as **Symbolism**, representing the terms of surrender to God's will or the recognition of one's own limitations in the face of God's demands for total commitment. The entire narrative functions as a **Rhetorical Question** posed implicitly to the listener: "Are you, like this wise king, truly prepared to count the cost before committing to follow me, or will you face spiritual defeat?"

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 14:32, within its context, profoundly speaks to the nature of true commitment and the wisdom required in spiritual endeavors. It is not a call to fear or hesitation in following Christ, but rather a warning against superficial or ill-considered adherence. The king's decision to seek peace, rather than fight a losing battle, mirrors the spiritual reality that one cannot "win" against the demands of God in one's own strength or on one's own terms. True discipleship requires a humble acknowledgment of one's limitations and a full surrender to the terms set by Christ. This surrender, far from being a defeat, is the pathway to genuine peace and victory in the spiritual life, as it aligns the disciple with the power and wisdom of God.

* [Proverbs 24:6](/proverbs/24-6 "Proverbs 24:6 - Wise Counsel for War")
* [Matthew 10:37-39](/matthew/10-37-39 "Matthew 10:37-39 - The Cost of Discipleship")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Renunciation of All for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 14:32 challenges us to engage in profound self-reflection regarding our commitment to Jesus Christ. It urges us to move beyond superficial declarations of faith to a deep, sober understanding of what it truly means to follow Him. Are we willing to embrace the radical demands of discipleship, which may include sacrificing worldly comforts, personal ambitions, and even relationships for the sake of the Kingdom? This verse is not meant to deter us, but to prepare us, ensuring that our faith is built on a solid foundation of informed commitment, rather than fleeting emotion. Just as the king wisely assessed his resources, we are called to assess our spiritual readiness, acknowledging our weaknesses and relying fully on God's strength. This honest self-assessment, coupled with a full surrender to Christ's terms, equips us to persevere through trials and live a life of authentic, enduring faith, ultimately leading to true peace with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life have I committed to following Christ without fully "counting the cost"?**
* **What specific "conditions of peace" (terms of surrender or sacrifice) might Jesus be asking me to accept in my discipleship journey today?**
* **How does a realistic self-assessment of my spiritual strength lead to greater reliance on God's grace rather than discouragement?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to deepen my understanding of and commitment to the demands of true discipleship?**

### FAQ

**Does Luke 14:32 imply that some people should *not* become disciples if they can't meet the "conditions"?**

Answer: Luke 14:32, within the broader context of [Luke 14:25-33](/luke/14-25-33 "Luke 14:25-33 - The Cost of Discipleship"), does not imply that some are inherently disqualified from discipleship. Instead, it is a stark warning against superficial or unexamined commitment. Jesus is not setting an impossible standard to exclude people, but rather clarifying the true nature of what it means to follow Him. He wants disciples who understand the radical demands—loving Him above family, carrying one's cross, and renouncing all possessions ([Luke 14:26-27](/luke/14-26-27 "Luke 14:26-27 - The Cost of Discipleship") and [Luke 14:33](/luke/14-33 "Luke 14:33 - The Cost of Discipleship")). The "conditions of peace" are not a barrier to entry, but a call to humble surrender and full dedication. If one realizes they cannot meet these demands in their own strength, the wise response is to seek peace (i.e., surrender) on God's terms, not to walk away. It's about a realistic assessment that leads to greater reliance on God, not a decision to abandon the call.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 14:32 speaks to the disciple's necessary assessment and surrender, its deepest fulfillment is found in Christ Himself. The king's strategic decision to seek "conditions of peace" when outmatched foreshadows the ultimate peace brokered by Jesus. Humanity was utterly outmatched by sin, death, and the righteous demands of God's law, facing certain spiritual defeat. Yet, God, in His infinite wisdom and love, did not send an ambassage to negotiate terms with humanity, but rather sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, as the ultimate Ambassador and the very embodiment of peace. Christ did not "count the cost" to avoid a battle, but to win it for us. He willingly embraced the ultimate cost of discipleship—the cross—to secure true and lasting peace between God and humanity ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ Reconciles All Things")). Through His sacrifice, Jesus became our "peace," breaking down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace")). Thus, the "conditions of peace" for us are not what we can offer, but what Christ has already achieved through His perfect obedience and atoning death, inviting us to surrender to His finished work and receive the peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")).

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

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.