Luke 14:33

KJV

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G3779} likewise {G3767}, whosoever {G3956} he be of {G1537} you {G5216} that {G3739} forsaketh {G657} not {G3756} all {G3956} that he hath {G5224}{G1438}, he cannot {G3756}{G1410} be {G1511} my {G3450} disciple {G3101}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“So every one of you who doesn’t renounce all that he has cannot be my talmid.

Berean Standard Bible

In the same way, any one of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple.

American Standard Version

So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 14:33 serves as a profound and challenging summation of Jesus' teaching on the rigorous demands of true discipleship. It asserts that anyone unwilling to actively renounce all personal possessions, attachments, and worldly securities cannot genuinely be His follower. This verse underscores the radical, all-encompassing commitment required, emphasizing that devotion to Christ must supersede every other loyalty and earthly comfort.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a crucial section in Luke's Gospel (Luke 14:25-33) where Jesus addresses large crowds, clarifying the profound cost of following Him. Immediately preceding this statement are two parables: the parable of the man building a tower who must first [count the cost](/luke/14-28 "Luke 14:28 - Counting the Cost of Building") (Luke 14:28-30) and the parable of a king preparing for war who must [assess his strength](/luke/14-31 "Luke 14:31 - A King Assessing His Strength for War") (Luke 14:31-32). Both parables function as vivid illustrations of the necessity for careful, sober consideration and full commitment before embarking on the path of discipleship. Luke 14:33 acts as the direct, uncompromising application and climax of these parables, a stark warning against casual or half-hearted allegiance, framing discipleship as an all-or-nothing proposition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, becoming a "disciple" (μαθητής, _mathētḗs_) of a rabbi or teacher involved a far deeper commitment than simply attending lectures. It meant dedicating one's life to learning from and emulating the master, often leaving one's profession and family to follow him. This often included sharing in the teacher's itinerant lifestyle and embracing his teachings as the guiding principle for one's entire existence. Possessions and family ties were central to one's identity, security, and social standing in Jewish society. Therefore, Jesus' demand to "forsake all that he hath" was a radical challenge to the deeply ingrained cultural norms of personal security, familial loyalty, and material inheritance, elevating allegiance to Him above all earthly bonds.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 14:33 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' broader ministry. It highlights the theme of **Radical Discipleship**, emphasizing that following Jesus is not a casual endeavor but demands an unparalleled and exclusive devotion that transcends all other loyalties, including family and material wealth, as seen in Jesus' earlier challenging statements about [hating father and mother](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - The Cost of Discipleship"). It underscores **The Cost of Following Christ**, making it clear that discipleship is not free but requires a willingness to surrender anything that might hinder one's absolute commitment to Him, echoing the call to [take up one's cross daily](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Taking Up the Cross Daily"). Finally, it speaks to the **Renunciation of Worldly Attachments**, signifying a reordering of priorities where Christ occupies the supreme position, challenging the human tendency to find security and identity in possessions and status, a theme also prominent in the parable of the [rich fool](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forsaketh (Greek, _apotássomai'_):** This word (G657) is a middle voice verb meaning "to take leave of," "to bid farewell to," or "to renounce." It implies a deliberate, decisive, and active act of separation or detachment. It's not a passive letting go, but an intentional disengagement from or disowning of something. In this context, it signifies a conscious decision to part ways with anything that competes with or hinders one's allegiance to Christ.
* **All that he hath (Greek, _hypárchonta'_):** This term (G5224) refers to "things extant or in hand," encompassing one's property, possessions, or substance. It is a broad term that includes all material wealth, but by extension, it can also imply whatever one "has" or possesses in terms of security, status, relationships, or personal ambitions. The use of "all" (G3956, _pâs_) underscores the comprehensive nature of this renunciation, leaving no area of life untouched.
* **Disciple (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to learn," this noun (G3101) denotes a "learner" or "pupil." A disciple is more than a mere follower; they are an adherent who adopts the teachings, lifestyle, and character of their master. It implies a deep, transformative relationship where the student seeks to become like the teacher, internalizing their values and mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So likewise, whosoever he be of you":** This introductory phrase connects the verse directly to the preceding parables, indicating that this is the practical conclusion or application. "Whosoever he be of you" makes the statement universal, yet personal, addressing anyone in the crowd who might consider themselves a potential follower of Jesus. It emphasizes that the requirement applies to every individual, without exception.
* **"that forsaketh not all that he hath":** This is the core condition for discipleship. "Forsaketh not" implies a failure to actively and decisively renounce or bid farewell to one's possessions and all that one holds dear in the world. The phrase "all that he hath" is comprehensive, referring to every earthly attachment—material wealth, social status, personal comfort, ambitions, and even familial loyalties when they conflict with allegiance to Christ. It demands a radical reordering of priorities.
* **"he cannot be my disciple":** This is the stark, uncompromising consequence. The Greek word for "cannot" (G1410, _dýnamai_, negated by G3756, _ou_) signifies an absolute impossibility. Without this radical renunciation, true discipleship is unattainable. It's not merely difficult or inconvenient, but fundamentally impossible, because the heart remains divided, and ultimate allegiance is not given to Christ alone.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Luke 14:33 is **Hyperbole**. Jesus uses an exaggerated statement ("forsaketh not all that he hath") to underscore the absolute nature of the commitment required. While not necessarily demanding literal destitution for every follower, it powerfully conveys the necessity of a complete reorientation of the heart, where no earthly possession or relationship holds a higher claim than Christ. The verse also functions as a **Conditional Statement**, presenting a clear "if... then not" structure, where the consequence (inability to be a disciple) is directly tied to the failure of the condition (renouncing all). This highlights the **Exclusivity** of true discipleship, emphasizing that a divided heart cannot fully follow Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 14:33 profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of ultimate allegiance and the nature of God's Kingdom. It challenges the human tendency towards idolatry, where possessions, security, or even relationships can become ultimate objects of trust and devotion, displacing God. True discipleship, as presented here, demands a singular focus on Christ and His Kingdom, recognizing that everything else is secondary and must be held loosely. This radical call to renunciation is not about asceticism for its own sake, but about freeing the heart from earthly entanglements so that it can be fully devoted to God's purposes and values, which are eternal. It underscores that the Kingdom of God is of such surpassing worth that all else pales in comparison and must be willingly surrendered for its sake.

* [Matthew 10:37-39](/matthew/10-37-39 "Matthew 10:37-39 - Hating Family and Taking Up the Cross")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Counting All Things as Loss for Christ")
* [Mark 8:34-35](/mark/8-34-35 "Mark 8:34-35 - Denying Self and Taking Up the Cross")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 14:33 remains a piercing challenge for believers in every generation, prompting a deep self-assessment of our true allegiances. While it does not universally mandate literal destitution or the abandonment of all material possessions for every follower, it unequivocally calls for a radical reorientation of the heart and a complete detachment from anything that might compete with our devotion to Christ. True discipleship means holding all things—our possessions, careers, relationships, comfort, ambitions, and even our very lives—with an open hand, recognizing that they are gifts from God to be used for His glory, not idols to be clung to. It requires a willingness to sacrifice anything that hinders our spiritual growth or conflicts with God's will, cultivating a spirit of non-attachment to the temporary and a steadfast focus on the eternal. This verse compels us to honestly examine what truly occupies the throne of our hearts and to ensure that Christ reigns supreme.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "possessions" or attachments, whether material, relational, or aspirational, do I cling to most tightly, and how might they hinder my full devotion to Christ?**
* **In what areas of my life am I unwilling to "forsake all," and what does that reveal about my true priorities?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of greater detachment from worldly things and deeper allegiance to Jesus?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that Christ is truly my supreme priority above all else?**

### FAQ

**Does Luke 14:33 mean that all Christians must sell everything they own and live in poverty?**

Answer: While some individuals may be called to a literal renunciation of all possessions as a specific vocational calling (e.g., monastic orders, missionaries in certain contexts), the primary thrust of Luke 14:33 is not a universal command for literal destitution. Instead, it is a radical call to a spiritual posture of detachment and ultimate allegiance. Jesus is emphasizing that nothing—no amount of wealth, security, or comfort—should ever take precedence over one's commitment to Him. The "forsaking" refers to a willingness of heart to give up anything that hinders or competes with one's discipleship. It's about recognizing that all we "have" ultimately belongs to God and must be held loosely, ready to be surrendered if it conflicts with His will or call. The focus is on the heart's priority, not necessarily the physical absence of possessions.

**What does "all that he hath" truly encompass beyond material possessions?**

Answer: "All that he hath" (Greek: _hypárchonta_) certainly includes material wealth and property, but its scope is broader. In the context of Jesus' teachings on the cost of discipleship, it extends to anything that provides one's sense of security, identity, or ultimate satisfaction apart from God. This can include:
* **Relationships:** As seen in Jesus' earlier statement about [hating father and mother](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - Hating Father and Mother for Christ's Sake"), it means prioritizing Christ above even the closest familial bonds when those relationships demand a loyalty that conflicts with God's will.
* **Personal Ambitions and Dreams:** Any career goals, life plans, or personal desires that are not submitted to God's sovereignty.
* **Social Status and Reputation:** The desire for human approval or worldly recognition that might compromise one's witness or obedience to Christ.
* **Comfort and Security:** The unwillingness to step out of one's comfort zone or relinquish perceived security for the sake of the Gospel.
Ultimately, it encompasses anything that occupies the place in our hearts that rightfully belongs to God alone, becoming an idol that competes with our supreme devotion to Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 14:33 finds its ultimate fulfillment and enablement in Jesus Christ Himself. He perfectly embodied the radical renunciation He demands of His disciples. Though He was [rich, yet for our sakes He became poor](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches"), willingly forsaking the glory and privileges of heaven to take on human form (Philippians 2:5-8). He had [nowhere to lay His head](/luke/9-58 "Luke 9:58 - Jesus Has Nowhere to Lay His Head"), demonstrating a complete detachment from earthly possessions and comforts. His life was a testament to absolute obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross (Hebrews 5:8). Therefore, the call to "forsake all" is not an arbitrary demand, but an invitation to participate in the very pattern of Christ's life and mission. Furthermore, it is through Christ that believers are empowered to live such a life of radical surrender. By His Spirit, He enables us to [die to self daily](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Taking Up the Cross Daily") and to find our true treasure and security not in what we possess, but in Him alone, for [where your treasure is, there your heart will be also](/matthew/6-21 "Matthew 6:21 - Where Your Treasure Is"). In Christ, we gain far more than we could ever lose, inheriting eternal life and an [imperishable inheritance](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - An Imperishable Inheritance") that makes all earthly renunciations pale in comparison.

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

Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,

1 John 2:15

Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:16

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Luke 5:28

And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

Luke 14:26

If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Luke 18:28

Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.