Luke 14:33

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

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}.

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

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

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

Luke 14:33 is a powerful and challenging statement from Jesus Christ, concluding a series of teachings on the true cost of following Him. This verse underscores the radical commitment required to be a genuine disciple, emphasizing that worldly attachments must be secondary to devotion to Christ.

Context

This verse comes at the end of a section in Luke's Gospel where Jesus is addressing large crowds, making it clear that following Him is not a light commitment but demands serious consideration. Prior to this, Jesus tells two parables: one about a man building a tower who must first count the cost, and another about a king going to war who must assess his strength. Both parables serve as illustrations for the profound decision to become Jesus' disciple, highlighting the need for thorough preparation and a full understanding of the sacrifices involved. Luke 14:33 acts as the summary and direct application of these parables, a stark warning that lukewarm commitment is insufficient.

Key Themes

  • Radical Discipleship: Jesus demands an unparalleled devotion that surpasses all other loyalties, including family and possessions. This isn't an invitation to casual adherence but a call to absolute surrender.
  • The Cost of Following Christ: Discipleship is not free; it requires a willingness to give up whatever hinders one's commitment to Jesus. This theme resonates throughout Jesus' ministry, particularly in His calls to take up one's cross.
  • Renunciation of Worldly Attachments: The phrase "forsaketh not all that he hath" points to a detachment from material wealth, social standing, and personal comfort. It's a reordering of priorities where Christ occupies the supreme position.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase "forsaketh not" translates the Greek word apotassetai (ἀποτάσσεται), which literally means "to take leave of," "to bid farewell to," or "to renounce." It implies a deliberate and decisive act of separation or detachment. This isn't merely a passive letting go, but an active decision to part ways with or disown whatever stands in the way of one's allegiance to Christ. The term "disciple" (Greek: mathetes, μαθητής) signifies more than a mere follower; it denotes a devoted learner, a pupil who adopts the teachings and lifestyle of their master.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 14:33 remains a profound challenge. While it doesn't necessarily demand literal destitution for every follower, it calls for a radical reorientation of the heart. True discipleship means:

  • Prioritizing Christ Above All: Recognizing that nothing, not possessions, career, relationships, or personal ambitions, should take precedence over one's relationship with Jesus.
  • Willingness to Sacrifice: Being prepared to give up anything that competes with God's will or hinders spiritual growth. This could involve comfort zones, financial security, or even cherished desires if they conflict with divine calling.
  • Detachment of Heart: Cultivating a spirit of non-attachment to worldly goods, understanding that they are temporary and secondary to eternal values. As Matthew 6:33 teaches, the focus should be on seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

This verse serves as a crucial reminder that genuine faith involves a transformation of allegiance and a commitment to Christ that touches every area of life. It’s a call to honest self-assessment regarding the depth of one's commitment to Jesus.

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.

  • 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.
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