Luke 14:7

¶ And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,

And {G1161} he put forth {G3004} a parable {G3850} to {G4314} those which were bidden {G2564}, when he marked {G1907} how {G4459} they chose out {G1586} the chief rooms {G4411}; saying {G3004} unto {G4314} them {G846},

When Yeshua noticed how the guests were choosing for themselves the best seats at the table, he told them this parable:

When Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, He told them a parable:

And he spake a parable unto those that were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief seats; saying unto them,

Luke 14:7 introduces a significant parable from Jesus, setting the stage for a profound lesson on humility and honor. This verse highlights Jesus' keen observation of human behavior during a Sabbath dinner at the house of a prominent Pharisee.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' healing of a man with dropsy on the Sabbath, an act that sparked controversy among the religious leaders present (Luke 14:1-6). While at this meal, Jesus noticed the guests, particularly those of higher status, actively seeking out the most prominent places at the table. In ancient Jewish culture, banquet seating was highly symbolic, with the "chief rooms" or "first reclining places" (Greek: protoklisias) reserved for the most honored guests, typically closest to the host. Jesus uses this common social custom as a springboard for a spiritual teaching, demonstrating his ability to draw divine truth from everyday observations.

Key Themes

  • Observation and Insight: Jesus demonstrates His divine wisdom by observing human nature and discerning the motivations behind actions, even in seemingly mundane social interactions.
  • Pride vs. Humility: The core theme introduced here is the contrast between seeking self-exaltation and embracing genuine humility. The guests' scramble for the "chief rooms" exemplifies a spirit of pride and self-importance.
  • Divine Reversal: This verse foreshadows the principle elaborated in the following verses (Luke 14:8-11), where Jesus teaches that true honor comes not from self-promotion but from humble service and being elevated by God. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that "whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "chief rooms" translates from the Greek word protoklisias (πρωτοκλισίας), which literally means "first reclining places." During banquets in that era, guests would recline on couches around a low table, not sit on chairs. The places of highest honor were those closest to the host, signifying status and importance. Jesus' use of this term highlights the specific cultural practice He was observing.

Practical Application

Luke 14:7 serves as a timeless reminder about the dangers of pride and the value of humility. While the context is a dinner party, the principle applies to all areas of life, whether in church, work, or social settings. It challenges us to examine our own motives: are we seeking recognition and status for ourselves, or are we content to serve humbly and allow God to determine our place? True honor in God's kingdom is not gained by striving for human acclaim but by adopting a servant's heart, trusting that God will elevate the humble in His own time (James 4:10).

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 2:3

    [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

  • Luke 11:43

    Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.

  • Matthew 23:6

    And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

  • Mark 12:38

    And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and [love] salutations in the marketplaces,

  • Mark 12:39

    And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:

  • Luke 20:46

    Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

  • 3 John 1:9

    ¶ I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

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