Luke 14:9

KJV

And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he that bade {G2564} thee {G4571} and {G2532} him {G846} come {G2064} and say {G2046} to thee {G4671}, Give {G1325} this man {G5129} place {G5117}; and {G2532}{G5119} thou begin {G756} with {G3326} shame {G152} to take {G2722} the lowest {G2078} room {G5117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the person who invited both of you might come and say to you, ‘Give this man your place.’ Then you will be humiliated as you go to take the least important place.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the host who invited both of you will come and tell you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ And in humiliation, you will have to take the last place.

American Standard Version

and he that bade thee and him shall come and say to thee, Give this man place; and then thou shalt begin with shame to take the lowest place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 14:9 describes the embarrassing consequence for a guest at a banquet who presumptuously takes a seat of honor, only to be publicly demoted by the host. This verse is part of Jesus' parable on humility, illustrating the social and spiritual principle that self-exaltation leads to humiliation, while a humble posture can lead to true honor bestowed by another. It serves as a vivid warning against pride and a call to embrace a modest and unassuming demeanor, both in social settings and before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a larger parable found in [Luke 14:7-11](/luke/14-7-11 "Luke 14:7-11 - The Parable of the Wedding Feast"). Jesus, observing guests scrambling for the "chief rooms" or places of honor at a Sabbath meal hosted by a prominent Pharisee, uses this common social scenario to deliver a profound teaching. The immediate preceding verse, [Luke 14:8](/luke/14-8 "Luke 14:8 - Choose the Lowest Place"), advises guests to choose the lowest seat. Luke 14:9 then vividly portrays the negative outcome of ignoring this advice, setting up the positive counter-example in [Luke 14:10](/luke/14-10 "Luke 14:10 - Be Invited Up Higher") and culminating in the overarching spiritual principle in [Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - Humility and Exaltation"). The parable transitions from social etiquette to a deeper theological truth about God's kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Middle Eastern banquets were highly structured social events where seating arrangements were not merely practical but deeply symbolic of social hierarchy, honor, and status. The most prestigious seats (often at the head of the table or near the host) were reserved for the most honored guests. To be invited to such a place was a mark of high esteem, while being asked to move to a lower seat was a public humiliation. This cultural emphasis on honor and shame, where one's public standing was paramount, makes Jesus' illustration particularly potent. The host, having invited all guests, retained the authority to assign or reassign seating, ensuring proper decorum and hierarchy. Understanding this social dynamic is crucial to grasping the full impact of the shame described in [Luke 14:9](/luke/14-9 "Luke 14:9 - The Shame of Presumption").

* **Key Themes:** The central theme illuminated by [Luke 14:9](/luke/14-9 "Luke 14:9 - The Shame of Presumption") is **Humility vs. Pride**. The guest's presumption to take a high place embodies pride, which is then met with public **Shame and Humiliation**. This serves as a stark warning against self-exaltation. Conversely, the parable subtly points to the concept of **True Honor**, which is not self-sought but bestowed by the host (symbolizing God). This aligns with the broader biblical principle that "everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted," as explicitly stated in [Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - Humility and Exaltation") and echoed in other New Testament teachings like [Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation"). The parable also touches on **Wisdom and Prudence** in social conduct, advocating for a cautious and humble approach rather than an arrogant one.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bade (Greek, _kaléō'_):** From G2564, meaning "to call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise):--bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-)name (was (called)). In this context, it refers to the host's invitation, signifying the authority and prerogative of the one who extends the welcome. The host's call is what grants access to the feast, and by extension, determines one's rightful place.
* **Give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** From G1325, meaning "to give" (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection):--adventure, bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), give, grant, hinder, make, minister, number, offer, have power, put, receive, set, shew, smite (+ with the hand), strike (+ with the palm of the hand), suffer, take, utter, yield. Here, it denotes the host's authoritative command to yield one's seat, emphasizing the power dynamic and the guest's lack of true ownership over the place they presumed to take.
* **shame (Greek, _aischýnē'_):** From G152, meaning "shame or disgrace (abstractly or concretely):--dishonesty, shame." This word powerfully conveys the public humiliation and dishonor experienced by the guest. In a culture where public reputation and honor were paramount, to be put to shame in front of others was a deeply painful and socially damaging experience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he that bade thee and him come":** This refers to the host of the banquet, the one who extended the invitation to both the presumptuous guest and the more honorable guest. It underscores the host's authority and the fact that all guests are there by his grace and invitation.
* **"and say to thee, Give this man place;":** This is the direct command from the host to the presumptuous guest. The phrase "Give this man place" is a polite but firm instruction to vacate the seat for someone else deemed more worthy. It is a public declaration of the guest's overestimation of their own status.
* **"and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.":** This describes the immediate and humiliating consequence. The guest, having been publicly corrected, must now move to the least honorable seat. The phrase "with shame" (Greek: _metá aischýnēs_) highlights the deep embarrassment and loss of face experienced in front of all the other guests, a profoundly uncomfortable and dishonoring experience in that cultural context. The "lowest room" (Greek: _éschatos tópos_) refers to the least desirable or last place at the table, a stark contrast to the "chief room" initially sought.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in [Luke 14:9](/luke/14-9 "Luke 14:9 - The Shame of Presumption") to convey his message. The entire passage is a **Parable**, a short, illustrative story that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson. Here, the social etiquette of a banquet serves as an analogy for spiritual principles. There is clear **Contrast** between the guest's initial self-exaltation and their subsequent public humiliation, and between the "chief room" and the "lowest room." This highlights the inverse relationship between human pride and divine honor. **Symbolism** is also at play, where the "rooms" or "places" at the banquet table symbolize one's status, honor, or position, not just in society, but ultimately in the kingdom of God. The public nature of the demotion introduces **Irony**: the guest's attempt to gain honor through self-assertion results in the very opposite – profound public shame. The vivid imagery of being moved "with shame" evokes a strong emotional response, making the lesson memorable and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 14:9, within its broader parable, profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that genuine honor and exaltation come not from self-promotion but from a posture of humility, trusting that God is the ultimate bestower of true status. This divine economy stands in stark contrast to worldly systems that often reward ambition and self-assertion. The shame experienced by the presumptuous guest serves as a powerful deterrent against pride, reminding believers that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. It teaches us to value the esteem that comes from God above the fleeting accolades of human recognition, preparing us to receive honor when it is genuinely offered, rather than grasping for it prematurely.

* [Proverbs 29:23](/proverbs/29-23 "Proverbs 29:23 - A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.")
* [1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5 - Be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The lesson from Luke 14:9 transcends ancient banquet etiquette, offering timeless wisdom for how we conduct ourselves in all spheres of life. It challenges our innate human tendency towards self-promotion and status-seeking, urging us instead to cultivate a spirit of genuine humility. This means being content with the place we are given, whether in our careers, ministries, or social circles, and trusting that if elevation is warranted, it will come from the proper authority—ultimately, God Himself. Rather than striving to be seen or recognized, we are called to serve others, to esteem them better than ourselves, and to find our security and identity not in external validation but in our standing before God. Embracing this principle fosters healthier relationships, reduces envy and competition, and aligns us with the character of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to seek recognition or a higher position for myself?**
* **How does the fear of "shame" or public demotion influence my actions and choices?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a more humble posture in my interactions with others?**
* **How does trusting God for my exaltation free me from the need to promote myself?**

### FAQ

**How is the lesson of Luke 14:9 relevant to modern life, given that formal banquet seating is less common?**

Answer: While the specific social context of ancient banquets may seem distant, the underlying principles of humility, pride, and the source of true honor are timeless and universally applicable. In modern life, we constantly navigate social hierarchies, professional ladders, and community roles. The "chief rooms" today might be prestigious job titles, prominent positions in organizations, or even a large following on social media. The temptation to "take the highest place" manifests as seeking promotions, demanding recognition, or self-aggrandizing behavior. [Luke 14:9](/luke/14-9 "Luke 14:9 - The Shame of Presumption") warns against the folly of such self-exaltation, reminding us that true honor and lasting influence are often bestowed upon those who serve humbly and do not grasp for power. It applies to how we interact in our workplaces, churches, families, and even online, encouraging a posture of grace and genuine humility rather than self-serving ambition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 14:9, with its vivid portrayal of humility and the consequences of pride, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the parable speaks of a human host, the deeper theological truth points to God as the one who exalts the humble. Jesus Himself, though God, did not grasp for the highest place but instead "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). He willingly took the "lowest room" by humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). It was precisely because of this profound humility and obedience that God "highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Christ is the perfect example of the principle taught in [Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - Humility and Exaltation"): "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." For believers, our call to humility is not merely a moral lesson but an invitation to participate in Christ's pattern of self-emptying, knowing that our true exaltation and honor come through Him, not from our own efforts ([Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")).

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

Proverbs 11:2

¶ [When] pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom.

Proverbs 16:18

¶ Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 3:35

The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Ezekiel 28:2

Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart [is] lifted up, and thou hast said, I [am] a God, I sit [in] the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou [art] a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:

Ezekiel 28:10

Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD.

Daniel 4:30

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?

Daniel 4:34

¶ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation: