But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this [man] to reign over us.
But {G1161} his {G846} citizens {G4177} hated {G3404} him {G846}, and {G2532} sent {G649} a message {G4242} after {G3694} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, We will {G2309} not {G3756} have {G2309} this {G5126} man to reign {G936} over {G1909} us {G2248}.
But his countrymen hated him, and they sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to rule over us.’
But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’
But his citizens hated him, and sent an ambassage after him, saying, We will not that this man reign over us.
-
1 Samuel 8:7
And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. -
Acts 7:51
¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye. -
Acts 7:52
Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: -
Acts 3:14
But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; -
Acts 3:15
And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. -
John 15:18
¶ If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you. -
Psalms 2:1
¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
Luke 19:14 is a pivotal verse within the Parable of the Minas (or Pounds), spoken by Jesus as He approached Jerusalem, highlighting the deep-seated opposition He would face. This parable illustrates principles of accountability, service, and the consequences of rejecting divine authority.
Context
This verse is found within the Parable of the Minas, which begins in Luke 19:11. Jesus told this story because His disciples thought the Kingdom of God would immediately appear. The parable features a nobleman who goes to a distant country to receive a kingdom and then return. Before his departure, he entrusts his servants with money (minas) to invest. However, the nobleman's "citizens" (referring to those he was meant to rule over) openly rebel against his future reign, sending a clear, defiant message: "We will not have this [man] to reign over us." This detail is crucial for understanding the spiritual parallels Jesus draws to His own life and ministry.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "hated" is miseō (μισέω), which denotes strong animosity, active dislike, and even hostility. It's not mere indifference but a profound aversion. The phrase "We will not have this [man] to reign over us" (οὐ θέλομεν τοῦτον βασιλεῦσαι ἐφ' ἡμᾶς - ou thelomen touton basileusai eph' hemas) is a decisive and defiant statement. The use of "οὐ" (ou) indicates an absolute, emphatic refusal, leaving no room for negotiation or compromise regarding his kingship.
Practical Application
Luke 19:14 serves as a potent warning and a call to self-examination for all generations. It compels us to consider our own stance towards Jesus Christ. Do we, like those rebellious citizens, reject His rightful claim to authority in our lives, or do we willingly submit to His kingship?
Ultimately, Luke 19:14 challenges every individual to choose whether to embrace or reject the sovereignty of Jesus Christ, the true King.