Luke 19:14

KJV

But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this [man] to reign over us.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But his countrymen hated him, and they sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to rule over us.’

Berean Standard Bible

But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’

American Standard Version

But his citizens hated him, and sent an ambassage after him, saying, We will not that this man reign over us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 19:14, embedded within Jesus's Parable of the Minas, vividly portrays the outright rejection of a nobleman's rightful authority by his own citizens. This pivotal verse highlights the deep-seated animosity and defiant refusal of those who were meant to welcome their ruler, serving as a powerful allegorical foreshadowing of the widespread opposition and ultimate rejection Jesus would face from many within Israel, culminating in His crucifixion. It underscores the profound human tendency to resist divine sovereignty and prefer autonomy over submission to God's appointed King.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 19:14 is a critical moment within the Parable of the Minas (or Pounds), which Jesus tells as He approaches Jerusalem, just before His triumphal entry. The parable begins in [Luke 19:11](/luke/19-11 "Luke 19:11 - The Parable of the Minas Introduced"), where Jesus's disciples mistakenly believe the Kingdom of God is about to appear immediately. To correct this misconception and prepare them for a period of waiting, service, and eventual accountability, Jesus introduces the story of a nobleman who departs for a distant country to receive a kingdom. The verse in question describes the defiant actions of his citizens during his absence, setting up the stark contrast between faithful service and open rebellion that will be resolved upon the nobleman's return.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable likely draws upon contemporary historical realities familiar to Jesus's audience. In the Roman Empire, it was common for rulers or those aspiring to rule (like Herod the Great or Archelaus, his son) to travel to Rome to have their authority confirmed by the emperor. Archelaus, in particular, faced significant opposition from Jewish delegations who traveled to Rome to petition against his kingship, echoing the "message" sent by the citizens in the parable. This historical backdrop would have made the parable's narrative of a nobleman seeking a kingdom and facing local opposition highly relatable, grounding the spiritual truth in a familiar socio-political setting.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is the **Rejection of Christ's Kingship**, directly mirroring the historical refusal of many in Israel to accept Jesus as their Messiah and King, despite His rightful claim and miraculous works. This theme resonates with passages like [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own"), which states, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." It also highlights the broader theme of **Human Rebellion Against God's Authority**, a pervasive motif throughout Scripture, from the fall in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity") to the ongoing struggle between human will and divine sovereignty. Furthermore, the verse serves as a **Foreshadowing of Jesus's Suffering and Rejection**, prophetically indicating the intense hatred and opposition He would encounter from religious and political leaders, ultimately leading to His crucifixion, as detailed in [Luke 23](/luke/23 "Luke 23 - The Crucifixion of Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **citizens (Greek, _polítēs'_):** This term refers to a townsman or inhabitant of a city. In the context of the parable, it signifies those over whom the nobleman had a rightful claim to rule, implying a relationship of inherent obligation and expected loyalty. Their status as "citizens" underscores the gravity of their rebellion against their own sovereign.
* **hated (Greek, _miséō'_):** Derived from a primary word denoting hatred, this verb signifies a strong animosity, active dislike, and even hostility. It is not mere indifference or passive disapproval but a profound, active aversion. The use of this word emphasizes the intense and deliberate nature of the citizens' rejection of the nobleman.
* **reign (Greek, _basileúō'_):** This verb means to rule, either literally as a king or figuratively. It speaks directly to the exercise of royal authority and power. The citizens' declaration, "We will not have this [man] to reign over us," is a direct and absolute refusal to acknowledge or submit to his legitimate kingship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But his citizens hated him,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the core conflict. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) signals a sharp contrast to the nobleman's departure and his entrustment of funds to his servants. The phrase "his citizens" emphasizes the personal nature of the rejection—these were not strangers, but those who should have been loyal. Their "hatred" (G3404, _miséō_) indicates a deep, active animosity, not just passive dislike, setting the stage for their subsequent defiant action.
* **"and sent a message after him, saying,"**: Following their hatred, the citizens take concrete, organized action. They "sent a message" (G4242, _presbeía_, an embassy or delegation) after the nobleman, indicating a formal, deliberate, and public act of defiance. This "message" was not a private grievance but an official declaration, underscoring the widespread and open nature of their rebellion. The act of "sending" (G649, _apostéllō_) implies a mission, a determined effort to communicate their refusal.
* **"We will not have this [man] to reign over us."**: This is the climax of the citizens' declaration, a direct and unequivocal statement of rebellion. The phrase "We will not have" (G2309, _thélō_, to wish/will, combined with G3756, _ou_, the absolute negative) expresses an emphatic, absolute refusal. They reject not just his policies, but his very person and his right "to reign" (G936, _basileúō_) over them. The inclusion of "this [man]" (G5126, _toûton_) adds a dismissive, contemptuous tone, highlighting their utter disdain for his authority.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Luke 19:14, and indeed the entire parable, is **Allegory**. The story of the nobleman and his rebellious citizens functions as an extended metaphor, with each element representing a deeper spiritual reality. The nobleman symbolizes Jesus Christ, who departs to receive His kingdom (His ascension and enthronement at the right hand of God), and the citizens represent those in Israel (and by extension, humanity) who reject His divine authority. This verse specifically uses **Foreshadowing**, as the citizens' hatred and rejection of the nobleman prophetically prefigure the historical rejection of Jesus by many of His own people, leading to His crucifixion. The defiant declaration itself is a form of **Direct Speech**, lending immediacy and dramatic impact to the citizens' rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 19:14 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of human rebellion against divine authority. It reveals the inherent resistance within the human heart to God's rightful sovereignty, a resistance that culminates in the outright rejection of His appointed King, Jesus Christ. This verse highlights the tension between God's gracious offer of kingship and humanity's fallen inclination towards self-rule. The citizens' defiant message is a microcosm of humanity's historical and ongoing struggle to submit to God, preferring autonomy over the loving governance of the Creator. This rejection is not born of ignorance but often of active hatred, as seen in the word used, reflecting a deep-seated animosity toward divine order and righteousness.

* [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")
* [Psalm 2:2-3](/psalms/2-2-3 "Psalm 2:2-3 - The Rebellion of Kings")
* [Acts 3:13-15](/acts/3-13-15 "Acts 3:13-15 - Peter's Accusation of Rejecting Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 19:14 presents a stark mirror for self-examination, compelling us to consider our own posture towards Jesus Christ and His rightful claim to kingship in our lives. The citizens' defiant declaration, "We will not have this [man] to reign over us," resonates with a universal human tendency to resist ultimate authority and prioritize personal autonomy. True faith extends beyond mere intellectual assent to Jesus's divinity; it demands a willing and active submission to His lordship over every facet of our existence—our finances, relationships, ambitions, and even our thoughts. This verse challenges us to honestly assess whether we are truly allowing Jesus to reign supreme, or if, subtly or overtly, we are sending a similar message of resistance in certain areas of our lives. The parable's subsequent conclusion, with the nobleman's return and judgment, underscores the grave consequences of rejecting Christ's authority, urging us to embrace His kingship now, before the day of final accountability.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this parable challenge my own willingness to submit to Jesus's authority in all areas of my life?**
* **In what ways might I, subtly or overtly, be sending a "message" that I "will not have this man to reign over" certain aspects of my life?**
* **What are the practical implications of acknowledging Jesus as my King for my daily decisions and priorities, especially when they conflict with worldly desires?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "message" sent by the citizens in Luke 19:14?**

Answer: The "message" sent by the citizens in [Luke 19:14](/luke/19-14 "Luke 19:14 - The Citizens' Rejection") is profoundly significant because it represents a formal, public, and unequivocal act of rebellion against the nobleman's rightful authority. In the historical context, delegations would travel to Rome to either support or oppose a ruler's claim to a kingdom, as seen with Archelaus. Thus, this "message" is not a mere grumbling but a deliberate, organized, and official rejection of the nobleman's kingship. Allegorically, it powerfully foreshadows the historical rejection of Jesus by many of His own people, particularly the religious and political leaders, who ultimately cried out, "Crucify him!" ([Matthew 27:22-23](/matthew/27-22-23 "Matthew 27:22-23 - Crucify Him!")). It highlights the active animosity and determined opposition Jesus faced, underscoring the gravity of rejecting God's chosen King.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 19:14 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. The nobleman in the parable is a clear allegorical representation of Jesus, who, after His earthly ministry, ascended to heaven to receive His kingdom, seated at the right hand of the Father ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Exaltation of Jesus")). The citizens' vehement rejection, "We will not have this [man] to reign over us," chillingly foreshadows the historical reality of Jesus's own people, Israel, largely refusing to acknowledge Him as their Messiah and King. This rejection, prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected by Men"), culminated in His crucifixion, where the very people He came to save cried out for His death ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). Yet, in divine irony, their rejection did not thwart God's plan but rather facilitated it, leading to the cross, resurrection, and the establishment of His spiritual kingdom. Ultimately, Jesus, the rejected King, will return not as a nobleman seeking a kingdom, but as the triumphant King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Exaltation of Christ"); [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Thus, Luke 19:14 is a poignant reminder of humanity's rebellion and a powerful testament to the sovereign plan of God, realized in the rejected yet eternally reigning Christ.

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

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?