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Luke 14:23

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And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [them] to come in, that my house may be filled.

And {G2532} the lord {G2962} said {G2036} unto {G4314} the servant {G1401}, Go out {G1831} into {G1519} the highways {G3598} and {G2532} hedges {G5418}, and {G2532} compel {G315} them to come in {G1525}, that {G2443} my {G3450} house {G3624} may be filled {G1072}.

The master said to the slave, ‘Go out to the country roads and boundary walls, and insistently persuade people to come in, so that my house will be full.

So the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and constrain them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Commentary

Context of Luke 14:23

This verse is the climax of Jesus' Parable of the Great Supper, found in Luke 14:15-24. Jesus tells this parable while at a Sabbath meal in a Pharisee's house, following a discussion about humility and who should be invited to feasts. The parable illustrates God's generous invitation to His kingdom, the rejection of that invitation by those initially expected to accept it (often interpreted as the religious elite and many in Israel), and the subsequent extension of the invitation to the marginalized and unexpected.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Inclusive Invitation: The "highways and hedges" represent the outcasts, the poor, the crippled, the blind, and ultimately, the Gentiles – those typically excluded from polite society or religious circles. This highlights God's expansive grace, reaching beyond conventional boundaries to include all who will respond to His divine invitation.
  • Urgency of the Gospel: The master's command to "compel them to come in, that my house may be filled" underscores the earnestness and urgency of God's desire for His kingdom to be populated. It's a call to persistent and passionate evangelism.
  • Rejection and Replacement: The parable starkly contrasts the indifference and excuses of the first invited guests with the eager acceptance of those from the streets. This serves as a warning against spiritual apathy and neglecting God's gracious call to salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "compel" in the KJV is the Greek anagkazo (ἀναγκάζω). While it can mean to force or constrain, in this context, it is best understood as a strong, urgent, and persistent persuasion, rather than physical coercion. It implies overcoming reluctance, possibly due to feelings of unworthiness or social barriers, through earnest entreaty and compelling invitation. It reflects the host's fervent desire for his banquet hall to be full, leaving no stone unturned in extending the invitation.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

Luke 14:23 challenges believers today to actively participate in sharing the good news of the gospel. It reminds us that God's invitation is open to everyone, regardless of their background, social status, or past mistakes. We are called to extend this invitation with urgency and earnestness, not just to those who seem receptive, but to all, including those on the "highways and hedges" of society. It's a call to overcome apathy and to persistently invite others to experience the fullness of God's grace and kingdom.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 22:9 (13 votes)

    Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

  • Matthew 22:10 (13 votes)

    So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

  • Colossians 1:28 (8 votes)

    Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

  • Acts 13:47 (7 votes)

    For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

  • Acts 13:48 (7 votes)

    And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:11 (7 votes)

    Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

  • 2 Timothy 4:2 (6 votes)

    Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.