King James Version

What Does Luke 14:1 Mean?

Luke 14:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.

Luke 14:1 · KJV


Context

1

And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.

2

And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.

3

And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Luke introduces another Sabbath controversy: 'And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.' Jesus accepted an invitation to dine with 'one of the chief Pharisees,' demonstrating His willingness to engage even hostile opponents. The meal occurred 'on the sabbath day,' setting up another confrontation over Sabbath observance. The phrase 'they watched him' (καὶ αὐτοὶ ἦσαν παρατηρούμενοι αὐτόν, kai autoi ēsan paratēroumenoi auton) indicates hostile surveillance—they were looking for grounds to accuse Him. This dinner becomes the setting for teaching about humility (vv. 7-11), generosity (vv. 12-14), and kingdom invitation (vv. 15-24).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pharisees commonly hosted Sabbath meals after synagogue worship, inviting teachers and discussing Torah. That a 'chief Pharisee' (ἀρχόντων τῶν Φαρισαίων, archontōn tōn Pharisaiōn) invited Jesus suggests either genuine curiosity or calculated entrapment. The presence of a man with dropsy (v. 2) may have been arranged to test whether Jesus would heal on the Sabbath. Jesus consistently used meal settings for significant teaching (Luke 5:29-32, 7:36-50, 19:1-10), demonstrating that discipleship involves all of life, including social interactions.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus accept invitations from hostile Pharisees, and what does this teach about engaging opponents?
  2. How does the Pharisees' hostile watching contrast with the disciples' faithful following?
  3. What does Jesus' willingness to dine with enemies teach about Christian witness and bridge-building?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγένετο2 of 21

it came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐν3 of 21

as

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ4 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐλθεῖν5 of 21

went

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

αὐτόν6 of 21

he

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰς7 of 21

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

οἶκόν8 of 21

the house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

τινος9 of 21

of one

G5100

some or any person or object

τῶν10 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχόντων11 of 21

of the chief

G758

a first (in rank or power)

τῶν12 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Φαρισαίων13 of 21

Pharisees

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

σαββάτῳ14 of 21

on the sabbath

G4521

the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,

φαγεῖν15 of 21

to eat

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

ἄρτον16 of 21

bread

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

καὶ17 of 21

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αὐτόν18 of 21

he

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἦσαν19 of 21

they watched

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

παρατηρούμενοι20 of 21
G3906

to inspect alongside, i.e., note insidiously or scrupulously

αὐτόν21 of 21

he

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 14:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 14:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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