King James Version

What Does Luke 14:10 Mean?

Luke 14:10 in the King James Version says “But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

Luke 14:10 · KJV


Context

8

When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;

9

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.

10

But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

11

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

12

Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus presents the alternative: 'But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.' Instead of presuming honor, choose 'the lowest room' (ἔσχατον τόπον, eschaton topon, the last place). Then the host may invite you: 'Friend, go up higher' (Φίλε, προσανάβηθι ἀνώτερον, Phile, prosanabēthi anōteron). The result: 'thou shalt have worship' (δόξα, doxa, glory/honor) 'in the presence of them that sit at meat' (ἐνώπιον πάντων τῶν συνανακειμένων, enōpion pantōn tōn synanakeimenōn). Humility leads to honor—not self-sought but graciously bestowed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This teaching directly contradicts worldly wisdom that says to seize opportunities, promote yourself, and grab what you can. Kingdom wisdom teaches the opposite—humble yourself, serve others, wait for God's exaltation. This principle appears throughout Scripture: 'Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up' (James 4:10); 'Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time' (1 Peter 5:6). Jesus Himself modeled this, humbling Himself to death on a cross, wherefore God highly exalted Him (Philippians 2:5-11). The path to glory is through humiliation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this parable illustrate the gospel principle that exaltation comes through humiliation?
  2. What is the difference between false humility (performed for recognition) and genuine humility (rooted in proper self-assessment before God)?
  3. How should this teaching shape Christian ambitions regarding ministry, career, and life goals?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ἀλλ'1 of 28

But

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὅταν2 of 28

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

κεκληκώς3 of 28

he that bade

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

πορευθεὶς4 of 28

go

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

ἀνάπεσον5 of 28

and sit down

G377

to fall back, i.e., lie down, lean back

εἰς6 of 28

in

G1519

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

τὸν7 of 28
G3588

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

ἔσχατον8 of 28

the lowest

G2078

farthest, final (of place or time)

τόπον9 of 28

room

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

ἵνα10 of 28

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ὅταν11 of 28

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

ἔλθῃ12 of 28

cometh

G2064

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

13 of 28
G3588

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

κεκληκώς14 of 28

he that bade

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

σε15 of 28

thee

G4571

thee

εἴπῃ16 of 28

he may say

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

σοι17 of 28

shalt thou

G4671

to thee

Φίλε18 of 28

Friend

G5384

actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)

προσανάβηθι19 of 28

go up

G4320

to ascend farther, i.e., be promoted (take an upper (more honorable) seat)

ἀνώτερον·20 of 28

higher

G511

upper, i.e., (neuter as adverb) to a more conspicuous place, in a former part of the book

τότε21 of 28

then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἔσται22 of 28

have

G2071

will be

σοι23 of 28

shalt thou

G4671

to thee

δόξα24 of 28

worship

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

ἐνώπιον25 of 28

in the presence

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τῶν26 of 28
G3588

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

συνανακειμένων27 of 28

of them that sit at meat

G4873

to recline in company with (at a meal)

σοι28 of 28

shalt thou

G4671

to thee


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 14:10 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 14:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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