King James Version

What Does Luke 14:12 Mean?

Luke 14:12 in the King James Version says “Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, n... — study this verse from Luke chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 14:12 · KJV


Context

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.

13

But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:

14

And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus addresses the host: '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.' Jesus shifts from guests' behavior to the host's motives. Don't invite those who can reciprocate—'friends,' 'brethren,' 'kinsmen,' 'rich neighbours.' The reason: 'lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee' (μήποτε καὶ αὐτοὶ ἀντικαλέσωσίν σε καὶ γένηται ἀνταπόδομά σοι, mēpote kai autoi antikalesōsin se kai genētai antapodoma soi). Mutual reciprocity creates a system of exchange, not grace. True generosity gives without expecting return.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Mediterranean society operated on patron-client relationships and reciprocal obligations. Hospitality wasn't primarily charitable but transactional—you hosted those who could return the favor, building networks of mutual obligation. Jesus radically challenges this system, calling for non-reciprocal generosity that mirrors God's grace. This teaching would have shocked His audience—social stability depended on reciprocity. Yet Jesus models a kingdom economy where blessing flows from God through believers to the needy, not circulating among the already-privileged.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' command challenge contemporary Christian hospitality that primarily occurs among those of similar socioeconomic status?
  2. What is the difference between reciprocal exchange and grace-motivated generosity?
  3. In what ways do churches and Christians still operate on patron-client models rather than radical generosity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 36 words
Ἔλεγεν1 of 36

said he

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

δὲ2 of 36

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 36

also

G2532

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

τῷ4 of 36
G3588

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

κεκληκότι5 of 36

to him that bade

G2564

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

αὐτοὶ6 of 36

him

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

Ὅταν7 of 36

When

G3752

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

ποιῇς8 of 36

thou makest

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἄριστον9 of 36

a dinner

G712

the best meal (or breakfast; perhaps from ??? ("early")), i.e., luncheon

10 of 36

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

δεῖπνον11 of 36

a supper

G1173

dinner, i.e., the chief meal (usually in the evening)

μὴ12 of 36

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

φώνει13 of 36

call

G5455

to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation

τοὺς14 of 36
G3588

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

φίλους15 of 36

friends

G5384

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

σου16 of 36

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

μηδὲ17 of 36

neither

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

τοὺς18 of 36
G3588

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

ἀδελφούς19 of 36

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

σου20 of 36

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

μηδὲ21 of 36

neither

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

τοὺς22 of 36
G3588

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

συγγενεῖς23 of 36

kinsmen

G4773

a relative (by blood); by extension, a fellow countryman

σου24 of 36

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

μηδὲ25 of 36

neither

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

γείτονας26 of 36

neighbours

G1069

a neighbour (as adjoining one's ground); by implication, a friend

πλουσίους27 of 36

thy rich

G4145

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

μήποτε28 of 36

lest

G3379

not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)

καὶ29 of 36

also

G2532

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

αὐτοὶ30 of 36

him

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

σε31 of 36

thee

G4571

thee

ἀντικαλέσωσίν32 of 36

again

G479

to invite in return

καὶ33 of 36

also

G2532

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

γένηται34 of 36

be made

G1096

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

σοι35 of 36

thee

G4671

to thee

ἀνταπόδομά36 of 36

a recompence

G468

a requital (properly, the thing)


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 14:12 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 14:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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