King James Version

What Does Luke 14:18 Mean?

Luke 14:18 in the King James Version says “And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.”

Luke 14:18 · KJV

Prayer

Context

16

Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:

17

And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

18

And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.

19

And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.

20

And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

Read Luke 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The first excuse: 'And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.' The phrase 'they all with one consent' (ἤρξαντο ἀπὸ μιᾶς πάντες παραιτεῖσθαι, ērxanto apo mias pantes paraitesthai) indicates unanimous rejection. The first excuse involves property—'I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it.' The claim 'I must needs' (ἔχω ἀνάγκην, echō anagkēn) suggests urgency, but this is absurd—who buys land without first inspecting it? The excuse reveals that earthly possessions take priority over divine invitation. Jesus exposes how materialism prevents kingdom participation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Palestine, land ownership conveyed status and security. Purchasing property was significant. However, the excuse's transparentness—claiming urgent need to inspect already-purchased land—indicates the invitation's rejection is willful, not circumstantial. The first century was marked by economic expansion under Roman rule, creating opportunities for accumulating wealth. Jesus consistently warned against letting material pursuits eclipse eternal priorities (Luke 12:15-21, 16:19-31, 18:18-27). The parable teaches that prosperity can be spiritually dangerous, blinding people to their need for God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does materialism prevent people from responding to the gospel today?
  2. What contemporary equivalents to 'I must see my land' do people use to excuse spiritual neglect?
  3. How can Christians guard against letting legitimate pursuits (career, property, investments) become idols that displace God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

ἤρξαντο2 of 24

“consent began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

ἀπὸ3 of 24

“with”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

μιᾶς4 of 24
G1520

one

παρῃτημένον5 of 24

“excused”

G3868

to beg off, i.e., deprecate, decline, shun

πάντες6 of 24

“they all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὁ7 of 24
G3588

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

πρῶτος8 of 24

“The first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

εἶπεν9 of 24

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτόν·10 of 24

“it”

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

Ἀγρὸν11 of 24

“a piece of ground”

G68

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

ἠγόρασα12 of 24

“I have bought”

G59

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

καὶ13 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

ἔχε14 of 24

“I must”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀνάγκην15 of 24

“needs”

G318

constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress

ἐξελθεῖν16 of 24

“go”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

καὶ17 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

ἰδεῖν18 of 24

“see”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

αὐτόν·19 of 24

“it”

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

ἐρωτῶ20 of 24

“I pray”

G2065

to interrogate; by implication, to request

σε21 of 24

“thee”

G4571

thee

ἔχε22 of 24

“I must”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

με23 of 24

“me”

G3165

me

παρῃτημένον24 of 24

“excused”

G3868

to beg off, i.e., deprecate, decline, shun

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 14:18 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 14:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 6:9-10Luke 18:24Luke 17:26-31Luke 8:14John 5:401 John 2:15-16

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