King James Version

What Does Luke 14:19 Mean?

Luke 14:19 in the King James Version says “And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 14:19 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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.

21

So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

Read Luke 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. This verse is the second excuse in Jesus' parable of the Great Supper, illustrating rejection of God's kingdom invitation. The Greek ezēgoras (ἐζήγορας) means "I have bought," indicating a completed transaction. Five yoke of oxen (ten animals) represents significant wealth—such a purchase would cost approximately 500-1000 denarii (over two years' wages for a laborer).

The phrase poreuomai dokimasai auta (πορεύομαι δοκιμάσαι αὐτά, "I am going to test them") reveals the excuse's absurdity. No shrewd businessman would purchase oxen without first testing them. The urgency implied by "I go" suggests a manufactured crisis. The request erōtō se, eche me parētēmenon (ἐρωτῶ σε, ἔχε με παρῃτημένον, "I beg you, have me excused") uses polite language masking hard refusal.

This excuse represents the priority of business, commerce, and economic advancement over God's kingdom. The oxen symbolize productivity, investment, and financial security—legitimate goods that become idols when elevated above God. The man's decision to "test" his oxen rather than accept the invitation reveals misplaced priorities. His excuse exposes how prosperity and the pursuit of wealth can blind people to eternal realities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century agrarian Palestine, oxen were essential capital investments for farming. A single ox could cost 50-100 denarii, making five yoke (ten oxen) an enormous purchase indicating substantial wealth. Wealthy landowners used multiple ox teams for plowing large fields; five yoke could plow approximately 100 acres. This detail in Jesus' parable would immediately communicate to His audience that this excuse-maker was a person of considerable means.

Jewish custom dictated that purchasing livestock required careful inspection beforehand (Deuteronomy 25:13-16 emphasized honest dealing). The claim of needing to "test" oxen after purchase reveals either dishonest dealing or a fabricated excuse. The audience would recognize the absurdity—no one bought oxen sight unseen.

The parable's context (Luke 14:1-24) occurs at a Pharisee's dinner, where Jesus addresses the religious elite about the kingdom of God. His audience consisted of wealthy, influential people who prided themselves on Torah observance. This excuse would strike close to home—many of them prioritized business expansion and wealth accumulation while claiming devotion to God. Jesus exposes how the pursuit of prosperity, even through legitimate means, can become the very thing that excludes people from God's kingdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. What legitimate pursuits or responsibilities do we use as excuses to delay or avoid full commitment to Christ?
  2. How does the pursuit of financial security and business success compete with our response to God's invitation?
  3. In what ways do we convince ourselves that our priorities are urgent when they're actually manufactured excuses?
  4. How should this parable shape our understanding of the cost of discipleship and kingdom priorities?
  5. What does this verse reveal about the danger of allowing good things (productivity, investment) to become ultimate things?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

ἕτερος2 of 16

“another”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

εἶπεν3 of 16

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ζεύγη4 of 16

“yoke”

G2201

a couple, i.e., a team (of oxen yoked together) or brace (of birds tied together)

βοῶν5 of 16

“of oxen”

G1016

an ox (as grazing), i.e., an animal of that species ("beef")

ἠγόρασα6 of 16

“I have bought”

G59

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

πέντε7 of 16

“five”

G4002

"five"

καὶ8 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

πορεύομαι9 of 16

“I go”

G4198

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

δοκιμάσαι10 of 16

“to prove”

G1381

to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve

αὐτά·11 of 16

“them”

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

ἐρωτῶ12 of 16

“I pray”

G2065

to interrogate; by implication, to request

σε13 of 16

“thee”

G4571

thee

ἔχε14 of 16

“have”

G2192

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

με15 of 16

“me”

G3165

me

παρῃτημένον16 of 16

“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 14:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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