King James Version

What Does Luke 14:20 Mean?

Luke 14:20 in the King James Version says “And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 14:20 · KJV

Context

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.

22

And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.

Read Luke 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. This third excuse in the Great Supper parable is the most absolute—he doesn't even request to be excused (parēteō, παραιτέω) as the previous two did. The Greek gunaika egēma (γυναῖκα ἔγημα, "I married a wife") uses the aorist tense indicating a recently completed action. His assertion dia touto ou dunamai elthein (διὰ τοῦτο οὐ δύναμαι ἐλθεῖν, "therefore I cannot come") claims absolute impossibility rather than inconvenience.

Yet Deuteronomy 24:5 exempted newlyweds from military service and business obligations for one year—but not from worship or religious duties. A wedding feast invitation would include the new wife, making this excuse particularly revealing. The man chose marital intimacy and domestic pleasure over divine invitation. This represents the third category of worldly attachment: after possessions (field) and productivity (oxen) comes personal relationships and sensual pleasure.

Jesus exposes how even the God-ordained institution of marriage can become an idol when it displaces proper priority to God's kingdom. This excuse carries particular force because it sounds legitimate—yet it reveals a heart that values human companionship above fellowship with God. The progression from polite excuses to blunt refusal shows increasing hardness of heart.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Judaism, marriage was highly valued and newly married men received special consideration under Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 20:7, 24:5). However, these exemptions applied to military campaigns and certain civic duties, not to religious obligations or social invitations. A proper wedding feast would last seven days and include the entire community—the new wife would naturally accompany her husband to such events.

The cultural context makes this excuse particularly offensive. In Greco-Roman and Jewish culture, banquet invitations were extended to households, not merely individuals. The man's claim that marriage prevents attendance is therefore both culturally absurd and theologically revealing. Jesus' original hearers would recognize this as a deliberate rejection, not a legitimate conflict. The excuse exposes how personal desire can masquerade as duty.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways do legitimate, God-given relationships (marriage, family) become excuses for avoiding full devotion to Christ?
  2. How does this verse challenge the tendency to compartmentalize life into 'sacred' and 'secular' spheres, exempting personal life from kingdom demands?
  3. What does the progression from polite excuses to blunt refusal reveal about the trajectory of a heart that prioritizes earthly attachments over God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
καὶ1 of 11

“And”

G2532

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

ἕτερος2 of 11

“another”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

εἶπεν3 of 11

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Γυναῖκα4 of 11

“a wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἔγημα5 of 11

“I have married”

G1060

to wed (of either sex)

καὶ6 of 11

“And”

G2532

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

διὰ7 of 11

“therefore”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο8 of 11
G5124

that thing

οὐ9 of 11

“I cannot”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δύναμαι10 of 11
G1410

to be able or possible

ἐλθεῖν11 of 11

“come”

G2064

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

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 14:20 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 14:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 24:51 Corinthians 7:331 Corinthians 7:29-31Luke 14:26-28Luke 18:29-30

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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