King James Version

What Does Luke 14:22 Mean?

Luke 14:22 in the King James Version says “And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 14:22 · KJV

Context

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.

23

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

24

For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. The servant's faithful obedience (gegonen hōs epetaxas, γέγονεν ὡς ἐπέταξας, "it has been done as you commanded") contrasts with the disobedient guests. Yet despite gathering the urban poor, the declaration eti topos estin (ἔτι τόπος ἐστίν, "yet there is room") reveals the banquet's vast capacity. God's grace is not exhausted by the multitude of the undeserving who accept; there remains infinite space at His table.

This phrase anticipates the mission to the Gentiles. The original guests (Israel's religious elite) refused; the first replacement guests (Jewish outcasts and sinners) gladly came; but still the feast is not full. The servant's report sets up the master's next command to go beyond the city to the highways and hedges (v. 23)—a movement from Jews to Gentiles, from covenant people to the nations.

The inexhaustible room at God's banquet demonstrates that election does not depend on human merit or ethnic privilege. God's predetermined plan to fill His house will be accomplished, but those who presume on their position will be excluded while unexpected guests from unlikely places will feast at His table. The servant's simple obedience models faithful ministry—proclaim the invitation and trust God's sovereignty to fill His house.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient banquet halls in wealthy homes could accommodate dozens or even hundreds of guests, particularly when outdoor courtyards were used for feast overflow. The servant's report that the commanded gathering is complete yet space remains would indicate either an exceptionally large venue or a relatively small number of outcasts who accepted compared to the originally invited guests who refused.

This detail carries theological weight in Luke's narrative. Written for Gentile Christians (Luke 1:3, to Theophilus), the Gospel repeatedly emphasizes God's plan to include non-Jews in salvation. The 'room' that remains after gathering Jewish outcasts creates narrative space for the Gentile mission. Jesus' original hearers (Pharisees and lawyers, 14:1-3) would bristle at the implication that their rejection creates opportunity for others.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the reality that 'there is room' challenge assumptions about limits to God's saving grace?
  2. What does the servant's faithful obedience teach about our responsibility to invite others to Christ without controlling their response?
  3. In what ways do Christians still act as though God's grace is limited or that certain categories of people are beyond redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

“And”

G2532

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

εἶπεν2 of 12

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ὁ3 of 12
G3588

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

δοῦλος4 of 12

“the servant”

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

Κύριε5 of 12

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

γέγονεν6 of 12

“it is done”

G1096

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

ὡς7 of 12

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἐπέταξας8 of 12

“thou hast commanded”

G2004

to arrange upon, i.e., order

καὶ9 of 12

“And”

G2532

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

ἔτι10 of 12

“yet”

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

τόπος11 of 12

“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

ἐστίν12 of 12

“there is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

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 14:22 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 14:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 14:2Psalms 103:6Psalms 130:7Revelation 7:4-9Colossians 2:91 Timothy 2:5-6

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