King James Version

What Does Luke 14:25 Mean?

Luke 14:25 in the King James Version says “And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,” — study this verse from Luke chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,”

Luke 14:25 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,

26

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

27

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, The phrase syneporeonto autō ochloi polloi (συνεπορεύοντο αὐτῷ ὄχλοι πολλοί, "great crowds were traveling with him") uses an imperfect tense indicating ongoing action—masses continuously following Jesus as He journeyed toward Jerusalem (9:51). Yet Jesus strapheis (στραφείς, "having turned") confronts them, suggesting their motivation needed testing. Popularity is not discipleship; accompaniment is not commitment.

This moment marks a crucial transition in Luke's narrative. Jesus moves from parables about banquet invitations to direct teaching on discipleship's cost (vv. 26-33). The crowds following likely sought healing, miracles, or political liberation—Jesus responds by raising the bar to expose casual followers. His 'turning' suggests deliberate confrontation, a test to separate genuine disciples from mere curiosity-seekers.

The pattern mirrors the Great Supper parable—many invited, few truly committed. Multitudes accompanied Jesus to the cross's vicinity, but only a few remained at Golgotha (23:49). This verse introduces teaching designed to winnow the crowd, to ensure followers understand what they're committing to. Jesus refuses to gather a movement based on false pretenses; He demands informed, costly discipleship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

As Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem for His final Passover, growing crowds accompanied Him. Messianic expectations were high; many anticipated Jesus would establish a political kingdom and overthrow Roman occupation (Acts 1:6). The crowd's composition likely included genuine seekers alongside those wanting miracles, political revolution, or association with a popular rabbi.

Jesus' decision to 'turn' and address them directly reflects rabbinic teaching method—setting high demands to test students' commitment. Unlike modern evangelistic approaches that minimize the cost to maximize conversions, Jesus repeatedly narrowed His audience by raising demands (John 6:66). This moment occurs during the final journey to Jerusalem where Jesus would face crucifixion—making these demands on discipleship particularly urgent and relevant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' confrontation of the crowds challenge modern church-growth strategies that minimize the cost of following Christ?
  2. What is the difference between being part of the crowd around Jesus and being His true disciple?
  3. In what ways might we be 'traveling with' Jesus without truly counting the cost of discipleship He demands?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Συνεπορεύοντο1 of 10

“there went”

G4848

to journey together; by implication, to assemble

δὲ2 of 10

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτούς3 of 10

“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

ὄχλοι4 of 10

“multitudes”

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

πολλοί5 of 10

“great”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

καὶ6 of 10

“and”

G2532

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

στραφεὶς7 of 10

“he turned”

G4762

to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)

εἶπεν8 of 10

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς9 of 10

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτούς10 of 10

“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

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 14:25 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 14:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 6:24-27Luke 12:1

Test Your Knowledge

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