King James Version

What Does Luke 14:30 Mean?

Luke 14:30 in the King James Version says “Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.”

Luke 14:30 · KJV

Context

28

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

29

Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

30

Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

31

Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

32

Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. The mockers' taunt houtos ho anthrōpos ērxato oikodomein kai ouk ischysen ektelesai (οὗτος ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἤρξατο οἰκοδομεῖν καὶ οὐκ ἴσχυσεν ἐκτελέσαι, "this man began to build and was not strong to finish") captures the essence of failed discipleship. The demonstrative houtos (οὗτος, "this") points derisively; the contrast between ērxato (ἤρξατο, "began") and ouk ischysen ektelesai (οὐκ ἴσχυσεν ἐκτελέσαι, "was not able to finish") emphasizes incompletion.

The verb ischuō (ἰσχύω, "to be strong, to have power") appears in its negative form—the builder lacked strength to complete what he started. This is precisely what happens to disciples who begin without counting the cost: initial enthusiasm wanes when trials come (Luke 8:13). The aorist tense of 'began' contrasts with the ongoing inability to finish—a moment's decision without sustained power leads to permanent shame.

This brief statement encapsulates the tragedy of incomplete discipleship. Jesus warns that the world will mock those who profess Christ but abandon Him when the cost becomes clear. Better to never profess than to profess and apostatize. The Puritan phrase 'temporary faith' describes this—a spurious belief that produces visible fruit for a season but lacks root to endure (Hebrews 6:4-6). Christ's true sheep persevere to the end (John 10:28-29); those who fall away prove they were never truly His (1 John 2:19).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Incomplete building projects were common enough in the ancient world to serve as proverbial examples of poor planning. Roman satirists like Juvenal mocked wealthy patrons whose grandiose building schemes exceeded their resources. Jewish wisdom literature emphasized the importance of finishing what one starts (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5).

Jesus' use of this everyday image makes His point accessible to all hearers, from peasant to Pharisee. The shame of public mockery in an honor/shame culture cannot be overstated—reputation was everything. An unfinished tower stood as permanent testimony to the builder's folly. Jesus teaches that incomplete discipleship results in similar permanent shame, though of infinitely greater consequence—eternal exclusion from God's kingdom for those who professed but did not persevere.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this warning challenge the modern evangelical tendency to emphasize initial decisions for Christ without equal emphasis on perseverance?
  2. What resources has Christ provided to ensure His true disciples have power to finish what the Spirit began (Philippians 1:6)?
  3. In what ways might you be building a Christian life on outward appearance rather than the hidden foundation of genuine faith that endures?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
λέγοντες1 of 11

“Saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὅτι2 of 11

“This”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Οὗτος3 of 11
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ὁ4 of 11
G3588

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

ἄνθρωπος5 of 11

“man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἤρξατο6 of 11

“began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

οἰκοδομεῖν7 of 11

“to build”

G3618

to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm

καὶ8 of 11

“and”

G2532

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

οὐκ9 of 11

“not”

G3756

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

ἴσχυσεν10 of 11

“able”

G2480

to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)

ἐκτελέσαι11 of 11

“to finish”

G1615

to complete fully

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 14:30 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 14:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 6:112 John 1:81 Corinthians 3:11-142 Peter 2:19-22Hebrews 6:4-8Acts 1:18-19

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