King James Version

What Does Luke 14:33 Mean?

Luke 14:33 in the King James Version says “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath , he cannot be my disciple.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath , he cannot be my disciple.”

Luke 14:33 · KJV

Context

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.

33

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath , he cannot be my disciple.

34

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?

35

It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Read Luke 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus concludes: 'So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.' The phrase 'forsaketh not all' (Greek 'ouk apotassetai pasin tois heautou hyparchousin,' οὐκ ἀποτάσσεται πᾶσιν τοῖς ἑαυτοῦ ὑπάρχουσιν) means to renounce, say goodbye to, release claim on everything possessed. This doesn't necessarily mean literal poverty but holding possessions loosely, prioritizing Jesus above all else. The repeated 'cannot be my disciple' emphasizes absolute requirement. Discipleship costs everything—partial commitment doesn't exist. Jesus owns total allegiance or none at all.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This follows parables about counting the cost—a builder calculating expenses before starting (vv. 28-30), a king assessing forces before war (vv. 31-32). Jesus demands rational assessment before commitment—discipleship costs everything. First-century disciples literally left occupations, family, possessions to follow Jesus (Luke 5:11, 18:28-30). Early church history records believers selling possessions (Acts 2:44-45), fleeing persecution leaving everything (Hebrews 10:34), choosing martyrdom over recanting. Modern application varies culturally, but principle remains—nothing can rival Jesus for first place. Whatever competes with Him must be forsaken.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does forsaking all possessions apply to modern believers in affluent cultures?
  2. What does the repeated 'cannot be my disciple' teach about Jesus' expectation of absolute priority and total commitment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
οὕτως1 of 17

“So”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

οὖν2 of 17

“likewise”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

πᾶσιν3 of 17

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐξ4 of 17

“he be of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ὑμῶν5 of 17

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὃς6 of 17

“that”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐ7 of 17

“he cannot”

G3756

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

ἀποτάσσεται8 of 17

“forsaketh”

G657

literally, to say adieu (by departing or dismissing); figuratively, to renounce

πᾶσιν9 of 17

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοῖς10 of 17
G3588

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

ἑαυτοῦ11 of 17
G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ὑπάρχουσιν12 of 17

“that he hath”

G5224

things extant or in hand, i.e., property or possessions

οὐ13 of 17

“he cannot”

G3756

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

δύναται14 of 17
G1410

to be able or possible

μου15 of 17

“my”

G3450

of me

εἶναί16 of 17

“be”

G1511

to exist

μαθητής17 of 17

“disciple”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

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 14:33 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 14:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 3:7-81 John 2:15-16Luke 5:28Luke 14:26Luke 18:28-30Luke 18:22-23

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