Luke 14:10 kjv

But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

Luke 14:10 nkjv

But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher.' Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you.

Luke 14:10 niv

But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.

Luke 14:10 esv

But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you.

Luke 14:10 nlt

"Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, 'Friend, we have a better place for you!' Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests.

Luke 14 verses

Luke 14 10 Meaning

Luke 14:10 conveys a core principle of the Kingdom of God: humility leads to genuine honor. Instead of seeking self-exaltation, one should intentionally choose the lowest place, allowing for promotion by a higher authority. This principle, spoken in the context of a dinner parable, illustrates that true honor comes not from what one claims, but from what one is granted by the one who hosts or judges, in the sight of others. It signifies a reversal of worldly status-seeking, where God elevates those who humble themselves.

Luke 14 10 Context

Luke 14 begins with Jesus observing a banquet on the Sabbath in the house of a prominent Pharisee. After healing a man with dropsy, Jesus uses the social dynamics of the feast to teach spiritual lessons. He notices guests choosing the places of honor (Luke 14:7) and then shares a parable or instruction (Luke 14:8-10) directly challenging this prideful behavior. The instruction in verse 10 stands in contrast to the worldly practice of seeking self-promotion, advocating instead for deliberate humility as the path to genuine honor. Following this, Jesus further elaborates on whom one should invite to such feasts (Luke 14:12-14), shifting the focus from social reciprocity to selfless generosity. The whole chapter intertwines themes of Sabbath observance, healing, humility, genuine generosity, and the cost of discipleship within the framework of Kingdom values that invert societal norms. Historically, social status at banquets in the ancient Greco-Roman world was highly significant, with seating arrangements reflecting and affirming one's rank. Jesus' teaching thus directly confronts a pervasive cultural value.

Luke 14 10 Word analysis

• But (ἀλλά, alla): A strong adversative conjunction, signifying a sharp contrast or reversal to the advice just given in verse 8, where one is warned not to take the place of honor. This introduces an alternative, preferable course of action.
• when you are invited (ὅταν κληθῇς, hotan klēthēs): "Whensoever you might be invited." The verb klēthēs is aorist passive subjunctive, indicating that the invitation comes from another, not through one's own seeking. This emphasizes a response to an external summons rather than internal ambition.
• go (πορευθεὶς, poreutheis): "Having gone." A participle implying deliberate movement. It is not an accidental or passive arrival but an intentional act of proceeding to a specific place.
• and sit (ἀνάπεσε, anapese): "Recline." Refers to the ancient custom of reclining at banquets, usually on couches. The posture signifies comfort and being at rest in one's chosen place.
• in the last place (ἔσχατον τόπον, eschaton topon): "The lowest seat." This refers to the least prestigious spot, farthest from the host. Figuratively, it denotes the position of humility and non-self-exaltation.
• so that (ἵνα, hina): A conjunction introducing a purpose clause. The humility is intentional, with a divine design for potential elevation, though not as a manipulative scheme.
• when he who invited you (ὁ καλέσας σε, ho kalesas se): "The one who invited you." This highlights the host as the ultimate authority and source of the invitation. Spiritually, this figure can be interpreted as God himself, who is the ultimate inviter to the heavenly feast.
• comes (ἐλθών, elthōn): "Having come." Signifies the host's observation and attention. The host, representing God, takes note of the humble act.
• he may say to you (ἐρεῖ σοι, erei soi): "He will say to you." The host's initiative in conferring honor. The active voice emphasizes the host's benevolent and proactive role.
• 'Friend,' (Φίλε, Phile): A term of polite address and familiarity, denoting respect and kindness, not necessarily deep friendship in every instance, but here implying recognition and favor.
• 'go up higher!' (προσαναβάς ἀνάπεσε ἀνώτερον, pros anabas anapese anōteron): "Having ascended, recline higher." This is a command from the host for physical elevation to a more honored seat. It represents public promotion and affirmation by a superior.
• Then you will have honor (ἔσται σοι δόξα, estai soi doxa): "There will be glory for you." Doxa means glory, praise, good reputation, or honor. This is the desired outcome, a public acknowledgement and elevation of one's standing.
• in the presence of all (ἐνώπιον πάντων, enōpion pantōn): "Before the eyes of all." Emphasizes the public nature of the honor. It's not a private acknowledgement but a witnessed elevation, validating the humble action.
• who sit at table with you (τῶν συνανακειμένων σοι, tōn synanakeimenōn soi): "Those reclining with you." These are the fellow guests, the observers of the host's decision, underscoring the social and communal validation of the honor received.

Words-group analysis:

• "go and sit in the last place": This phrase captures the deliberate and active choice of humility. It's not passive withdrawal but an intentional positioning of oneself in a non-prominent role.
• "so that when he who invited you comes, he may say to you": This shows the divine logic and timing. The humility is enacted with the understanding that recognition and honor (if merited) come from the host (God), not self-assertion. It implies observation and judgment by the sovereign one.
• "'Friend, go up higher!' Then you will have honor": This signifies the reversal. The host's address indicates favor and approval, followed by the command for public elevation and the consequent public honor. This honor is given, not taken.
• "in the presence of all who sit at table with you": The public aspect is key. The honor is visible and undeniable, a public vindication of the humble stance, making the lesson clear for others to observe. This reflects that true honor in God's Kingdom is acknowledged by both God and fellow believers.

Luke 14 10 Bonus section

The teaching in Luke 14:10, while superficially appearing as advice on social climbing, carries deep eschatological implications. The banquet often symbolizes the Messianic banquet, the ultimate celebration in God's Kingdom. In this context, "he who invited you" refers to God himself, and the elevation signifies the honor and place granted in eternity based on one's earthly walk of humility. The "presence of all" includes heavenly hosts and fellow saints who will witness God's righteous judgment and promotion. This aligns with a recurring biblical motif: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (Prov 3:34, Jas 4:6, 1 Pet 5:5). Thus, Jesus' teaching offers not just good advice for temporal social interactions but a fundamental principle for securing one's standing in the eternal Kingdom, demonstrating a divine reversal of values where the last become first, and the first, last.

Luke 14 10 Commentary

Luke 14:10 offers a profound principle from Jesus' teaching, moving beyond mere social etiquette to a spiritual truth about the Kingdom of God. It's not a cynical strategy for social climbing, but an articulation of authentic humility that yields God-given honor. The passage teaches that true greatness and honor are not achieved through self-exaltation or ambitious maneuvering, but through voluntarily taking a position of lowliness. The "host" in the parable can be understood as representing God, who sees and rewards genuine humility. The honor received is not self-sought glory, but rather "glory" (δόξα, doxa) bestowed by the true Giver of all honor. This public recognition by the host, in front of the other guests, highlights God's way of publicly honoring those who align themselves with His humble nature, often at the unexpected time and place. This principle encourages trust in divine providence, that God will lift up in due time, contrasting with the human tendency to grasp for status immediately.

• Example 1: A volunteer always takes on the less glamorous tasks at church, not seeking recognition, but genuinely serving where needed. Over time, others recognize their servant heart and appoint them to a position of leadership, demonstrating earned respect.
• Example 2: A student chooses to quietly help a struggling classmate without drawing attention, instead of trying to outshine others for top grades. The teacher later commends their compassionate and helpful attitude to the class, illustrating unlooked-for honor.