Luke 14:28 kjv

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

Luke 14:28 nkjv

For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?

Luke 14:28 niv

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?

Luke 14:28 esv

For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?

Luke 14:28 nlt

"But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?

Luke 14 verses

Luke 14 28 Meaning

Luke 14:28 presents a foundational principle through a relatable parable: before embarking on any significant undertaking, one must meticulously calculate and prepare. In the immediate context of Jesus' teachings, this financial and logistical common sense serves as an analogy for the profound commitment required to follow Him. It highlights that discipleship is not a whimsical decision but a deliberate, considered dedication involving significant personal cost. One must anticipate the demands and potential difficulties to ensure they are prepared to persevere to the end, rather than beginning with enthusiasm only to falter.

Luke 14 28 Context

Luke 14:28 is situated within a significant discourse by Jesus regarding the nature and cost of discipleship. Following teachings on humility (Lk 14:7-14) and the parable of the great supper where many made excuses for not attending (Lk 14:15-24), Jesus addresses large crowds accompanying Him (Lk 14:25). He directly states radical requirements for following Him: loving Him more than family (v. 26) and bearing one's cross (v. 27). The parables of the tower builder (vv. 28-30) and the king going to war (vv. 31-32) serve as illustrative examples for these requirements, emphasizing forethought and full commitment. Jesus' teachings here implicitly challenge the common assumption that following Him would be easy or solely involve external adherence. He redefines what it truly means to be a disciple, demanding absolute priority and readiness to face all costs.

Luke 14 28 Word analysis

• For which of you, (tis gar ex hymōn - τις γαρ εξ υμων): A rhetorical question. This directly engages the listener, prompting self-reflection and an appeal to their common sense and lived experience. It implies that the answer is self-evident and universally accepted.
• intending (mellō - μέλλω): This verb denotes purpose or impending action; "to be about to," or "to purpose to." It suggests a deliberate plan rather than a spontaneous act.
• to build (oikodomeō - οἰκοδομέω): To erect a structure; literally "to build a house," but contextually a larger construction. Implies a substantial, long-term project with permanence.
• a tower, (pyrgos - πύργος): A common structure in ancient Palestine, often built in vineyards (as watchtowers to protect crops, Isa 5:2; Matt 21:33) or as part of city fortifications. Building one was a major undertaking, requiring significant resources and time.
• does not first (ouchi prōton - οὐχὶ πρῶτον): The ouchi (οὐχὶ) negates, confirming the expected affirmative answer to the rhetorical question: "Surely, does he not first...?" Prōton emphasizes the essential, sequential first step—prioritizing the assessment.
• sit down (kathizō - καθίζω): Conveys a posture of deliberative thought, careful planning, and considered calculation. It implies pausing from action, taking time, and being thoughtful rather than impulsive. It's a mental act of preparation.
• and estimate the cost, (kai psēphizō tēn dapanēn - και ψηφίζω την δαπάνην):
  • psēphizō (ψηφίζω): Literally, "to count with pebbles," then "to compute," "calculate," "reckon." This indicates a precise, numerical assessment, not just a vague idea.
  • dapanēn (δαπάνην): The "expenditure" or "expense," the financial outlay. The phrase powerfully illustrates the need for a realistic assessment of the resources required.
• whether he has enough (ei echei eis aparthismon - ει εχει εις απαρτισμον): Literally "if he has for completion/finishing." This checks the adequacy of resources against the task.
• to complete it? (apartisai - απαρτίσαι): To bring to full completion, to finish entirely, to succeed in bringing to an end. This emphasizes the need for perseverance and the ultimate goal—not just starting, but successfully concluding the task.

Words-group analysis:

• "intending to build a tower": This phrase highlights a pre-meditated, large-scale undertaking, serving as an analogy for discipleship—a commitment to follow Jesus, which is not trivial or short-term.
• "does not first sit down and estimate the cost": This critical clause underlines the absolute necessity of prior calculation and evaluation. It contrasts superficial enthusiasm with thoughtful commitment. "Sit down" signifies careful deliberation; "estimate the cost" emphasizes concrete assessment of resources.
• "whether he has enough to complete it": This defines the ultimate purpose of the calculation: to ensure the resources are sufficient to see the project through to its full completion, preventing abandonment and ridicule. This applies to spiritual endurance in discipleship, emphasizing that true following of Christ is a lifelong endeavor requiring sustained commitment.

Luke 14 28 Bonus section

The "tower" in the analogy could refer not just to vineyard watchtowers but also to larger, more ambitious defensive structures or even monuments. Regardless, the shared understanding of the effort, time, and expense involved made the parable immediately accessible to Jesus' audience. The implication of "shame" (empaizein - to mock, to deride, Lk 14:29) for one who begins but cannot finish, reflects a societal value on completion and a disdain for wasted effort. This socio-cultural understanding deepens the call to considered commitment, showing that unfinished spiritual journeys are not just personal failures but carry consequences for testimony and spiritual integrity. The two parables (tower builder and king going to war) serve as a diptych, reinforcing the same message from slightly different angles—one from the perspective of construction, the other from conflict, both demanding shrewd, proactive planning and resource assessment to achieve successful completion and avoid disaster.

Luke 14 28 Commentary

Luke 14:28 provides a practical and universal truth from everyday life to illuminate a profound spiritual principle: the necessity of counting the cost of discipleship. Jesus uses this common scenario of building a tower, a major and costly endeavor, to underscore that becoming His follower is not an impulsive decision, but requires deliberate forethought and a full understanding of the demands involved. Just as a builder carefully calculates resources to avoid abandonment and mockery, so too must potential disciples assess their readiness to embrace the radical demands of allegiance to Christ—prioritizing Him above family, comfort, and even life itself. This verse is not about salvation being earned, but about the true depth of commitment needed for genuine discipleship, implying that failing to calculate this cost risks falling away. It urges a sincere, wholehearted commitment from the outset, enabling perseverance through trials, and thus avoiding spiritual failure and public shame.