Luke 14:29 kjv

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

Luke 14:29 nkjv

lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,

Luke 14:29 niv

For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you,

Luke 14:29 esv

Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,

Luke 14:29 nlt

Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you.

Luke 14 verses

Luke 14 29 Meaning

This verse serves as a cautionary principle, derived from Jesus' parable of a tower builder. It highlights the wisdom of counting the cost and prudently assessing one's resources before embarking on a significant endeavor. The core message warns against starting a major project, whether a literal building or a metaphorical life commitment, only to lack the foresight, means, or resolve to complete it. Such a failure inevitably leads to public shame, ridicule, and a wasted investment of initial effort. Spiritually, it underscores the gravity of committing to Christian discipleship without full understanding and preparedness for its demands and sacrifices, lest one fall away and become an object of derision or bring discredit to the faith.

Luke 14 29 Context

Luke chapter 14 largely focuses on Jesus' teachings about humility, hospitality, and the demanding nature of true discipleship. Verses 25-33 constitute a crucial section where Jesus clarifies the high cost of following Him to a "great multitude" (v. 25). He challenges superficial allegiance, emphasizing the need for absolute priority for Him above all earthly relationships, even one's own life, and the imperative to "bear his own cross" (v. 27). This particular verse (v. 29) is part of two analogies Jesus provides—the tower builder and the king going to war—both illustrating the necessity of foresight, realistic assessment of resources, and strategic planning before undertaking a significant commitment. The immediate historical and cultural context in ancient Jewish society, like other ancient Near Eastern cultures, placed immense value on honor and shame. Public failure, especially in a visible project like building a tower, would bring severe public ridicule and dishonor to the individual involved. This societal dynamic makes Jesus' cautionary tale particularly potent for His original audience, underscoring that shallow commitment to Him could result in spiritual shame before God and man.

Luke 14 29 Word analysis

• Lest haply (μὴ ποτε - me pote): This Greek phrase denotes a negative purpose, expressing a fear or caution. It means "lest ever" or "lest by any chance." Here, it warns of an undesirable potential outcome that should be avoided by taking the preceding advice. It sets a serious, cautionary tone for the consequences to be described.
• after he hath laid the foundation (θεμελίου καταβαλόντος - themeliou katabalontos):
  • Foundation (θεμέλιος - themélion): Refers to the groundwork or base upon which a structure is built. Spiritually, it signifies the initial commitment or belief.
  • laid (καταβάλλω - kataballō): Means to throw down or cast down, used specifically for the act of laying a foundation. This emphasizes that the individual has already made a significant, irreversible initial step, investing time, effort, and resources into the project. It marks the point of no return for initial commitment.
• and is not able to finish it (καὶ μὴ ἰσχύων ἐκτελέσαι - kai me ischyon ekdelesai):
  • is not able (ἰσχύων - ischyōn): From ischyō, meaning "to be strong, to have power or ability." The negative participle (mē ischyōn) indicates a lack of sufficient strength, resources, or capacity. It's not a matter of unwillingness but a fundamental inability to bring the project to fruition.
  • to finish it (ἐκτελέσαι - ekdelesai): From ekteleō, meaning "to complete, to bring to an end, to execute fully." It highlights the importance of full completion rather than just initiation.
• all that behold it (πάντες οἱ θεωροῦντες - pantes hoi theōrountes):
  • all (πάντες - pantes): Universal, indicating widespread observation.
  • behold it (θεωροῦντες - theōrountes): From theōreō, to gaze upon, observe closely, often with critical assessment. This signifies public scrutiny and judgment, reflecting the honor-shame culture where public perception of success or failure carried significant weight.
• begin to mock him (ἄρξωνται ἐμπαίζειν αὐτῷ - arxōntai empaizein autō):
  • begin (ἄρξωνται - arxōntai): To commence, start. Implies that the ridicule will be immediate and continuous upon the realization of failure.
  • to mock him (ἐμπαίζειν - empaizein): From empaizō, meaning "to play with, to ridicule, to deride, to scoff at." This term implies scornful and humiliating mockery, often accompanied by open contempt and scorn, as seen in the mockery of Jesus by His persecutors. It emphasizes the profound public humiliation that awaits the one who fails.

Words-group analysis

• "Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it": This phrase captures the core practical warning. It contrasts the decisive action of starting ("laid the foundation") with the subsequent catastrophic inability to complete the work ("not able to finish it"). This gap between intention/initial action and final capacity is what Jesus seeks to highlight as imprudent.
• "all that behold it begin to mock him": This clause details the consequence of such imprudence and failure. The public nature of the project means public visibility of its failure. In a culture steeped in honor and shame, public ridicule is a profound disgrace, symbolizing not just wasted effort but lost reputation and standing. This strong negative consequence serves as a powerful deterrent.

Luke 14 29 Bonus section

This verse subtly reveals Jesus's emphasis on practicality and wisdom in daily life as a precursor to spiritual commitment. The parables of the tower builder and the warring king are not abstract spiritual allegories but grounded examples of secular prudence, demonstrating that practical wisdom in earthly matters often mirrors spiritual wisdom. The "mocking" in the parable underscores the external implications of our spiritual journey. A believer who begins with enthusiasm but falls away can become a negative testimony to those watching, potentially causing others to mock not only the individual but the Christian faith itself. This highlights the seriousness of making a public profession of faith, implying a responsibility not to bring shame to Christ's name. It's not about achieving salvation through works, but about living a life of committed obedience after one has embraced the calling to discipleship.

Luke 14 29 Commentary

Luke 14:29 is a practical and poignant warning about the necessity of wise forethought before commitment. Jesus uses the relatable scenario of a builder to illustrate a profound spiritual truth: authentic discipleship demands a full assessment of its cost. The 'tower' symbolizes a grand and visible commitment, akin to a public declaration of following Christ. Starting this spiritual journey without considering the full demands, potential hardships, and necessary sacrifices is imprudent. The individual who embarks on discipleship lightly, only to falter or abandon it when challenges arise, risks public scorn from both within and outside the faith. This failure not only reflects poorly on the individual but can also bring discredit to the very name of Christ they initially claimed. Jesus isn't discouraging people from following Him; rather, He's ensuring they understand that genuine discipleship requires resolute commitment and perseverance to the end, enabling them to "finish" what they started in faith.

Examples for practical usage:

• Financial Planning: Before starting a major investment or project (e.g., buying a home, starting a business), assess if you have sufficient resources and a plan for completion.
• Life Commitments: Before entering into marriage, a challenging career path, or mission work, realistically consider the demands, sacrifices, and your capacity to see it through.
• New Spiritual Endeavors: Before committing to a ministry role, daily devotionals, or fasting, count the time, discipline, and resolve needed, lest you abandon it shortly after.