Luke 14:8 kjv

When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;

Luke 14:8 nkjv

"When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him;

Luke 14:8 niv

"When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.

Luke 14:8 esv

"When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him,

Luke 14:8 nlt

"When you are invited to a wedding feast, don't sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited?

Luke 14 verses

Luke 14 8 Meaning

Luke 14:8 conveys a practical lesson in humility and prudence in social settings, particularly at a significant event like a wedding feast. It advises guests against presumptuously taking the most honorable seat, warning of the potential embarrassment and public demotion if someone more esteemed by the host subsequently arrives. The core principle teaches that true honor is not grasped but is bestowed, and that one should wait to be exalted by another rather than elevating oneself.

Luke 14 8 Context

Luke chapter 14 describes Jesus attending a Sabbath meal at the house of a leading Pharisee. The chapter opens with Jesus healing a man, setting up tension with His hosts regarding the Sabbath law. Immediately following this, Jesus observes how the other guests selectively choose the "places of honor" (v. 7). This observation directly prompts the teaching found in verses 8-11, where Jesus instructs about humility in social settings. This teaching is then extended to the host in verses 12-14, followed by the Parable of the Great Banquet (v. 15-24) and discourses on the cost of discipleship. Historically, first-century banquets, particularly wedding feasts, had a precise seating arrangement based on social status, where proximity to the host denoted high honor. Jesus’ counsel directly challenges the prevailing cultural desire for self-exaltation and status-seeking common among religious leaders of the time.

Luke 14 8 Word analysis

• When you are invited (Ὅταν κληθῇς / Hotan klēthēs): The Greek phrase uses a subjunctive mood and a passive voice ("you have been called/invited"). This emphasizes that the individual is the recipient of an action initiated by someone else. It highlights a response to a given situation, rather than initiating an action oneself. The instruction is conditional: it applies when an invitation occurs.
• by someone (ὑπό τινος / hypo tinos): Indicates an unspecified host. The principle applies broadly, not to a specific inviter, showing the universal nature of the wisdom.
• to a wedding feast (εἰς γάμους / eis gamous): Refers to a marriage feast, a prominent social gathering in ancient times, often lasting for days. It was a context of celebration and significant social interaction where honor was particularly visible. The plural "gamous" is common for a wedding feast, referring to the full set of festivities.
• do not recline (μὴ ἀναπεσῃς / mē anapesēs): This is a strong prohibition (μὴ with aorist subjunctive). "Recline" refers to the ancient custom of guests lying on couches around a low table for dining. It’s more than just sitting; it signifies taking a place for the duration of the meal. The prohibition is against proactively choosing such a place.
• at the place of honor (εἰς τὴν πρωτοκλισίαν / eis tēn prōtoklisian): Literally "the first reclining-place" or "the chief couch." This was the most prominent position, usually closest to the host or a central, most visible spot. Such positions were highly sought after by those eager for social recognition, as criticized elsewhere by Jesus (e.g., Lk 11:43; Mt 23:6).
• lest (μήποτε / mēpote): This conjunction introduces a negative purpose clause, expressing a fear or a warning. It clarifies the motivation behind the instruction – to avoid an undesirable consequence.
• a more distinguished person than you (ἐντιμότερός σου / entimoteros sou): "More honored," "more precious," "of greater worth." This is a comparative adjective. It indicates someone who, from the perspective of the host or societal standards, possesses greater social status, wealth, or influence. This person is genuinely owed more respect according to the established social hierarchy of the time.
• be invited by him (κληθῇ ὑπ' αὐτοῦ / klēthē hypo autou): Another passive construction, again emphasizing that the host is the one issuing the invitation and thus determining who is of higher standing. It reinforces the host's authority and prerogative in assigning honor.

Word-group analysis:

• "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not recline": This opening establishes the specific setting (a public, social event) and provides a direct, practical instruction: restrain your desire for self-exaltation in such settings. It's a counsel for a proper, humble response to an invitation.
• "at the place of honor, lest a more distinguished person than you be invited by him": This phrase explains the immediate, practical reason for the previous instruction. The "place of honor" is clearly defined as the object of ambition, and the arrival of a "more distinguished person" provides the catalyst for potential public shame. This exposes the social consequence of pride: embarrassment. The focus on the host's invitation highlights that honor is a gift given by others, not taken by oneself.

Luke 14 8 Bonus section

• The counsel found in Luke 14:8-10 is notably similar to ancient wisdom found in the Old Testament, specifically Prv 25:6-7, indicating that Jesus was drawing upon and reaffirming timeless truths about wisdom and humility that resonate across cultures and eras.
• Beyond mere etiquette, this passage exposes a polemic against the hypocrisy and social posturing of some religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees, who valued outward appearances and positions of honor (cf. Mt 23:5-7). Jesus’ teaching directly challenges their self-seeking behavior, underscoring that true greatness in God’s kingdom is measured not by external status, but by internal humility and servant-heartedness.
• The principle "everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Lk 14:11) functions as the key summary and application of the practical advice given in verses 8-10. This applies not only to social settings but to all areas of life, including one’s standing before God and within the church community. It’s a call to genuine self-abasement, recognizing that any true promotion comes from God's gracious hand.

Luke 14 8 Commentary

Luke 14:8 presents a seemingly simple lesson in social etiquette, but it carries profound spiritual implications that cut against human nature and societal norms. Jesus observes the prevailing tendency of people to seek the most prominent places at feasts, a clear demonstration of pride and status-seeking. His advice to take a lower seat is not merely about avoiding an awkward social moment, but about embodying humility as a fundamental principle. The humiliation of being asked to move down ("Then he who invited you and him will come and say to you, 'Give place to this man,' and then in humiliation you will have to take the last place," Lk 14:9) serves as a vivid illustration of the consequences of self-exaltation.

Conversely, Jesus advocates for the strategy of humility: take the lowest place, so that if the host wishes to honor you, he will bid you to "go up higher" (Lk 14:10), resulting in public honor rather than public shame. This illustrates the divine principle: "everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Lk 14:11). This maxim is foundational to Christian teaching, echoing throughout Scripture. True honor and elevation do not come from human striving or self-promotion, but are bestowed by God, who sees the heart and ultimately exalts the humble in His perfect timing. The wedding feast can also be understood as a metaphor for the Kingdom of God, suggesting that our approach to our position in God's eternal banquet should also be one of profound humility, trusting Him to assign us our rightful place.