Luke 14:12

Authorized King James Version

Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἔλεγεν

G3004

said he

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

δὲ

G1161

Then

but, and, etc

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῷ

G3588

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

κεκληκότι

G2564

to him that bade

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

αὐτοὶ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ὅταν

G3752

When

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

ποιῇς

G4160

thou makest

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἄριστον

G712

a dinner

the best meal (or breakfast; perhaps from ??? ("early")), i.e., luncheon

#10

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#11

δεῖπνον

G1173

a supper

dinner, i.e., the chief meal (usually in the evening)

#12

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#13

φώνει

G5455

call

to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation

#14

τοὺς

G3588

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

#15

φίλους

G5384

friends

actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)

#16

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#17

μηδὲ

G3366

neither

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

#18

τοὺς

G3588

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

#19

ἀδελφούς

G80

brethren

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

#20

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#21

μηδὲ

G3366

neither

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

#22

τοὺς

G3588

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

#23

συγγενεῖς

G4773

kinsmen

a relative (by blood); by extension, a fellow countryman

#24

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#25

μηδὲ

G3366

neither

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

#26

γείτονας

G1069

neighbours

a neighbour (as adjoining one's ground); by implication, a friend

#27

πλουσίους

G4145

thy rich

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

#28

μήποτε

G3379

lest

not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)

#29

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#30

αὐτοὶ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#31

σε

G4571

thee

#32

ἀντικαλέσωσίν

G479

again

to invite in return

#33

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#34

γένηται

G1096

be made

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#35

σοι

G4671

thee

to thee

#36

ἀνταπόδομά

G468

a recompence

a requital (properly, the thing)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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Luke 14:12

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

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