Luke 14:12
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.
Original Language Analysis
Ἔλεγεν
said he
G3004
Ἔλεγεν
said he
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 36
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κεκληκότι
to him that bade
G2564
κεκληκότι
to him that bade
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
5 of 36
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
αὐτοὶ
him
G846
αὐτοὶ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 36
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
When
G3752
Ὅταν
When
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
7 of 36
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ποιῇς
thou makest
G4160
ποιῇς
thou makest
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 36
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἄριστον
a dinner
G712
ἄριστον
a dinner
Strong's:
G712
Word #:
9 of 36
the best meal (or breakfast; perhaps from ??? ("early")), i.e., luncheon
δεῖπνον
a supper
G1173
δεῖπνον
a supper
Strong's:
G1173
Word #:
11 of 36
dinner, i.e., the chief meal (usually in the evening)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 36
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
φώνει
call
G5455
φώνει
call
Strong's:
G5455
Word #:
13 of 36
to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φίλους
friends
G5384
φίλους
friends
Strong's:
G5384
Word #:
15 of 36
actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφούς
brethren
G80
ἀδελφούς
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
19 of 36
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συγγενεῖς
kinsmen
G4773
συγγενεῖς
kinsmen
Strong's:
G4773
Word #:
23 of 36
a relative (by blood); by extension, a fellow countryman
γείτονας
neighbours
G1069
γείτονας
neighbours
Strong's:
G1069
Word #:
26 of 36
a neighbour (as adjoining one's ground); by implication, a friend
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
29 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοὶ
him
G846
αὐτοὶ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
30 of 36
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
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
33 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 5:46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?Proverbs 22:16He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.Proverbs 14:20The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.Luke 1:53He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
Historical Context
Ancient Mediterranean society operated on patron-client relationships and reciprocal obligations. Hospitality wasn't primarily charitable but transactional—you hosted those who could return the favor, building networks of mutual obligation. Jesus radically challenges this system, calling for non-reciprocal generosity that mirrors God's grace. This teaching would have shocked His audience—social stability depended on reciprocity. Yet Jesus models a kingdom economy where blessing flows from God through believers to the needy, not circulating among the already-privileged.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' command challenge contemporary Christian hospitality that primarily occurs among those of similar socioeconomic status?
- What is the difference between reciprocal exchange and grace-motivated generosity?
- In what ways do churches and Christians still operate on patron-client models rather than radical generosity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus addresses the host: '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.' Jesus shifts from guests' behavior to the host's motives. Don't invite those who can reciprocate—'friends,' 'brethren,' 'kinsmen,' 'rich neighbours.' The reason: 'lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee' (μήποτε καὶ αὐτοὶ ἀντικαλέσωσίν σε καὶ γένηται ἀνταπόδομά σοι, mēpote kai autoi antikalesōsin se kai genētai antapodoma soi). Mutual reciprocity creates a system of exchange, not grace. True generosity gives without expecting return.