Luke 14:23
And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the lord
G2962
κύριος
the lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 21
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοῦλον
the servant
G1401
δοῦλον
the servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
7 of 21
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδοὺς
the highways
G3598
ὁδοὺς
the highways
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
11 of 21
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φραγμοὺς
hedges
G5418
φραγμοὺς
hedges
Strong's:
G5418
Word #:
13 of 21
a fence, or inclosing barrier (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 1:28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:2 Corinthians 5:11Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.2 Corinthians 5:20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.Acts 18:6And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.Acts 28:28Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.Colossians 1:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;Psalms 98:3He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.Romans 10:18But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.2 Corinthians 6:1We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Historical Context
The progression of invitations reflects salvation history: first to Israel (those originally invited), then to Jewish outcasts (tax collectors and sinners in the city), finally to Gentiles (those outside the city altogether). The phrase 'highways and hedges' refers to field margins and rural paths where beggars, the homeless, and desperate travelers would gather. That such people would need compelling to enter a wealthy person's feast reflects their status—they'd assume the invitation was mockery or mistake. The early church's Gentile mission faced similar disbelief—pagans couldn't fathom being welcomed into God's kingdom on equal terms with Jews (Ephesians 2:11-13, 3:6).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the progression of invitations illustrate God's redemptive plan from Israel to all nations?
- What does the need to 'compel' the destitute teach about grace's surprising, almost unbelievable nature?
- How should this commission shape Christian evangelism and missions—who are today's 'highways and hedges' people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The final commission: 'And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.' After those originally invited refused and others from the city were brought in, the master orders a third search: 'go out into the highways and hedges' (ἔξελθε εἰς τὰς ὁδοὺς καὶ φραγμούς, exelthe eis tas hodous kai phragmous)—outside the city entirely, to rural roads and field boundaries where the utterly destitute live. The verb 'compel' (ἀνάγκασον, anagkason) doesn't suggest force but urgent persuasion—these outcasts won't believe they're truly welcome without strong encouragement. This pictures the Gentile mission—God's invitation extends beyond Israel to all nations.