Luke 14:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 14:28
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
Chapter Context
Luke 14 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, prayer, worship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 14:28
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
Analysis
Jesus illustrates with a parable: 'For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?' The example of building a 'tower' (πύργον, pyrgon)—likely an agricultural watchtower for guarding crops—requires planning. The phrase 'sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost' (καθίσας πρῶτον ψηφίζει τὴν δαπάνην, kathisas prōton psēphizei tēn dapanēn) describes careful calculation before commencing. The question 'whether he have sufficient to finish it' (εἰ ἔχει εἰς ἀπαρτισμόν, ei echei eis apartismon) indicates the project requires full resources for completion. Jesus applies this to discipleship: count the cost before committing, because halfway commitment leaves you worse than if you'd never started.
Historical Context
Ancient building projects required significant planning and resources. Incomplete towers became monuments to foolish presumption. Similarly, professed Christians who start but don't finish become spectacles of failed faith, discrediting the gospel. Jesus warns against impulsive emotional commitment without understanding discipleship's demands. This teaching challenges superficial evangelism that rushes people into 'decisions' without explaining the gospel's cost. True conversion involves understanding and accepting that following Christ means losing your life to gain it (Luke 9:23-24). The parable encourages honest assessment: am I willing to pay the price of genuine discipleship?
Reflection
- How does this parable challenge evangelistic methods that emphasize easy-believism without explaining discipleship's cost?
- What does it mean to 'count the cost' before becoming a Christian?
- How can churches balance making the gospel accessible while honestly presenting its demands?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 14:33, Proverbs 24:27, Matthew 8:20, 10:22, Acts 21:13