Luke 14:15
What does Luke 14:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 14:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 14:15 means
A fellow guest, hearing Jesus’ words about resurrection reward, piously remarks, Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. The statement is true, but it may be complacent—assuming that simply belonging to the right group ensures a place at the feast. Jesus will not let sentiment mask the seriousness of response. He will tell a parable showing that many who assume they are ready actually make excuses when the invitation comes. The kingdom’s blessedness is real, but it requires accepting God’s call now, not resting in vague hopes or social identity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And, hearing these words, one of those who were at table with him said to him, Happy is the man who will be a guest in the kingdom of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And one of those reclining with him, having heard these things, said to him, `Happy <FI>is<Fi> he who shall eat bread in the reign of God;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752When one of them that sat at table with him had heard these things, he said to him: Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And one of those that were lying at table with [them], hearing these things, said to him, Blessed [is] he who shall eat bread in the kingdom ofGod.
Context
This interjection becomes the hinge to Jesus’ next teaching. The man’s comment about kingdom blessedness provides the entry point for the parable of the Great Supper. Jesus will describe a generous host, a prepared feast, invited guests who refuse, and an urgent outreach to the marginalized to fill the house. The flow from hospitality to kingdom feast emphasizes continuity: God’s grace invites those who cannot repay, while human excuses reveal misplaced priorities that shut people out of the very blessing they profess to admire.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 19:9
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they that are bidden to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are true words of God.
- Matthew 25:10
And while they went away to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast: and the door was shut.
- Luke 13:29
And they shall come from the east and west, and from the north and south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
- Matthew 8:11
And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven:
- Luke 12:37
Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and shall come and serve them.
- Luke 22:30
that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and ye shall sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
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