Devine Scripture

Luke 14:17

What does Luke 14:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 14:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 14:17 means

At supper time the host sends his servant to announce, Come, for all things are now ready. The time has moved from general invitation to present summons. Nothing remains to be done by the guests; the host has prepared everything. This highlights grace: the kingdom is received, not earned. The servant’s call is urgent and clear. Delay is unreasonable. Spiritually, God’s invitation through His messengers presses on people’s consciences in the present. Response must be personal and immediate. The feast’s readiness exposes the emptiness of excuses; to refuse is to prefer lesser things to the joy and fellowship freely offered.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and he sent forth his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and he sent forth his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when the time had come, he sent his servants to say to them, Come, for all things are now ready.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he sent his servant at the hour of the supper to say to those having been called, Be coming, because now are all things ready.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he sent his servant at the hour of supper to say to them that were invited, that they should come: for now all things are ready.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he sent his bondman at the hour of supper to say to those who were invited, Come, for already all things are ready.

Context

This verse transitions from preparation to decision. The readiness of the meal shifts the parable’s focus to human response. Immediately, verses 18–20 will present a trio of excuses that, while plausible in ordinary life, reveal misplaced priorities when weighed against the greatness of the feast. The servant will then report back, and the master’s decisive action to fill his house will show both judgment on the refusers and grace to the overlooked.

v.16But he said unto him, A certain man made a great supper; and he bade many:

v.17This passage

v.18And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a field, and I must needs go out and see it; I pray thee have me excused.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 3:1

    And in those days cometh John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judæa, saying,

  • 2 Corinthians 5:18

    But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation;

  • Luke 3:4

    as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight.

  • Acts 13:26

    Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth.

  • Proverbs 9:1

    Wisdom hath builded her house; She hath hewn out her seven pillars:

  • Matthew 11:27

    All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth the Son, save the Father; neither doth any know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal him.

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