Devine Scripture

Luke 14:23

What does Luke 14:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 14:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 14:23 means

The master widens the mission: go to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. The verb compel speaks of strong persuasion and urgent hospitality, not coercion. Those far off and hesitant must be encouraged to believe the invitation is truly for them. The master’s aim is clear: a full house. This portrays God’s heart for the outsider and the vigor of His outreach. The banquet’s joy is magnified by its unexpected guests. The kingdom welcomes those with no credentials, drawing them in by the earnest appeal of God’s messengers.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and constrain them to come in, that my house may be filled.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and constrain them to come in, that my house may be filled.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the lord said to the servant, Go out into the roads and the fields, and make them come in, so that my house may be full.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And the lord said unto the servant, Go forth to the ways and hedges, and constrain to come in, that my house may be filled;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the Lord said to the servant: Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the lord said to the bondman, Go out into the ways and fences and compel to come in, that my house may be filled;

Context

This is the climax of the gathering movement—first the city’s needy, now those beyond its bounds. Luke’s readers, many Gentile, would hear a hint of the gospel’s spread to the nations. The parable will end in the next verse with a sober word: those originally invited who refused will have no share in the feast. The narrative thus balances expansive grace with real judgment, reinforcing urgency in responding to God’s call.

v.22And the servant said, Lord, what thou didst command is done, and yet there is room.

v.23This passage

v.24For I say unto you, that none of those men that were bidden shall taste of my supper.

Cross references

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

  • Colossians 1:23

    if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:1

    And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain

  • Acts 28:28

    Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles: they will also hear.

  • Isaiah 49:5

    And now saith Jehovah that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, and that Israel be gathered unto him (for I am honorable in the eyes of Jehovah, and my God is become my strength);

  • Colossians 1:28

    whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ;

  • Matthew 28:19

    Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:

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