Devine Scripture

Luke 14:30

What does Luke 14:30 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 14:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 14:30 means

The mockers’ words—this man began to build and was not able to finish—sum up the folly of impulsive starts. The line stings because it is true. In spiritual terms, it warns against commitments made for show, emotion, or social momentum without deep-rooted allegiance to Jesus. God is not honored by beginnings alone; He desires perseverance. This verse invites humility: better to seek sustaining grace than to boast of strength. The end of a matter matters. By highlighting the shame of incompletion, Jesus nudges hearers to make a considered, durable yes to His call.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And saying, This man made a start at building and is not able to make it complete.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

saying--This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Saying: This man began to build and was not able to finish.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

saying, This man began to build and was not able to finish?

Context

This finishes the building analogy and prepares for the next picture—royal strategy in warfare. The movement from construction to combat intensifies the stakes: not only is there potential shame, but also real danger. Verses 31–32 will press the prudence of calculating and, if necessary, seeking peace. Then verse 33 will draw the explicit conclusion that discipleship requires renouncing all possessions, making clear what completing the project and winning the battle entail.

v.29Lest haply, when he hath laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all that behold begin to mock him,

v.30This passage

v.31Or what king, as he goeth to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

Cross references

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

  • Acts 1:18

    (Now this man obtained a field with the reward of his iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

  • Hebrews 6:4

    For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,

  • Hebrews 6:11

    And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the fulness of hope even to the end:

  • Hebrews 10:38

    But my righteous one shall live by faith: And if he shrink back, my soul hath no pleasure in him.

  • Matthew 7:27

    and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof.

  • 2 Peter 2:19

    promising them liberty, while they themselves are bondservants of corruption; for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he also brought into bondage.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 14

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 14.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 14:30.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary