Luke 14:31
What does Luke 14:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 14:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 14:31 means
Jesus shifts to a king going to war. Before engaging, he sits down to consider whether he can meet an approaching enemy with superior numbers. The image underlines strategy, realism, and humility. Rushing into battle without assessment is reckless. Discipleship, like warfare, involves opposition and risk. Counting the cost recognizes that following Jesus will pit one against sin, the world’s values, and sometimes hostile powers. Wisdom asks: am I ready to entrust everything to my King? The analogy calls for thoughtful allegiance and, implicitly, for seeking the strength that comes from God, not from one’s own resources.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Or 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?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Or 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?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Or what king, going to war with another king, will not first take thought if he will be strong enough, with ten thousand men, to keep off him who comes against him with twenty thousand?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Or what king going on to engage with another king in war, doth not, having sat down, first consult if he be able with ten thousand to meet him who with twenty thousand is coming against him?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Or, what king, about to go to make war against another king, doth not first sit down and think whether he be able, with ten thousand, to meet him that, with twenty thousand, cometh against him?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Or what king, going on his way to engage in war with another king, does not, sitting down first, take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him coming against him with twenty thousand?
Context
This second analogy complements the tower builder, using a high-stakes scenario to make the same point: consider carefully before committing. The next verse will show the alternative when the king cannot prevail—seeking terms of peace while the enemy is still far off. The movement prepares for Jesus’ explicit application in verse 33, equating such prudence with renouncing all one has to be His disciple. The war image also sets up the salt warning by implying the need for resolute, distinctive commitment.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 25:8
Go not forth hastily to strive, Lestthou know notwhat to do in the end thereof, When thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.
- Proverbs 20:18
Every purpose is established by counsel; And by wise guidance make thou war.
- 2 Kings 18:20
Thou sayest (but they are but vain words), There is counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou hast rebelled against me?
- 1 Kings 20:11
And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell him, Let not him that girdeth on his armor boast himself as he that putteth it off.
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