New International VersionFor if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you,
New Living TranslationOtherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you.
English Standard VersionOtherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,
Berean Standard BibleOtherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him,
Berean Literal BibleOtherwise, he having laid its foundation and not being able to finish, all seeing it may begin to mock him,
King James BibleLest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
New King James Versionlest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,
New American Standard BibleOtherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who are watching it will begin to ridicule him,
NASB 1995“Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him,
NASB 1977“Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him,
Legacy Standard BibleLest, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him,
Amplified BibleOtherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is unable to finish [the building], all who see it will begin to ridicule him,
Christian Standard BibleOtherwise, after he has laid the foundation and cannot finish it, all the onlookers will begin to ridicule him,
Holman Christian Standard BibleOtherwise, after he has laid the foundation and cannot finish it, all the onlookers will begin to make fun of him,
American Standard VersionLest haply, when he hath laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all that behold begin to mock him,
Contemporary English VersionOtherwise, you will start building the tower, but not be able to finish. Then everyone who sees what is happening will laugh at you.
English Revised VersionLest haply, when he hath laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all that behold begin to mock him,
GOD'S WORD® TranslationOtherwise, if you lay a foundation and can't finish the building, everyone who watches will make fun of you.
Good News TranslationIf you don't, you will not be able to finish the tower after laying the foundation; and all who see what happened will make fun of you.
International Standard VersionOtherwise, if he lays a foundation and can't finish the building, everyone who watches will begin to ridicule him
NET BibleOtherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish the tower, all who see it will begin to make fun of him.
New Heart English BibleOr perhaps, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock him,
Webster's Bible TranslationLest perhaps after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
Weymouth New Testamentlest perhaps, when he has laid the foundation and is unable to finish, all who see it shall begin to jeer at him, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOtherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him,
World English BibleOr perhaps, when he has laid a foundation and isn’t able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock him, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionLest that he having laid a foundation, and not being able to finish, all who are beholding may begin to mock him,
Berean Literal BibleOtherwise, he having laid its foundation and not being able to finish, all seeing it may begin to mock him,
Young's Literal Translation lest that he having laid a foundation, and not being able to finish, all who are beholding may begin to mock him,
Smith's Literal TranslationThat lest, having set the foundation, and not able to finish, all seeing begin to mock him, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLest, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able ti finish it, all that see it begin to mock him,
Catholic Public Domain VersionOtherwise, after he will have laid the foundation and not been able to finish it, everyone who sees it may begin to mock him,
New American BibleOtherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him
New Revised Standard VersionOtherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleLest after he has laid the foundation, he is not able to finish it, and all who see it will mock him,
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“Lest when he lays the foundation and cannot finish, all who see will mock him,” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentLest, when he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all that see it begin to deride him,
Godbey New TestamentLest he having laid the foundation, and being unable to complete it, all who see it may begin to mock him,
Haweis New Testament
lest haply, after having laid the foundation, and being unable to finish it, all who look upon it begin to ridicule him,
Mace New Testament
for fear he should be made the jest of every spectator, for laying the foundation, without being able to carry it on.
Weymouth New Testament
lest perhaps, when he has laid the foundation and is unable to finish, all who see it shall begin to jeer at him,
Worrell New Testament
lest, perhaps, having laid a foundation, and not being able to finishit, all who behold begin to mock him,
Worsley New Testament
least having laid a foundation and not being able to finish,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Cost of Discipleship… 28Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it? 29Otherwise,if he laysthefoundationandis unableto finish the work,everyonewhosees itwill ridiculehim,30saying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’…
Cross References Matthew 7:26-27But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse!”
Proverbs 24:27Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house.
Proverbs 24:30-34I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. / Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. / I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: ...
James 1:23-24For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. / For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. / If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, ...
Matthew 25:1-13“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ...
Proverbs 21:5The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Ecclesiastes 10:18Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.
2 Peter 1:10Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,
Hebrews 3:14We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first.
Philippians 1:6being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:19Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
Isaiah 28:16So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.
Ephesians 2:20-22built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. / In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. / And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.
1 Peter 2:6For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”
Treasury of Scripture Lest haply, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Jump to Previous AbleBeginBeginsBeholdingEndFearFinishFoundationHaplyJeerLaidLaughingMakesMockObserveOrderOtherwisePerhapsRidiculeStartUnableJump to Next AbleBeginBeginsBeholdingEndFearFinishFoundationHaplyJeerLaidLaughingMakesMockObserveOrderOtherwisePerhapsRidiculeStartUnableLuke 14 1.Jesus heals the dropsy on the Sabbath;7.teaches humility;12.to feast the poor;15.under the parable of the great supper,23.shows how worldly minded men shall be shut out of heaven.25.Those who will be his disciples, to bear their cross must make their accounts beforehand,31.lest with shame they revolt from him afterward;34.and become altogether unprofitable, like salt that has lost its flavor.Otherwise, if he lays the foundationIn the context of Jesus' teaching, laying a foundation refers to the initial commitment or decision to follow Him. This imagery of building is common in Scripture, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, where Paul speaks of Jesus Christ as the only foundation. The foundation is crucial, symbolizing the beginning of a spiritual journey or project. In ancient construction, a solid foundation was essential for the stability of any building, reflecting the importance of a strong start in one's faith. and is unable to finish the work,
This phrase highlights the necessity of perseverance and counting the cost of discipleship. In the cultural context of the time, failing to complete a building project would bring shame and dishonor. Similarly, in the Christian life, starting the journey without the resolve to continue can lead to spiritual failure. This echoes the parable of the sower inMatthew 13:20-21, where seeds sown on rocky ground spring up quickly but wither due to lack of depth. everyone who sees it will ridicule him,
Public perception and honor were significant in the ancient Near Eastern culture. A half-finished building would be a public spectacle, leading to mockery. This serves as a warning about the consequences of not fully committing to the path of discipleship. The ridicule represents the spiritual and social consequences of failing to live out one's faith. This can be connected to the broader biblical theme of the importance of finishing the race, as seen in2 Timothy 4:7, where Paul speaks of having "finished the race" and "kept the faith." Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this parable, teaching about the cost of discipleship. 2. The BuilderRepresents anyone who sets out to follow Christ without fully considering the cost. 3. The FoundationSymbolizes the initial commitment to follow Jesus. 4. The WorkThe ongoing journey and challenges of living a Christian life. 5. The OnlookersThose who observe the builder's failure, representing the world that watches Christians. Teaching Points Counting the CostBefore committing to follow Christ, one must consider the sacrifices and challenges involved. Discipleship requires a wholehearted commitment. Laying a Strong FoundationOur foundation must be Jesus Christ. Without Him, our efforts will falter. This involves regular prayer, study of the Word, and fellowship with other believers. Perseverance in FaithThe Christian journey is ongoing. We must be prepared to face trials and continue building our faith through them. Witness to the WorldOur lives are a testimony to others. Incomplete or inconsistent faith can lead to ridicule and damage our witness. Reliance on God's StrengthWe cannot complete the work on our own. We must rely on God's strength and guidance to finish the race. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 14:29?
2.How does Luke 14:29 emphasize the importance of planning in Christian life?
3.What lessons about discipleship can be drawn from Luke 14:29's building analogy?
4.How does Luke 14:29 connect with Proverbs 24:27 on preparation?
5.In what ways can Luke 14:29 guide financial stewardship for believers?
6.How can Luke 14:29 inspire commitment to spiritual growth and maturity?
7.What does Luke 14:29 teach about the importance of planning in one's spiritual life?
8.How does Luke 14:29 relate to the concept of discipleship and commitment?
9.Why is counting the cost emphasized in Luke 14:29?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 14?
11.Why is Christian communion important?
12.Luke 14:3-4: How can Jesus justify healing on the Sabbath, when Old Testament law (Exodus 20:8-11) seems strict about keeping it holy?
13.Luke 14:28-33: Is giving up 'everything' truly feasible, and why do we see inconsistencies in how this was practiced historically?
14.What teachings does The Gospel of Barnabas convey?What Does Luke 14:29 Mean Otherwise- The word points back to Jesus’ command to “first sit down and count the cost” (Luke 14:28). - Two contrasting outcomes are in view: • Careful calculation leads to completion (Proverbs 24:3-4). • Neglect leads to loss and regret (1 Corinthians 3:15). - Similar warnings appear inMatthew 25:8-9, where the unprepared bridesmaids face an “otherwise” moment.
if he lays the foundation- The builder actually begins construction, picturing someone who publicly starts to follow Christ (Mark 10:17-22). - A foundation in Scripture speaks of an initial act of faith (1 Corinthians 3:11;Hebrews 6:1). - Beginning implies: • Visible commitment. • Real investment of time, resources, and reputation. • Raised expectations among observers.
and is unable to finish the work- The problem is not small beginnings but stopping short (Galatians 5:7). - Common reasons for failure: • Love for the present world (2 Timothy 4:10). • Pressure, trouble, or persecution (Matthew 13:20-21). • Partial surrender (John 6:60-66). - Jesus warns that discipleship begun without full resolve is unsustainable (Luke 9:62).
everyone who sees it- Like a tower, discipleship is lived in public view (Philippians 2:15). - Onlookers include: • Family and friends (1 Peter 2:12). • Fellow believers (Hebrews 12:15). • Skeptics seeking grounds to dismiss the gospel (Romans 2:24).
will ridicule him- Mockery is the social cost of a half-built life of faith (Proverbs 19:3). - Biblical parallels: • Noah endured taunts yet finished (Hebrews 11:7); the unfinished builder earns scorn for quitting. • Lot’s warning was laughed at; failure to follow through invites derision (Genesis 19:14). - The ridicule is warranted; it mirrors the fate of the one who hears Christ’s words but fails to act, whose house collapses in the storm (Luke 6:49).
summaryLuke 14:29 stresses that beginning with Christ is only the first step. Unless a disciple counts the cost and commits all the way to completion, the unfinished testimony becomes a public spectacle that shames the individual and discredits the witness of the gospel.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Otherwise,ἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.if he laysθέντος(thentos)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5087:To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.[the]αὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.foundationθεμέλιον(themelion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2310:From a derivative of tithemi; something put down, i.e. A substruction.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.is unableἰσχύοντος(ischyontos)Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2480:To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.to finish [the work],ἐκτελέσαι(ektelesai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1615:To complete, bring to completion, carry out, perform. From ek and teleo; to complete fully.everyoneπάντες(pantes)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.whoοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.sees [it]θεωροῦντες(theōrountes)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2334:From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge).will ridiculeἐμπαίζειν(empaizein)Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1702:To mock, ridicule. From en and paizo; to jeer at, i.e. Deride.him,αὐτῷ(autō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Gospels: Luke 14:29 Or perhaps when he has laid (Luke Lu Lk) |
