New International Versionsaying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
New Living TranslationThey would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’
English Standard Versionsaying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’
Berean Standard Biblesaying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’
Berean Literal Biblesaying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'
King James BibleSaying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
New King James Versionsaying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’?
New American Standard Biblesaying, ‘This person began to build, and was not able to finish!’
NASB 1995saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’
NASB 1977saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’
Legacy Standard Biblesaying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’
Amplified Biblesaying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish!’
Christian Standard Biblesaying, ‘This man started to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
Holman Christian Standard Biblesaying, This man started to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
American Standard Versionsaying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
Contemporary English VersionThey will say, "You started building, but could not finish the job."
English Revised Versionsaying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThey'll say, 'This person started to build but couldn't finish the job.'
Good News Translation'You began to build but can't finish the job!' they will say.
International Standard Versionand say, 'This person started a building but couldn't finish it.'
NET BibleThey will say, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish!'
New Heart English Biblesaying, 'This man began to build, and was not able to finish.'
Webster's Bible TranslationSaying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
Weymouth New Testamentsaying, 'This man began to build, but could not finish.' Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblesaying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’
World English Biblesaying, ‘This man began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionsaying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
Berean Literal Biblesaying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'
Young's Literal Translation saying -- This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
Smith's Literal TranslationSaying, That this man began to build, and was not able to finish. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSaying: This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
Catholic Public Domain Versionsaying: ‘This man began to build what he was not able to finish.’
New American Bibleand say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’
New Revised Standard Versionsaying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSaying, This man began to build, but he was not able to finish.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“And they say, 'This man began to build and could not finish?” NT Translations Anderson New Testamentsaying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
Godbey New Testament
saying, that this man began to build, and was not able to complete it.
Haweis New Testament
saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
Mace New Testament
this man, will they say, began to build, but wanted stock to finish.
Weymouth New Testament
saying, 'This man began to build, but could not finish.'
Worrell New Testament
saying, 'This man began to build, and was not able to finish!'
Worsley New Testament
all that seeit, should deride him, saying, this man began to build and was not able to finish.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Cost of Discipleship… 29Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30saying,‘Thismancouldnotfinishwhat he startedto build.’31Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand?…
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!”
Matthew 21:42-44Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? / Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. / He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.”
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 1:22-24Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. / For 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, ...
Isaiah 28:16-17So 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. / I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place.
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. ...
Ezekiel 13:10-16Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built, / tell those whitewashing the wall that it will fall. Rain will come in torrents, I will send hailstones plunging down, and a windstorm will burst forth. / Surely when the wall has fallen, you will not be asked, ‘Where is the whitewash with which you covered it?’ ...
1 Peter 2:6-8For 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.” / To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” / and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed.
Matthew 13:19-23When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. / The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. / But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. ...
Psalm 127:1A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.
Hebrews 3:4And every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.
Matthew 16:18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Jeremiah 18:15-17Yet My people have forgotten Me. They burn incense to worthless idols that make them stumble in their ways, leaving the ancient roads to walk on rutted bypaths instead of on the highway. / They have made their land a desolation, a perpetual object of scorn; all who pass by will be appalled and shake their heads. / I will scatter them before the enemy like the east wind. I will show them My back and not My face in the day of their calamity.”
Romans 9:32-33Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, / as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”
Treasury of Scripture Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Matthew 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Matthew 27:3-8 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, … Acts 1:18,19 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out… Jump to Previous AbleBuildBuildingCompleteFellowFinishStartWasn'tJump to Next AbleBuildBuildingCompleteFellowFinishStartWasn'tLuke 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.saying,This phrase introduces a statement or declaration, often used in parables to convey a moral or spiritual lesson. In the context of Luke 14, Jesus is teaching about the cost of discipleship, using parables to illustrate the importance of considering the commitment required to follow Him. ‘This man
The reference to "this man" is a hypothetical individual in the parable. In the broader context, it represents anyone who undertakes a significant task without proper planning or commitment. This can be seen as a metaphor for those who wish to follow Christ without fully understanding or accepting the sacrifices involved. could not finish
The inability to finish highlights the importance of perseverance and foresight. Biblically, this can be connected to the idea of enduring faith, as seen in passages likeHebrews 12:1-2, which encourages believers to run the race with endurance. It underscores the necessity of counting the cost before embarking on a spiritual journey. what he started to build.’
Building is a common biblical metaphor for spiritual growth and the establishment of God's kingdom. In the historical context, construction projects required careful planning and resources, much like the spiritual life requires dedication and commitment. This phrase can be linked to1 Corinthians 3:10-15, where Paul speaks of building on the foundation of Christ with care, ensuring that one's work will withstand the test of time. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of the parable, teaching about the cost of discipleship. 2. The BuilderA hypothetical person in Jesus' parable who begins a construction project without calculating the cost. 3. The CrowdThe audience to whom Jesus is speaking, including His disciples and others following Him. 4. The TowerThe structure that the builder intends to construct, symbolizing any significant undertaking or commitment. 5. The MockersThose who ridicule the builder for failing to complete the project, representing societal judgment and the consequences of unpreparedness. Teaching Points Counting the Cost of DiscipleshipJesus uses this parable to illustrate the importance of understanding the commitment required to follow Him. Discipleship demands full dedication and awareness of potential sacrifices. Planning and PreparationJust as the builder should have calculated the cost before starting, Christians are encouraged to thoughtfully consider their spiritual journey and commitments. Avoiding Spiritual IncompletionThe ridicule faced by the builder serves as a warning against starting a spiritual journey without the intention or resources to see it through. Believers should seek God's guidance and strength to persevere. Faithfulness in CommitmentsThis passage challenges believers to be faithful in their commitments, whether in ministry, personal growth, or relationships, reflecting God's faithfulness to us. Witness to the WorldThe unfinished tower serves as a public testimony of failure. Christians are called to live lives that reflect the completeness and sufficiency of Christ, serving as a positive witness to others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 14:30?
2.How does Luke 14:30 warn against starting projects without proper planning?
3.What does "began to build and was not able to finish" teach us?
4.How can Proverbs 16:3 guide us in planning, as seen in Luke 14:30?
5.How can we apply Luke 14:30 to our spiritual growth and commitments?
6.What steps can we take to ensure we complete what we start for God?
7.What does Luke 14:30 reveal about the cost of discipleship in Christianity?
8.How does Luke 14:30 challenge believers to evaluate their commitment to faith?
9.What historical context influences the interpretation of Luke 14:30?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 14?
11.Who is Jesus Christ?
12.How can one persistently strive to achieve their goals?
13.Luke 14:28-33: Is giving up 'everything' truly feasible, and why do we see inconsistencies in how this was practiced historically?
14.According to the gospels, what were the last words of Jesus before he died? Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit! (Luke 23:46) 'It is finished' (John 19:30)What Does Luke 14:30 Mean This man• Jesus is picturing any would-be disciple, putting the spotlight on personal responsibility. • “For which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost…?” (Luke 14:28-29). The phrase “which of you” moves the story from hypothetical to personal. • Scripture consistently calls each person to self-examination: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). • The focus stays on one individual so we understand that no one can rely on group enthusiasm; commitment to Christ is always personal (Romans 14:12).
could not finish• The warning is failure, not merely difficulty. The man ran out of resources and resolve before the work was done. • Jesus highlights the disgrace of quitting: “Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish, everyone who sees it will ridicule him” (Luke 14:29). • Scripture urges endurance: – “You were running well. Who has hindered you…?” (Galatians 5:7). – Paul models the opposite: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course” (2 Timothy 4:7). – Jesus Himself warns, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).
what he started• Beginning a life of discipleship is more than a momentary decision; it is an ongoing walk. • Initial enthusiasm without perseverance proves empty. Many “turned back and no longer walked with Him” (John 6:66). • Hebrews ties present faith to future continuance: “We have become partakers of Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at first” (Hebrews 3:14). • The man’s start reveals intent, yet intent is meaningless without completion (James 1:22-25).
to build• Building evokes steady, costly labor—an image Jesus often applies to spiritual growth. • “According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds” (1 Corinthians 3:10). • The only sure foundation is Christ Himself (1 Corinthians 3:11), and wisdom dictates counting the price of materials and effort (Proverbs 24:3-4). • Discipleship demands total allegiance: “Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27). The tower image underscores that following Jesus is a construction project of the whole life, not a weekend remodel.
summaryLuke 14:30 pictures a man whose unfinished tower exposes shallow commitment. Jesus uses the scene to press home the necessity of counting the true cost of discipleship. Starting with good intentions is not enough; only those who, by God’s grace, persevere in wholehearted obedience will complete the structure of faith and stand unashamed before onlookers and before the Lord.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek saying,λέγοντες(legontes)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.‘ThisΟὗτος(Houtos)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.manἄνθρωπος(anthrōpos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.couldἴσχυσεν(ischysen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person 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.notοὐκ(ouk)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.finishἐκτελέσαι(ektelesai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1615:To complete, bring to completion, carry out, perform. From ek and teleo; to complete fully.what he startedἤρξατο(ērxato)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 756:To begin. Middle voice of archo; to commence.to build.’οἰκοδομεῖν(oikodomein)Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3618:From the same as oikodome; to be a house-builder, i.e. Construct or confirm.
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NT Gospels: Luke 14:30 Saying 'This man began to build (Luke Lu Lk) |
