But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

LUKE 14:10KJV
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Luke 14:10 (KJV)

What does Luke 14:10 mean?

Luke 14:10 teaches that when you are invited to a gathering, you should choose a humble place rather than seeking the best spot, so that your host may invite you to a more honored position in front of others. This approach leads to being respected by those present, rather than risking embarrassment if asked to move down.

Jesus is speaking to guests at a meal, using a practical example from everyday life to illustrate the value of humility. The verse is part of a larger conversation where Jesus observes people choosing places of honor at a banquet and encourages a different attitude. The focus is on letting honor come from others, not seeking it for yourself.

The Greek behind Luke 14:10

  • "Lowest" (ἐσχάτῳ, eschatō): This word means the farthest or least important place. Jesus specifically tells listeners to pick the least desirable spot, highlighting a deliberate choice to be humble.
  • "Worship" (δόξα, doxa): Here, this word is often understood as "honor" or "glory" rather than religious worship. The verse is about being honored in front of others, not about worship in a spiritual sense.
  • "Friend" (φίλε, phile): The host addressing the guest as "friend" adds warmth and personal connection, showing that the invitation to move up is meant as a genuine gesture of esteem.

Why Luke 14:10 matters

  • Luke 14:10 clarifies that true honor is not something to be seized but something to be given by others, especially by those in authority or hosting.
  • The verse helps correct the common tendency to seek recognition or status, reminding readers that humility is more likely to lead to genuine respect.
  • In the wider context, this teaching sets the stage for Jesus’ broader lessons about humility and the upside-down values of God’s kingdom, where the last can become first.

Where else these words appear

“higher” Greek G511 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 10:8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;

“meat” Greek G4873 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
  • Mark 2:15 And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
  • Luke 7:49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

“down” Greek G377 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 15:35 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.
  • Luke 11:37 And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.
  • John 6:10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

“Friend” Greek G5384 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • Luke 15:6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
  • John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.