Luke 14:16 (KJV)

What does Luke 14:16 mean?

Luke 14:16 describes Jesus telling a story about a man who prepared a large banquet and invited many guests. The verse sets the stage for a parable about an open invitation to something generous and important.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a group of people at a meal, responding to someone who commented about eating in God’s kingdom. By mentioning a “great supper” and many being invited, Jesus introduces a lesson about who is welcomed and how people respond to invitations. The story that follows uses the image of a feast to make a point about God’s invitation and people’s reactions.

The Greek behind Luke 14:16

• The word for “great” is μέγας (megas), which means large or important. This highlights that the supper is not just any meal, but something significant and abundant.
• The word for “supper” is δεῖπνον (deipnon), often used for the main evening meal, suggesting a special occasion rather than an ordinary gathering.
• The verb for “bade” is καλέω (kaleō), meaning to call or invite. This word often carries the sense of a formal invitation, not just a casual suggestion, emphasizing the intention and effort behind the host’s action.

Why Luke 14:16 matters

• This verse begins a parable that challenges assumptions about who will accept God’s invitation, setting up a contrast between those who are invited and those who actually come.
• The emphasis on a “great supper” and “many” being invited shows the generosity and openness of the invitation, which is key to understanding the rest of Jesus’ teaching in this chapter.
• Understanding the setting helps clarify that Jesus is responding directly to ideas about belonging in God’s kingdom, making the story both a reply and a challenge to his listeners.