And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

LUKE 14:17KJV
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Luke 14:17 (KJV)

What does Luke 14:17 mean?

Luke 14:17 describes a moment in one of Jesus’ parables where a man sends his servant to tell invited guests that the meal is ready and they should come. The verse shows that the host has prepared everything and now calls those who were already invited to join the supper.

In the setting of Luke 14, Jesus is speaking to people at a meal, using a story to illustrate a deeper point about God’s invitation. The “servant” is sent at “supper time,” meaning the moment has arrived for the guests to respond. The verse highlights the readiness of the host’s preparations and the expectation that those invited will now come without delay.

The Greek behind Luke 14:17

  • “Servant” (δοῦλος, doulos): This Greek word means a slave or servant, emphasizing the servant’s role as someone sent on behalf of the master, not acting on his own.
  • “Bidden” (κεκλημένοις, keklēmenois): This word means “those who have been called or invited.” It shows that the guests had already received an invitation before this moment.
  • “Ready” (ἕτοιμα, hetoima): The Greek word here means fully prepared or set in order, stressing that nothing more needs to be done—everything is in place for the meal.

Why Luke 14:17 matters

  • Luke 14:17 clears up that the invitation is not sudden or random; the guests had already been invited, and now the host is simply announcing that everything is prepared.
  • The verse emphasizes the generosity and readiness of the host, which, in the context of Jesus’ teaching, points to God’s readiness to welcome people.
  • This verse sets up the tension in the parable, as the response of those invited becomes the focus of the lesson that follows.

Where else these words appear

“supper” Greek G1173 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 23:6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
  • Luke 14:24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
  • John 21:20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

“ready” Greek G2092 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 22:4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
  • Luke 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.

“now” Greek G2235 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
  • John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

“time” Greek G5610 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
  • Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
  • John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.