And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.

LUKE 14:19KJV
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Luke 14:19 (KJV)

What does Luke 14:19 mean?

Luke 14:19 describes a person making an excuse for not attending a banquet, saying he has just bought five pairs of oxen and needs to go test them, so he asks to be excused. The verse shows someone prioritizing personal business over accepting an invitation.

In this scene, Jesus is telling a parable about a great banquet. The speaker in Luke 14:19 is one of several people who have been invited but offer excuses for not coming. The excuse given—testing newly purchased oxen—reflects everyday concerns and responsibilities that keep people from responding to the invitation. The verse highlights how ordinary affairs can become reasons for declining something significant.

The Greek behind Luke 14:19

  • The word ζεύγη (zeugē, "yoke") refers to a pair of oxen, so "five yoke of oxen" means ten animals, showing a substantial purchase and suggesting the person is fairly well-off.
  • The verb δοκιμάσαι (dokimasai, "to prove" or "to test") carries the sense of examining or trying out something to see if it works as expected. This makes the excuse sound practical, but also reveals the speaker's priorities.
  • The phrase ἔχε με παρῃτημένον (eche me parētēmenon, "have me excused") is a polite request to be released from an obligation, showing the speaker is trying to decline without causing offense.

Why Luke 14:19 matters

  • Luke 14:19 helps clarify that the excuses in the parable are not about emergencies but about routine life choices, making the point more relatable and challenging.
  • The verse emphasizes how even legitimate, everyday responsibilities can become obstacles to accepting important invitations or opportunities.
  • In the context of Jesus' parable, this excuse, along with others, highlights the theme of people missing out on something valuable because of misplaced priorities.

Where else these words appear

“yoke” Greek G2201 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 2:24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

“oxen” Greek G1016 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 13:15 The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
  • John 2:14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
  • 1 Corinthians 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

“excused” Greek G3868 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
  • 1 Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
  • Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

“prove” Greek G1381 · used in 21 verses

  • Luke 12:56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
  • 1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
  • Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;