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.