Luke 14:21 (KJV)

What does Luke 14:21 mean?

Luke 14:21 describes how, after being rejected by the original invited guests, the master of the house tells his servant to quickly go out into the city and bring in the poor, the disabled, the lame, and the blind. This shows the master's determination to fill his banquet with people, especially those who are usually left out or overlooked.

In this scene, Jesus is telling a parable at a dinner with religious leaders. The "servant" reports that the invited guests have refused to come, which angers the "master" (representing God). The master then sends the servant to gather people from the streets and alleys—those who would not normally be invited to such a feast—highlighting the openness and generosity of God's invitation.

The Greek behind Luke 14:21

• The word for "servant" (δοῦλος, doulos) means a household slave or servant, emphasizing the servant’s role as someone carrying out the master's will without question.
• The word for "streets" (πλατεῖαι, plateiai) refers to broad public roads, while "lanes" (ῥύμας, rhymas) means narrower side streets or alleys. This pairing suggests a thorough search everywhere in the city, not just the main places.
• The terms for "poor" (πτωχούς, ptōchous), "maimed" (ἀναπήρους, anapērous), "halt" (χωλούς, chōlous), and "blind" (τυφλούς, typhlous) all point to people who were marginalized in society, making the invitation especially striking.

Why Luke 14:21 matters

• Luke 14:21 clears up the idea that only certain people are welcome in God’s kingdom; the invitation is for everyone, especially those who are often excluded.
• The verse highlights the urgency ("quickly") and determination of the master, showing that God actively seeks out people to join Him, not passively waiting for a response.
• This verse sets up the rest of the parable, where the master's generosity goes even further, helping readers see the wide reach of God’s grace in the context of Jesus’ teaching.