Luke 14:28 (KJV)

What does Luke 14:28 mean?

Luke 14:28 uses the example of someone planning to build a tower, saying that anyone who intends to build first sits down and figures out if they have enough resources to finish the project. The verse highlights the importance of careful planning and considering the true cost before starting something significant.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, using a practical example from everyday life to make a point about thoughtful decision-making. The immediate context is about the cost of following Him, but here He draws on the familiar image of construction to show that wise people do not rush into big commitments without first weighing what it will take to see them through.

The Greek behind Luke 14:28

• "λογίζεται" (logizetai, translated here as "counteth"): This word means to reckon, calculate, or consider carefully. The Greek here carries the sense of doing a thoughtful assessment, not just a quick guess.
• "ἀναλώματα" (analōmata, translated here as "cost"): This word refers to the total expenses or resources needed. The focus is on the full amount required, not just the initial outlay.
• "ἐπαρκέω" (eparkeō, translated here as "have sufficient"): This word means to have enough or to be able to meet the need. The idea is not just starting, but having what it takes to finish.

Why Luke 14:28 matters

• Luke 14:28 clears up the idea that faith or commitment should be entered into lightly; it shows that Jesus values honest reflection and realism about what following Him involves.
• The verse emphasizes that starting something important without preparation can lead to failure or embarrassment, a lesson that applies both to spiritual commitments and practical life decisions.
• This teaching fits into a larger section where Jesus is warning people to count the cost of discipleship, making clear that following Him is a serious, thoughtful choice, not an impulsive one.