Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

LUKE 14:30KJV
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Luke 14:30 (KJV)

What does Luke 14:30 mean?

Luke 14:30 describes people pointing out that a man started building something but could not finish it. The verse highlights the embarrassment or failure that comes when someone begins a task without making sure they can see it through to the end.

In this scene, Jesus is telling a story to a crowd, using the example of a man who begins to build a tower but cannot complete it. The people around notice and comment on his unfinished project. This verse fits into a larger teaching where Jesus urges his listeners to count the cost before making important commitments, especially when it comes to following him.

The Greek behind Luke 14:30

  • λέγων (legōn, "Saying"): This word signals that the verse is reporting what people are saying about the man. It sets up the reaction of the onlookers, which is important for understanding the social aspect of the story.
  • ἄρξατο (ērxato, "began"): This verb often carries the sense of starting something significant. Here, it emphasizes that the man did not just plan, but actually started the building process.
  • οὐκ ἴσχυσεν (ouk ischysen, "was not able"): The Greek here means lacking the strength or resources to finish. It highlights not just a failure of planning, but an inability to complete what was started.
  • ἐκτελέσαι (ektelesai, "to finish"): This word means to bring something to completion. The focus is on the importance of seeing a task all the way through, not just starting it.

Why Luke 14:30 matters

  • Luke 14:30 clears up that Jesus is not just talking about construction, but using a real-life example to illustrate the importance of careful planning and commitment.
  • The verse shows the social consequences of failing to finish what you start—others notice and may even mock or criticize.
  • This verse connects to the broader message of Luke 14, where Jesus teaches about the cost of discipleship and the need to consider what following him truly requires.

Where else these words appear

“finish” Greek G1615 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

“was” Greek G2480 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
  • Acts 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

“build” Greek G3618 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Luke 4:29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.
  • Acts 7:47 But Solomon built him an house.

“began” Greek G756 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Mark 10:41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
  • 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.