Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

LUKE 14:31KJV
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Luke 14:31 (KJV)

What does Luke 14:31 mean?

Luke 14:31 uses the example of a king considering war to illustrate the importance of careful planning and honest self-assessment before making a big decision. The verse describes a king who, before going to battle against another king with a larger army, sits down to decide if he can succeed with fewer troops.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, using a practical story to make a point about counting the cost of following him. The king’s careful consultation reflects the need to think seriously about commitments, especially when facing something difficult or costly. The story fits into a larger conversation where Jesus urges people to consider what it truly means to be his disciple.

The Greek behind Luke 14:31

  • βουλεύεται (bouleuetai, “consulteth”): This word means to deliberate or take counsel, highlighting that the king does not act rashly but thoughtfully weighs his chances before acting.
  • ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν (en deka chiliasin, “with ten thousand”): The phrase emphasizes the king’s limited resources, making the challenge clear and the need for wise judgment more pressing.
  • ὑπαντῆσαι (hupantēsai, “to meet”): This word carries the sense of going out to face or encounter, suggesting an active decision rather than passive waiting.

Why Luke 14:31 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the idea that following Jesus is a casual or easy choice; it stresses that real commitment involves serious thought and readiness for sacrifice.
  • It connects to the wider passage where Jesus talks about the cost of discipleship, showing that thoughtful preparation is wise and expected.
  • Luke 14:31 reminds readers that even in spiritual matters, practical wisdom and honest self-examination are valuable and necessary.

Where else these words appear

“make” Greek G4820 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
  • Acts 4:15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
  • Acts 18:27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

“consulteth” Greek G1011 · used in 6 verses

  • John 12:10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
  • Acts 5:33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
  • Acts 27:39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

“meet” Greek G528 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
  • Mark 14:13 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.
  • John 4:51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.

“twenty” Greek G1501 · used in 11 verses

  • John 6:19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
  • Revelation 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.