Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

LUKE 14:32KJV
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Luke 14:32 (KJV)

What does Luke 14:32 mean?

Luke 14:32 describes a king who, realizing he cannot win against a stronger opponent, sends a delegation to ask for peace before the battle begins. Jesus uses this picture to illustrate the wisdom of recognizing one’s limitations and seeking peace rather than stubbornly pursuing a hopeless fight.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, using the example of two kings preparing for war. The story is part of a larger teaching about counting the cost of discipleship. By describing a king who seeks peace when outmatched, Jesus is encouraging careful thought and honest self-assessment before making big commitments.

The Greek behind Luke 14:32

  • ἀποστέλλω (apostellō, "sendeth"): This word means to send out, often with a sense of sending someone as a representative. Here, it highlights the king’s deliberate action to initiate peace talks rather than waiting passively.
  • πρεσβεία (presbeia, "ambassage"): This word refers to an embassy or group sent to negotiate. It emphasizes that the king is not just sending a message, but a formal group with authority to seek terms.
  • εἰρήνη (eirēnē, "peace"): This word means peace, but also carries the sense of harmony or reconciliation. The king’s goal is not just to avoid war, but to restore good relations.

Why Luke 14:32 matters

  • Luke 14:32 helps clear up the idea that following Jesus is only about enthusiasm; it shows the need for honest evaluation and humility.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Jesus urges people to count the cost before deciding to follow Him, using practical, real-life examples.
  • This verse reveals Jesus’ emphasis on wisdom and foresight, encouraging listeners to think ahead and make choices that lead to peace rather than unnecessary conflict.

Where else these words appear

“ambassage” Greek G4242 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 19:14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

“off” Greek G4206 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
  • Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

“else” Greek G1490 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
  • Luke 5:36 And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.
  • John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

“desireth” Greek G2065 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
  • John 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
  • John 16:30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.