So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

LUKE 14:33KJV
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Luke 14:33 (KJV)

What does Luke 14:33 mean?

Luke 14:33 says that anyone who does not give up everything they have cannot be a disciple of Jesus. The verse stresses that following Jesus requires a willingness to let go of all personal possessions and attachments.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, explaining the cost of truly following him. He uses strong language to make clear that discipleship is not a casual commitment. The verse comes after examples about counting the cost before building a tower or going to war, showing that Jesus wants his listeners to seriously consider what it means to follow him.

The Greek behind Luke 14:33

  • The word "forsaketh" (ἀποτάσσεται, apotassetai) means to say farewell, renounce, or leave behind. Here, it carries the idea of willingly letting go of claim or ownership, not just physically but in the heart.
  • The phrase "all that he hath" uses two Greek words: πάντα (panta, "all") and ὑπάρχοντα ἑαυτοῦ (hyparchonta heautou, "the things belonging to himself"). This emphasizes not just wealth, but anything a person considers their own.
  • The word "disciple" (μαθητής, mathētēs) means a learner or follower. In this context, it highlights that being a disciple is more than just listening to teachings—it involves a total reorientation of life.

Why Luke 14:33 matters

  • Luke 14:33 clarifies that Jesus is not asking for a half-hearted commitment; he is calling for a willingness to surrender everything, which challenges common ideas about discipleship being easy or comfortable.
  • The verse ties directly to the earlier illustrations in the chapter, reinforcing that following Jesus is a serious, all-in decision, not something to be entered into lightly.
  • This teaching helps explain why some people in the Gospels turn away from Jesus when faced with the cost of discipleship, showing that he is upfront about what following him truly involves.

Where else these words appear

“forsaketh” Greek G657 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
  • Luke 9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
  • Acts 18:21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

“hath” Greek G5224 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
  • Luke 11:21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
  • Luke 16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

“be” Greek G1511 · used in 124 verses

  • Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
  • Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.