And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

LUKE 17:8KJV
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Luke 17:8 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:8 mean?

Luke 17:8 describes a master telling his servant, after the servant has finished work in the field, to prepare the master's meal, get ready to serve, and wait on the master until he has finished eating and drinking; only then is the servant allowed to eat and drink himself. The verse uses this everyday scene to illustrate the expectation that a servant’s duty is not finished until the master’s needs are fully met.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, using the example of a servant and master to make a point about duty and humility. The verse is part of a short parable where Jesus asks whether a master would invite his servant to eat first, or expect the servant to serve him before taking care of himself. The focus is on the normal expectations of service in that culture, highlighting that fulfilling one's duty is simply what is expected, not something that earns special favor.

The Greek behind Luke 17:8

  • "γύψαι" (gird thyself, transliteration: gupsai): This word means to tie up one's clothing, often for active work or service. It emphasizes the readiness and effort expected of the servant.
  • "διακόνει" (serve, transliteration: diakonei): This word means to serve or wait upon, and is the root of the English word "deacon." It highlights the servant’s active role in meeting the master's needs.
  • "ἕως φάγω καὶ πίω" (till I have eaten and drunken, transliteration: heōs phagō kai piō): This phrase sets a clear boundary—the servant’s own needs are secondary until the master is satisfied.

Why Luke 17:8 matters

  • Luke 17:8 helps clear up any idea that serving God or others is something extra or above-and-beyond; in Jesus’ teaching, it is simply what is expected of a servant.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by setting up Jesus’ teaching on humility and the attitude his followers should have about their own service.
  • Understanding the cultural context of masters and servants in Jesus’ time helps modern readers grasp the weight of the example and the humility Jesus is calling for.

Where else these words appear

“sup” Greek G1172 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
  • Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

“thyself” Greek G4024 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
  • Acts 12:8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
  • Revelation 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

“serve” Greek G1247 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
  • Luke 8:3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

“ready” Greek G2090 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Luke 1:76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
  • John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.