Luke 19:14 (KJV)

What does Luke 19:14 mean?

Luke 19:14 describes how the citizens of a certain man rejected him and sent a message after him, declaring that they did not want him to rule over them. This verse shows a clear refusal of the man’s authority by the people who were supposed to be under his leadership.

In the context of Luke 19, Jesus is telling a parable to a crowd, using the story of a nobleman who goes to a distant country to receive a kingdom. The "citizens" here represent people who do not want this nobleman as their king, and they actively oppose his rule. This sets up a contrast between the nobleman's servants and the citizens, highlighting themes of acceptance and rejection of rightful authority.

The Greek behind Luke 19:14

• The word for "hated" is μισέω (miseō), which means a deep, active hostility. This is not just mild dislike but a strong rejection.
• The phrase "will not have...to reign" uses θέλω (thelō) twice, meaning "to will" or "to want," and βασιλεύω (basileuō), meaning "to rule as king." The Greek construction emphasizes a deliberate and strong-willed refusal to accept the man's rule.
• The word for "sent a message" is πρέσβεια (presbeia), which often refers to an official delegation or embassy. This suggests the citizens’ rejection was formal and intentional, not just grumbling among themselves.

Why Luke 19:14 matters

• This verse clarifies that the rejection of the nobleman’s rule is not passive but active and organized, which adds weight to the story’s tension.
• Understanding the citizens’ hostility helps explain the later consequences in the parable, where the nobleman responds to those who rejected him.
• The verse connects to the broader theme in Luke’s Gospel of how people respond to rightful authority, especially in the context of Jesus’ own ministry and the reactions he faced.