Luke 14:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Turning to his host, Jesus counsels him not to fill his table with friends, family, and rich neighbors who can repay the invitation.
What Does Luke 14:12 Mean?
Having spoken to the guests, Jesus turns to the man who invited him. Dinners in that world ran on reciprocity: invitations were social investments, repaid with return invitations. Jesus names the system out loud — friends, brethren, kinsmen, rich neighbors, recompence — and tells his host not to build a table on it.
He speaks in the strong contrast of Hebrew speech: not this, but that. Family meals are not forbidden; calculated love is unmasked. Hospitality that expects repayment is commerce wearing a smile. Jesus calls his host — and us — to a table where love flows in one direction, the direction grace always flows.
Luke 14:12 in the Original Language
antapodoma (ἀνταπόδομα), 'recompence' -- a repayment in kind, favor returned for favor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 14:12
What does Luke 14:12 mean?
Turning to his host, Jesus counsels him not to fill his table with friends, family, and rich neighbors who can repay the invitation.