Luke 14:8 Meaning and Explanation
“When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →When invited to a wedding feast, Jesus says, do not seat yourself in the highest place, for a more honored guest may have been invited.
What Does Luke 14:8 Mean?
The parable begins as practical counsel for a wedding feast, echoing the wisdom of Proverbs 25:6-7: do not claim the best seat, because the host may have invited someone of greater honor than you. The 'room' here, in older English, is a place at the table, not a chamber.
Self-exaltation always rests on a guess — that no one present outranks me — and the guess can fail in public. Jesus teaches his hearers to stop estimating their own worth upward. Honor is real in his kingdom, but it is conferred, never seized. The seat we assign ourselves is the one seat we cannot keep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 14:8
What does Luke 14:8 mean?
When invited to a wedding feast, Jesus says, do not seat yourself in the highest place, for a more honored guest may have been invited.