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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 14:30 saying, 'This man could not finish what he started to build.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/14-30.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/42_Luk_14_30.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 14:30 - The Cost of Discipleship" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="saying, 'This man could not finish what he started to build.'" /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/14-29.htm" title="Luke 14:29">◄</a> Luke 14:30 <a href="/luke/14-31.htm" title="Luke 14:31">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/luke/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/luke/14.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />saying, &#8216This person began to build and wasn&#8217t able to finish.&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/luke/14.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/luke/14.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/luke/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />saying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/luke/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/luke/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/luke/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />saying, ‘This person began to build, and was not able to finish!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/luke/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />saying, &#8216This man began to build and was not able to finish.&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/luke/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/luke/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/luke/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/luke/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />saying, ‘This man started to build and wasn’t able to finish.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/luke/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />saying, This man started to build and wasn&#8217t able to finish.&#8217 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/luke/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/luke/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They will say, "You started building, but could not finish the job." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/luke/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/luke/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They'll say, 'This person started to build but couldn't finish the job.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/luke/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />'You began to build but can't finish the job!' they will say. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/luke/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and say, 'This person started a building but couldn't finish it.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/luke/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />saying, ?This man could not finish what he started to build.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/luke/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They will say, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish!'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/luke/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />saying, 'This man began to build, and was not able to finish.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/luke/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />saying, 'This man began to build, but could not finish.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/luke/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />saying, ‘This man began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/luke/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/luke/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> saying -- This man began to build, and was not able to finish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/luke/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Saying, That this man began to build, and was not able to finish.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/luke/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Saying: This man began to build, and was not able to finish. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/luke/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />saying: ‘This man began to build what he was not able to finish.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/luke/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/luke/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/luke/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Saying, This man began to build, but he was not able to finish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/14.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“And they say, 'This man began to build and could not finish?”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/luke/14.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/luke/14.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>saying, that this man began to build, and was not able to complete it.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/luke/14.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/luke/14.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />this man, will they say, began to build, but wanted stock to finish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />saying, 'This man began to build, but could not finish.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/luke/14.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>saying, 'This man began to build, and was not able to finish!'<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/luke/14.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>all that see <Fr><i>it,</i><FR> should deride him, saying, this man began to build and was not able to finish.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/luke/14-30.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=6091" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/luke/14.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">29</span>Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, <span class="reftext">30</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">saying,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: Houtos (DPro-NMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">‘This</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpos (N-NMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">man</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2480.htm" title="2480: ischysen (V-AIA-3S) -- To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.">could</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/1615.htm" title="1615: ektelesai (V-ANA) -- To complete, bring to completion, carry out, perform. From ek and teleo; to complete fully.">finish</a> <a href="/greek/756.htm" title="756: ērxato (V-AIM-3S) -- To begin. Middle voice of archo; to commence.">what he started</a> <a href="/greek/3618.htm" title="3618: oikodomein (V-PNA) -- From the same as oikodome; to be a house-builder, i.e. Construct or confirm.">to build.’</a> </span> <span class="reftext">31</span>Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-26.htm">Matthew 7:26-27</a></span><br />But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Matthew 21:42-44</a></span><br />Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? / Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. / He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Proverbs 24:30-34</a></span><br />I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. / Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. / I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22-24</a></span><br />Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. / For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10-15</a></span><br />By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. / For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. / If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Isaiah 28:16-17</a></span><br />So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. / I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a></span><br />“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/13-10.htm">Ezekiel 13:10-16</a></span><br />Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built, / tell those whitewashing the wall that it will fall. Rain will come in torrents, I will send hailstones plunging down, and a windstorm will burst forth. / Surely when the wall has fallen, you will not be asked, ‘Where is the whitewash with which you covered it?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">1 Peter 2:6-8</a></span><br />For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” / To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” / and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-19.htm">Matthew 13:19-23</a></span><br />When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. / The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. / But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/127-1.htm">Psalm 127:1</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/3-4.htm">Hebrews 3:4</a></span><br />And every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Matthew 16:18</a></span><br />And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/18-15.htm">Jeremiah 18:15-17</a></span><br />Yet My people have forgotten Me. They burn incense to worthless idols that make them stumble in their ways, leaving the ancient roads to walk on rutted bypaths instead of on the highway. / They have made their land a desolation, a perpetual object of scorn; all who pass by will be appalled and shake their heads. / I will scatter them before the enemy like the east wind. I will show them My back and not My face in the day of their calamity.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-32.htm">Romans 9:32-33</a></span><br />Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, / as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/7-27.htm">Matthew 7:27</a></b></br> And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/27-3.htm">Matthew 27:3-8</a></b></br> Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/1-18.htm">Acts 1:18,19</a></b></br> Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/14-29.htm">Able</a> <a href="/luke/14-28.htm">Build</a> <a href="/luke/14-28.htm">Building</a> <a href="/luke/14-28.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/luke/14-15.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/luke/14-29.htm">Finish</a> <a href="/luke/14-29.htm">Start</a> <a href="/matthew/15-24.htm">Wasn't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Able</a> <a href="/luke/19-43.htm">Build</a> <a href="/luke/17-28.htm">Building</a> <a href="/luke/21-32.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/luke/22-59.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/john/4-34.htm">Finish</a> <a href="/luke/17-23.htm">Start</a> <a href="/john/6-24.htm">Wasn't</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/14-1.htm">Jesus heals the dropsy on the Sabbath;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/14-7.htm">teaches humility;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/14-12.htm">to feast the poor;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/14-15.htm">under the parable of the great supper, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/14-23.htm">shows how worldly minded men shall be shut out of heaven.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/14-25.htm">Those who will be his disciples, to bear their cross must make their accounts beforehand,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/14-31.htm">lest with shame they revolt from him afterward;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/14-34.htm">and become altogether unprofitable, like salt that has lost its flavor.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>saying,</b><br>This phrase introduces a statement or declaration, often used in parables to convey a moral or spiritual lesson. In the context of <a href="/luke/14.htm">Luke 14</a>, Jesus is teaching about the cost of discipleship, using parables to illustrate the importance of considering the commitment required to follow Him.<p><b>‘This man</b><br>The reference to "this man" is a hypothetical individual in the parable. In the broader context, it represents anyone who undertakes a significant task without proper planning or commitment. This can be seen as a metaphor for those who wish to follow Christ without fully understanding or accepting the sacrifices involved.<p><b>could not finish</b><br>The inability to finish highlights the importance of perseverance and foresight. Biblically, this can be connected to the idea of enduring faith, as seen in passages like <a href="/hebrews/12.htm">Hebrews 12:1-2</a>, which encourages believers to run the race with endurance. It underscores the necessity of counting the cost before embarking on a spiritual journey.<p><b>what he started to build.’</b><br>Building is a common biblical metaphor for spiritual growth and the establishment of God's kingdom. In the historical context, construction projects required careful planning and resources, much like the spiritual life requires dedication and commitment. This phrase can be linked to <a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10-15</a>, where Paul speaks of building on the foundation of Christ with care, ensuring that one's work will withstand the test of time.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of the parable, teaching about the cost of discipleship.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_builder.htm">The Builder</a></b><br>A hypothetical person in Jesus' parable who begins a construction project without calculating the cost.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a></b><br>The audience to whom Jesus is speaking, including His disciples and others following Him.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tower.htm">The Tower</a></b><br>The structure that the builder intends to construct, symbolizing any significant undertaking or commitment.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_mockers.htm">The Mockers</a></b><br>Those who ridicule the builder for failing to complete the project, representing societal judgment and the consequences of unpreparedness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/counting_the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">Counting the Cost of Discipleship</a></b><br>Jesus uses this parable to illustrate the importance of understanding the commitment required to follow Him. Discipleship demands full dedication and awareness of potential sacrifices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/planning_and_preparation.htm">Planning and Preparation</a></b><br>Just as the builder should have calculated the cost before starting, Christians are encouraged to thoughtfully consider their spiritual journey and commitments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_spiritual_incompletion.htm">Avoiding Spiritual Incompletion</a></b><br>The ridicule faced by the builder serves as a warning against starting a spiritual journey without the intention or resources to see it through. Believers should seek God's guidance and strength to persevere.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_commitments.htm">Faithfulness in Commitments</a></b><br>This passage challenges believers to be faithful in their commitments, whether in ministry, personal growth, or relationships, reflecting God's faithfulness to us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witness_to_the_world.htm">Witness to the World</a></b><br>The unfinished tower serves as a public testimony of failure. Christians are called to live lives that reflect the completeness and sufficiency of Christ, serving as a positive witness to others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_jesus_christ.htm">Who is Jesus Christ?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_nahash_in_the_bible.htm">How can one persistently strive to achieve their goals?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_giving_up_'all'_truly_feasible.htm">Luke 14:28-33: Is giving up 'everything' truly feasible, and why do we see inconsistencies in how this was practiced historically?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_were_jesus'_last_words.htm">According to the gospels, what were the last words of Jesus before he died? Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit! (Luke 23:46) 'It is finished' (John 19:30)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/luke/14-30.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">saying,</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγοντες</span> <span class="translit">(legontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘This</span><br /><span class="grk">Οὗτος</span> <span class="translit">(Houtos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">man</span><br /><span class="grk">ἄνθρωπος</span> <span class="translit">(anthrōpos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">could</span><br /><span class="grk">ἴσχυσεν</span> <span class="translit">(ischysen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2480.htm">Strong's 2480: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ouk)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">finish</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκτελέσαι</span> <span class="translit">(ektelesai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1615.htm">Strong's 1615: </a> </span><span class="str2">To complete, bring to completion, carry out, perform. From ek and teleo; to complete fully.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what he started</span><br /><span class="grk">ἤρξατο</span> <span class="translit">(ērxato)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_756.htm">Strong's 756: </a> </span><span class="str2">To begin. Middle voice of archo; to commence.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to build.’</span><br /><span class="grk">οἰκοδομεῖν</span> <span class="translit">(oikodomein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3618.htm">Strong's 3618: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the same as oikodome; to be a house-builder, i.e. Construct or confirm.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/14-30.htm">Luke 14:30 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/luke/14-30.htm">Luke 14:30 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/luke/14-30.htm">Luke 14:30 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/luke/14-30.htm">Luke 14:30 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/luke/14-30.htm">Luke 14:30 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/14-30.htm">Luke 14:30 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/14-30.htm">Luke 14:30 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/14-30.htm">Luke 14:30 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/luke/14-30.htm">Luke 14:30 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/luke/14-30.htm">Luke 14:30 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/luke/14-30.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 14:30 Saying 'This man began to build (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/14-29.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 14:29"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 14:29" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/14-31.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 14:31"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 14:31" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>