1160. dapane
Lexical Summary
dapane: Cost, Expense

Original Word: δαπάνη
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: dapane
Pronunciation: dah-PAH-nay
Phonetic Spelling: (dap-an'-ay)
KJV: cost
Word Origin: [from dapto "to devour"]

1. expense (as consuming)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
cost.

From dapto (to devour); expense (as consuming) -- cost.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 1160: δαπάνη

δαπάνη, δαπανης, (from δάπτω to tear, consume, (akin are δεῖπνον, Latindaps; Curtius, § 261)), expense, cost: Luke 14:28. (2 Esdr. 6:4; 1 Macc. 3:30, etc. Among Greek writings Hesiod, Works, 721, Pindar, Euripides, Thucydides, and following.)

Topical Lexicon
Usage in Scripture

The term appears once in the Greek New Testament, in the parable of the tower-builder: “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has the resources to complete it?” (Luke 14:28). By employing the everyday language of construction finance, Jesus pushes His audience to consider the tangible realities of discipleship.

Historical and Cultural Background

First-century rural estates commonly included a tower for storage and security. Erecting such a structure demanded careful budgeting—stone, timber, skilled labor, and time. Public embarrassment awaited anyone who laid a foundation and abandoned the project. Jesus leverages this social dynamic to underscore deliberation and resolve in following Him.

Parabolic Emphasis

1. Forethought. Just as builders calculate expenses, disciples must evaluate allegiance requirements (Luke 14:26-33).
2. Completion. The tower’s foundation without a superstructure pictures an unfinished Christian walk; only persevering faith vindicates initial commitment (Hebrews 3:14; Colossians 1:23).
3. Witness. An incomplete tower becomes a monument to folly; likewise, half-hearted discipleship invites ridicule and misrepresents the gospel.

Wider Biblical Themes of Cost

• David insists, “I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24).
• Wisdom literature encourages planning: “Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house” (Proverbs 24:27).
• Paul applies the principle corporately: acceptable ministry builds with materials that endure testing fire (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).

Theological Insights

Salvation is God’s free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9), yet genuine response entails measured willingness to renounce competing loyalties—possessions, relationships, even life itself (Luke 14:26, 33). Counting the cost is not pessimism but sober realism grounded in trust that Christ is worth any price (Philippians 3:7-8).

Implications for Christian Ministry

Stewardship: Churches should budget mission endeavors responsibly, avoiding venturesome zeal that breeds unfinished “towers.”

Discipleship Pathways: Membership classes and mentoring can guide new believers in assessing lifestyle changes discipleship demands.

Leadership Training: Prospective elders and missionaries benefit from Luke 14:28 as they weigh vocational sacrifice and long-term faithfulness.

Patristic Reflections

Origen saw the tower as a metaphor for the soul’s ascent; only calculated discipline builds it skyward. Chrysostom noted that Christ’s counsel “protects us from rashness” while urging total devotion.

Practical Application

• Personal inventory: time, finances, relationships—are they aligned with Christ’s priorities?
• Congregational vision: strategic planning that marries faith with financial integrity.
• Mission endeavors: short-term zeal must submit to long-term sustainability, ensuring work that glorifies God and finishes well.

Summary

By introducing the vocabulary of monetary expense into the realm of discipleship, Luke 14:28 reminds every believer that following Jesus involves thoughtful, resolute commitment. Counting the cost is not a barrier to grace but a gateway to enduring obedience, guarding against half-finished lives and ministries that fail to reflect the excellence of the Master Builder.

Forms and Transliterations
δαπάνη δαπανην δαπάνην δασέα δασείαι δασείας δασείς δασέος δάσεσι δασέως δάσος δασυποδα δασύποδα δασύς εδαψιλεύσατο dapanen dapanēn dapánen dapánēn
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Englishman's Concordance
Luke 14:28 N-AFS
GRK: ψηφίζει τὴν δαπάνην εἰ ἔχει
NAS: and calculate the cost to see if
KJV: and counteth the cost, whether
INT: counts the cost if he has

Strong's Greek 1160
1 Occurrence


δαπάνην — 1 Occ.

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