Lexical Summary dapane: Cost, Expense Original Word: δαπάνη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cost. From dapto (to devour); expense (as consuming) -- cost. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1160: δαπάνηδαπάνη, δαπανης, ἡ (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). 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). 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? 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 dapánēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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