Luke 14:10
New International Version
But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.

New Living Translation
“Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests.

English Standard Version
But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you.

Berean Standard Bible
But when you are invited, go and sit in the last place, so that your host will come and tell you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in front of everyone at the table with you.

Berean Literal Bible
But when you are invited, having gone, recline in the last place, so that when the one having invited you might come, he will say to you, 'Friend, come up higher.' Then glory will be to you before all those reclining with you.

King James Bible
But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

New King James Version
But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you.

New American Standard Bible
But whenever you are invited, go and take the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are dining at the table with you.

NASB 1995
“But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’ then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you.

NASB 1977
“But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you.

Legacy Standard Bible
But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will have honor in the sight of all who recline at the table with you.

Amplified Bible
But when you are invited, go and sit down [to eat] at the last place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; and then you will be honored in the presence of all who are at the table with you.

Christian Standard Bible
“But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when the one who invited you comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ You will then be honored in the presence of all the other guests.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when the one who invited you comes, he will say to you, Friend, move up higher.’ You will then be honored in the presence of all the other guests.

American Standard Version
But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest place; that when he that hath bidden thee cometh, he may say to thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have glory in the presence of all that sit at meat with thee.

Contemporary English Version
When you are invited to be a guest, go and sit in the worst place. Then the one who invited you may come and say, "My friend, take a better seat!" You will then be honored in front of all the other guests.

English Revised Version
But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest place; that when he that hath bidden thee cometh, he may say to thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have glory in the presence of all that sit at meat with thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So when you're invited, take the place of least honor. Then, when your host comes, he will tell you, 'Friend, move to a more honorable place.' Then all the other guests will see how you are honored.

Good News Translation
Instead, when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that your host will come to you and say, 'Come on up, my friend, to a better place.' This will bring you honor in the presence of all the other guests.

International Standard Version
But when you are invited, go and sit down at the place of least honor. Then, when your host comes, he will tell you, 'Friend, move up higher,' and you will be honored in the presence of everyone who eats with you.

Majority Standard Bible
But when you are invited, go and sit in the last place, so that your host will come and tell you, ?Friend, move up to a better place.? Then you will be honored in front of those at the table with you.

NET Bible
But when you are invited, go and take the least important place, so that when your host approaches he will say to you, 'Friend, move up here to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who share the meal with you.

New Heart English Bible
But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes, he may tell you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you.

Webster's Bible Translation
But when thou art invited, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that invited thee cometh, he may say to thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have honor in the presence of them that sit at table with thee.

Weymouth New Testament
On the contrary, when you are invited go and take the lowest place, that when your host comes round he may say to you, 'My friend, come up higher.' This will be doing you honour in the presence of all the other guests.

World English Bible
But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes, he may tell you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
But when you may be called, having gone on, recline in the last place, that when he who called you may come, he may say to you, Friend, come up higher; then you will have glory before those dining with you;

Berean Literal Bible
But when you are invited, having gone, recline in the last place, so that when the one having invited you might come, he will say to you, 'Friend, come up higher.' Then glory will be to you before all those reclining with you.

Young's Literal Translation
'But, when thou mayest be called, having gone on, recline in the last place, that when he who called thee may come, he may say to thee, Friend, come up higher; then thou shalt have glory before those reclining with thee;

Smith's Literal Translation
But when thou art called, having gone, recline in the last place; that when he having called thee come, might say to thee, Friend, mount up higher; then shall honour be to thee before them reclining with thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But when thou art invited, go, sit down in the lowest place; that when he who invited thee, cometh, he may say to thee: Friend, go up higher. Then shalt thou have glory before them that sit at table with thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But when you are invited, go, sit down in the lowest place, so that, when he who invited you arrives, he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the sight of those who sit at table together with you.

New American Bible
Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.

New Revised Standard Version
But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But when you are invited, go and sit at the lower end, so that when he who has invited you comes, he will say to you, My friend, go up and sit higher; and you will have glory before all who sit with you.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“But whenever you are invited, seat yourself last, that whenever he who invited you should come, he may say to you, 'My friend, come up and be seated', and there shall be glory to you before all of those who sit with you.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But when you are invited, go and recline in the last place, that when he that invited you shall come, he may say to you, Friend, go up higher. Then you shall have honor in the presence of those who recline with you.

Godbey New Testament
But when you may be invited, coming in sit down in the last place; in order that when the one having invited thee may come, he will say to thee, Friend, come up higher: then there will be glory to thee in the presence of all those sitting along with thee.

Haweis New Testament
But when thou art invited, go and sit down in the lowest place; that when he who invited thee comes, he may say to thee, Friend, go up higher; then shalt thou have respect in the presence of those who are seated with thee.

Mace New Testament
but when you are invited, go place your self last; that he, who invited you, when he comes, may say to you, friend, go up higher: and that will do you honour before all the company at table.

Weymouth New Testament
On the contrary, when you are invited go and take the lowest place, that when your host comes round he may say to you, 'My friend, come up higher.' This will be doing you honour in the presence of all the other guests.

Worrell New Testament
But, when you are invited, going, sit in the lowest place, that, when he who invited you comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher;' then you will have glory in the presence of all who are reclining at table with you;

Worsley New Testament
But when thou art invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, that, when he who invited thee cometh, he may say to thee, Friend, go up higher: then wilt thou have honor before them that sit at table with thee:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parable of the Guests
9Then the host who invited both of you will come and tell you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ And in humiliation, you will have to take the last place. 10But when you are invited, go and sit in the last place, so that your host will come and tell you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in front of everyone at the table with you. 11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”…

Cross References
Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

Proverbs 25:6-7
Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men; / for it is better that he says to you, “Come up here!” than that you should be demoted in the presence of the prince. Even what you have seen with your own eyes,

1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.

Matthew 18:4
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.

Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Matthew 20:26-27
It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave—

Luke 18:14
I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Proverbs 29:23
A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.

1 Samuel 2:7-8
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.

Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.

Ezekiel 21:26
This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Remove the turban, and take off the crown. Things will not remain as they are: Exalt the lowly and bring low the exalted.

Job 5:11
He sets the lowly on high, so that mourners are lifted to safety.


Treasury of Scripture

But when you are bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade you comes, he may say to you, Friend, go up higher: then shall you have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with you.

go.

1 Samuel 15:17
And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?

Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Proverbs 25:6,7
Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: …

then.

Isaiah 60:14
The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Revelation 3:9
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Jump to Previous
Bade Bidden Contrary Feast Friend Giver Glory Guests Higher Honor Honored Invited Lowest Move Presence Recline Room Round Seat Sight Sit Table Worship
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Bade Bidden Contrary Feast Friend Giver Glory Guests Higher Honor Honored Invited Lowest Move Presence Recline Room Round Seat Sight Sit Table Worship
Luke 14
1. Jesus heals the dropsy on the Sabbath;
7. teaches humility;
12. to feast the poor;
15. under the parable of the great supper,
23. shows how worldly minded men shall be shut out of heaven.
25. Those who will be his disciples, to bear their cross must make their accounts beforehand,
31. lest with shame they revolt from him afterward;
34. and become altogether unprofitable, like salt that has lost its flavor.














But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place
This phrase begins with a directive that emphasizes humility. The Greek word for "invited" (καλέω, kaleo) implies a calling or summoning, often used in the context of divine calling. In the cultural context of ancient Jewish banquets, seating arrangements were significant, reflecting one's social status. Jesus challenges this norm by advising to "recline at the last place," which is a call to humility and self-effacement. The act of reclining, rather than sitting, was customary at meals, symbolizing rest and fellowship. This instruction aligns with the broader biblical theme of humility, as seen in Proverbs 25:6-7, which advises against self-promotion.

so that when your host comes, he will say to you
The "host" in this context represents authority or the one who has the power to elevate. The Greek word for "host" (ἄρχων, archon) can also mean ruler or leader, suggesting that the one who invites has the authority to bestow honor. This reflects the divine principle that God exalts the humble. The anticipation of the host's arrival and acknowledgment underscores the biblical teaching that true honor comes from God, not self-promotion.

‘Friend, move up higher.’
The term "Friend" (φίλος, philos) is significant, indicating a relationship of affection and acceptance. In the biblical context, being called a friend by the host is an honor, reflecting a personal relationship. The invitation to "move up higher" symbolizes divine exaltation. This echoes James 4:10, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." The movement from a lower to a higher place is a metaphor for spiritual elevation and reward for humility.

Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests
The concept of being "honored" (δόξα, doxa) is central to this teaching. In the biblical sense, honor is not self-derived but conferred by others, particularly by God. The "presence of all the other guests" highlights the public nature of this honor, suggesting that true recognition comes from God and is witnessed by others. This public acknowledgment serves as a testimony to the value of humility and the divine principle that "the last will be first, and the first will be last" (Matthew 20:16).

(10) Sit down in the lowest room.--Better, as before, recline for the verb, and place, or couch, for the noun.

Friend.--The Greek word is not the same as in Matthew 20:13 (where see Note), Matthew 22:12; Matthew 26:50, but is the same as in John 11:11; John 15:14. The difference is suggestive. The first word addressed to the humble and lowly guest speaks of confidence and affection. He is welcomed as, in the highest sense, the "friend" of the giver of the feast. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
Ἀλλ’ (All’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

when
ὅταν (hotan)
Conjunction
Strong's 3752: When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.

you are invited,
κληθῇς (klēthēs)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2564: (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.

go
πορευθεὶς (poreutheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4198: To travel, journey, go, die.

[and] sit
ἀνάπεσε (anapese)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 377: From ana and pipto; to fall back, i.e. Lie down, lean back.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

last
ἔσχατον (eschaton)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2078: Last, at the last, finally, till the end. A superlative probably from echo; farthest, final.

place,
τόπον (topon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5117: Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

your host
κεκληκώς (keklēkōs)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2564: (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.

will come
ἔλθῃ (elthē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

[and] tell
ἐρεῖ (erei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2046: Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.

you,
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

‘Friend,
Φίλε (Phile)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5384: Friendly; subst: a friend, an associate. Properly, dear, i.e. A friend; actively, fond, i.e. Friendly.

move up
προσανάβηθι (prosanabēthi)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4320: To go up to, come up to, go up further. From pros and anabaino; to ascend farther, i.e. Be promoted (more honorable) seat).

to a better place.’
ἀνώτερον (anōteron)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative
Strong's 511: Comparative degree of ano; upper, i.e. to a more conspicuous place, in a former part of the book.

Then
τότε (tote)
Adverb
Strong's 5119: Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.

you
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

will be
ἔσται (estai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

honored
δόξα (doxa)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391: From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.

in front of
ἐνώπιον (enōpion)
Preposition
Strong's 1799: Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.

everyone
πάντων (pantōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

at the table
συνανακειμένων (synanakeimenōn)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4873: To recline at table with. From sun and anakeimai; to recline in company with.

[with] you.
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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