Luke 14:27
New International Version
And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

New Living Translation
And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.

English Standard Version
Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

Berean Standard Bible
And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.

Berean Literal Bible
Whoever does not carry his cross and come after Me is not able to be My disciple.

King James Bible
And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

New King James Version
And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

New American Standard Bible
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

NASB 1995
“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

NASB 1977
“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

Legacy Standard Bible
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

Amplified Bible
Whoever does not carry his own cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow after Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me] cannot be My disciple.

Christian Standard Bible
Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

American Standard Version
Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Contemporary English Version
You cannot be my disciple unless you carry your own cross and follow me.

English Revised Version
Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So those who do not carry their crosses and follow me cannot be my disciples.

Good News Translation
Those who do not carry their own cross and come after me cannot be my disciples.

International Standard Version
Whoever doesn't carry his cross and follow me can't be my disciple.

NET Bible
Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

New Heart English Bible
Whoever does not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Webster's Bible Translation
And whoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Weymouth New Testament
No one who does not carry his own cross and come after me can be a disciple of mine.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.

World English Bible
Whoever doesn’t bear his own cross and come after me, can’t be my disciple.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and whoever does not carry his cross, and come after Me, is not able to be My disciple.

Berean Literal Bible
Whoever does not carry his cross and come after Me is not able to be My disciple.

Young's Literal Translation
and whoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, is not able to be my disciple.

Smith's Literal Translation
And whoever lifts not his cross, and comes after me, cannot be my disciple.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me, is not able to be my disciple.

New American Bible
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

New Revised Standard Version
Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he who does not take up his cross and follow me, cannot be a disciple to me.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And whoever does not take his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And whoever does not bear his cross, and come after me, can not be my disciple.

Godbey New Testament
Whosoever does not carry his cross, and come after me, is not able to be my disciple.

Haweis New Testament
And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, he cannot be my disciple.

Mace New Testament
and he that does not bear his cross, and tread in my steps, cannot be my disciple.

Weymouth New Testament
No one who does not carry his own cross and come after me can be a disciple of mine.

Worrell New Testament
And whosoever does not bear his own cross, and come after Me, cannot be My disciple.

Worsley New Testament
And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and follow me, cannot be my disciple.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Cost of Discipleship
26“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. 27And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple. 28Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?…

Cross References
Matthew 10:38
and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.

Mark 8:34
Then Jesus called the crowd to Him along with His disciples, and He told them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.

Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.

John 12:25-26
Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. / If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Philippians 3:8-10
More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ / and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith. / I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death,

Romans 8:17
And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

2 Timothy 2:11-12
This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; / if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us;

1 Peter 2:21
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:

1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

2 Corinthians 4:10-11
We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. / For we who are alive are always consigned to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal body.

Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Isaiah 53:3-5
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.


Treasury of Scripture

And whoever does not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

doth.

Luke 9:23-25
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me…

Matthew 10:38
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Matthew 16:24-26
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me…

cannot.

Matthew 13:21
Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Acts 14:22
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

2 Timothy 1:12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

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Able Bear Carry Cross Disciple Follow
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.














And whoever does not carry his cross
In the Roman world, the cross was a symbol of execution and shame. Carrying one's cross implied a willingness to endure suffering and public humiliation. This phrase indicates a call to self-denial and readiness to face persecution for the sake of Christ. The imagery of carrying a cross would have been stark and vivid to Jesus' audience, as crucifixion was a common method of execution by the Romans. This call to carry one's cross is a metaphor for the daily commitment and sacrifice required to follow Jesus, echoing the call to take up one's cross found in Matthew 16:24 and Mark 8:34.

and follow Me
Following Jesus implies a continuous, active pursuit of His teachings and example. It is not a one-time decision but a lifelong journey of discipleship. This phrase emphasizes the personal relationship and commitment required to be a disciple. The call to follow Jesus is central to the Gospels, as seen in the calling of the first disciples (Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17). It involves obedience, trust, and a willingness to go wherever He leads, often requiring leaving behind former ways of life, as demonstrated by the apostles.

cannot be My disciple
This statement sets a clear and uncompromising standard for discipleship. It underscores the cost of following Jesus, which involves prioritizing Him above all else, including personal desires and relationships. The use of "cannot" indicates that without the willingness to carry one's cross and follow Jesus, true discipleship is impossible. This echoes the radical nature of Jesus' call to His followers, as seen in passages like Luke 9:23-24, where losing one's life for His sake is equated with finding it. The term "disciple" implies a learner or follower, one who is committed to the teachings and mission of Jesus, as seen throughout the New Testament.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing the cost of discipleship to those who are following Him.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all who seek to follow Him.

3. The Cross
A symbol of suffering, sacrifice, and commitment, representing the burdens and challenges of true discipleship.

4. The Crowd
The larger group of people who were following Jesus, curious about His teachings and miracles.

5. Jerusalem
The ultimate destination of Jesus' journey, where He would face crucifixion, embodying the ultimate act of carrying one's cross.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Cross
The cross is not just a symbol of suffering but a call to live a life of sacrificial love and obedience to Christ.

Cost of Discipleship
True discipleship requires a willingness to endure hardship and make sacrifices for the sake of following Jesus.

Daily Commitment
Carrying one's cross is a daily decision to prioritize Christ above all else, even in the face of adversity.

Transformation through Suffering
Embracing the cross leads to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Christ.

Community Support
While carrying one's cross is a personal journey, it is also supported by the community of believers who encourage and uplift one another.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Luke 14:27?

2. What does "carry his own cross" mean in Luke 14:27 for believers today?

3. How does Luke 14:27 challenge our understanding of true discipleship?

4. How does Luke 14:27 connect with Jesus' sacrifice on the cross?

5. What practical steps can you take to "carry your cross" daily?

6. How can Luke 14:27 inspire perseverance in facing life's challenges?

7. What does "carry his own cross" mean in Luke 14:27?

8. How does Luke 14:27 challenge modern Christian discipleship?

9. Why is self-denial essential according to Luke 14:27?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 14?

11. How does intellectual assent differ from saving faith?

12. What are the signs of saving faith?

13. How many disciples did Jesus appear to after his resurrection: Twelve (1 Cor 15:5) or Eleven (Matt 27:3-5; Acts 1:9-26; Matt 28:16; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:9, 33)?

14. Jesus saw a man sitat the tax collectors office and called him to be his disciple. What was his name? Matthew (Matthew 9:9) Levi (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27)
What Does Luke 14:27 Mean
And whoever

The invitation Jesus issues is universal—no age, gender, culture, or social rank is exempt.

John 3:16 reminds us, “that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Matthew 11:28 echoes the same open door: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened.”

The verse sets the tone: every person is welcome, yet each carries personal responsibility for the response.


does not carry

“Carry” is active, deliberate, continuous. Jesus is not speaking of a one-time decision but an ongoing lifestyle.

Luke 9:23 clarifies: “he must deny himself and take up his cross daily.”

Galatians 6:5 adds balance: “each one should carry his own load,” underscoring personal accountability.

This is hands-on discipleship, not passive spectatorship.


his cross

The cross was an instrument of shame, suffering, and death, but for believers it signals surrender of the old life and acceptance of God’s will.

Romans 6:6: “our old self was crucified with Him.”

Philippians 1:29: “it has been granted… to suffer for Him.”

1 Peter 4:12-13 urges rejoicing when trials link us to Christ’s sufferings.

The cross is personal (“his cross”); no one can outsource this cost.


and follow Me

Carrying the cross is inseparable from following Jesus—walking His path, imitating His character, obeying His voice.

John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice… and they follow Me.”

1 John 2:6: “Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.”

Discipleship is relational; we are not merely submitting to rules but staying in step with a living Master.


cannot be My disciple

Jesus states a hard line: without cross-bearing obedience, true discipleship is impossible.

Luke 14:33 reinforces the point: “any one of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple.”

John 8:31 connects perseverance in His word with authentic discipleship.

The standard is high because the reward—fellowship with Christ now and forever—is infinitely higher.


summary

Luke 14:27 teaches that discipleship is open to “whoever,” yet costly. It calls for daily, willing self-denial, embracing whatever cross the Lord assigns, and walking close behind Him. Anything less, Jesus says plainly, falls short of true discipleship.

(27) Whosoever doth not bear his cross . . .--See Note on Matthew 10:38. As now uttered, however, the words had a fresh significance as interpreted by what the disciples had heard from their Master's lips between Peter's confession and the Transfiguration (Luke 9:22-23). That "bearing of the cross" was becoming every day more clear and terrible in its growing nearness.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[And] whoever
ὅστις (hostis)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3748: Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever.

{does} not
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

carry
βαστάζει (bastazei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 941: Perhaps remotely derived from the base of basis; to lift, literally or figuratively.

his
ἑαυτοῦ (heautou)
Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

cross
σταυρὸν (stauron)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4716: A cross.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

follow
ἔρχεται (erchetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

Me
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

cannot
δύναται (dynatai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

be
εἶναί (einai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

My
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

disciple.
μαθητής (mathētēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.


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NT Gospels: Luke 14:27 Whoever doesn't bear his own cross (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 14:26
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