Luk 14:28-30 | NET2full | STEP | For which of you , wanting to build a tower , doesn’t sit down first and compute the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?

‏ Luke 14:28-30

28 For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t sit down ^{▼▼tn The participle καθίσας (kathisas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.} first and compute the cost ^{▼▼tn The first illustration involves checking to see if enough funds exist to build a watchtower. Both ψηφίζω (psēphizō, “compute”) and δαπάνη (dapanē, “cost”) are economic terms.} to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 Otherwise, ^{▼▼tn Grk “to complete it, lest.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation and ἵνα μήποτε (hina mēpote, “lest”) has been translated as “Otherwise.”} when he has laid ^{▼▼tn The participle θέντος (thentos) has been taken temporally.} a foundation and is not able to finish the tower, ^{▼▼tn The words “the tower” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.} all who see it ^{▼▼tn The word “it” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.} will begin to make fun of ^{▼▼tn Or “mock,” “ridicule.” The person who did not plan ahead becomes an object of joking and ridicule.} him. 30 They will say, ^{▼▼tn Grk “make fun of him, saying.”} ‘This man ^{▼▼sn The phrase this man is often used in Luke in a derogatory sense; see “this one” and expressions like it in Luke 5:21; 7:39; 13:32; 23:4, 14, 22, 35.} began to build and was not able to finish!’ ^{▼▼sn The failure to finish the building project leads to embarrassment (in a culture where avoiding public shame was extremely important). The half completed tower testified to poor preparation and planning.}