Luk 14:7-14 | NET2full | STEP | Then when Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor , he told them a parable . He said to them ,

‏ Luke 14:7-14

On Seeking Seats of Honor

7 Then ^{▼▼tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.} when Jesus ^{▼▼tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} noticed how the guests ^{▼▼tn Grk “those who were invited.”} chose the places of honor, ^{▼▼tn Or “the best places.” The “places of honor” at the meal would be those closest to the host.} he told them a parable. He said to them, 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, ^{▼▼tn Or “banquet.” This may not refer only to a wedding feast because this term can have broader sense (note the usage in Esth 2:18; 9:22 LXX). However, this difference does not affect the point of the parable.} do not take ^{▼▼tn Grk “do not recline in the place of honor.” 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away.} the place of honor because a person more distinguished than you may have been invited by your host. ^{▼▼tn Grk “by him”; the referent (the host) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} 9 So ^{▼▼tn Grk “host, and.” Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate this action is a result of the situation described in the previous verse. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.} the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this man your place.’ Then, ashamed, ^{▼▼tn Or “then in disgrace”; Grk “with shame.” In this culture avoiding shame was important.} you will begin to move to the least important ^{▼▼tn Grk “lowest place” (also in the repetition of the phrase in the next verse).} place. 10 But when you are invited, go and take the least important place, so that when your host ^{▼▼tn Grk “the one who invited you.”} approaches he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up here to a better place.’ ^{▼▼tn Grk “Go up higher.” This means to move to a more important place.} Then you will be honored in the presence of all who share the meal with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but ^{▼▼tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context, which involves the reversal of expected roles.} the one who humbles ^{▼▼sn The point of the statement the one who humbles himself will be exalted is humility and the reversal imagery used to underline it is common: Luke 1:52-53; 6:21; 10:15; 18:14.} himself will be exalted.”

12 He ^{▼▼tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.} said also to the man ^{▼▼sn That is, the leader of the Pharisees (v. 1).} who had invited him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet, ^{▼▼tn The meaning of the two terms for meals here, ἄριστον (ariston) and δεῖπνον (deipnon), essentially overlap (L&N 23.22). Translators usually try to find two terms for a meal to use as equivalents (e.g., lunch and dinner, dinner and supper, etc.). In this translation “dinner” and “banquet” have been used, since the expected presence of rich neighbors later in the verse suggests a rather more elaborate occasion than an ordinary meal.} don’t invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors so you can be invited by them in return and get repaid. 13 But when you host an elaborate meal, ^{▼▼tn This term, δοχή (dochē), is a third term for a meal (see v. 12) that could also be translated “banquet, feast.”} invite the poor, the crippled, ^{▼▼sn Normally the term means crippled as a result of being maimed or mutilated (L&N 23.177).} the lame, and ^{▼▼tn Here “and” has been supplied between the last two elements in the series in keeping with English style.} the blind. ^{▼▼sn This list of needy is like Luke 7:22. See Deut 14:28-29; 16:11-14; 26:11-13.} 14 Then ^{▼▼tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate that this follows from the preceding action. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.} you will be blessed ^{▼▼sn You will be blessed. God notes and approves of such generosity.} because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid ^{▼▼sn The passive verb will be repaid looks at God’s commendation.} at the resurrection of the righteous.”