Luk 14:28-30 | NETfull | 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 ^{▼▼ The participle καθίσας (kaqisas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.} first and compute the cost ^{▼▼ The first illustration involves checking to see if enough funds exist to build a watchtower. Both ψηφίζω (yēfizō, “compute”) and δαπάνη (dapanē, “cost”) are economic terms.} to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 Otherwise, ^{▼▼ 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 ({ina mēpote, “lest”) has been translated as “Otherwise.”} when he has laid ^{▼▼ The participle θέντος (qentos) has been taken temporally.} a foundation and is not able to finish the tower, ^{▼▼ 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 ^{▼▼ 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 ^{▼▼ Or “mock,” “ridicule.” The person who did not plan ahead becomes an object of joking and ridicule.} him. 30 They will say, ^{▼▼ Grk “make fun of him, saying.”} ‘This man ^{▼▼ 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!’ ^{▼▼ 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.}