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Luke 14:28

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 14:28 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doth not first sit down and count the cost, whether he have [wherewith] to complete it?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doth not first sit down and count the cost, whether he have [wherewith] to complete it?
Luke 14:28 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
25Now there went with him great multitudes: and he turned, and said unto them,
26If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
27Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
28For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doth not first sit down and count the cost, whether he have [wherewith] to complete it?
29Lest haply, when he hath laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all that behold begin to mock him,
30saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
31Or what king, as he goeth to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
← Luke 14:27Luke 14:29 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For which of you intending to build a tower, etc.] Taking up a profession of Christ and his Gospel, is like building a tower; which, as a tower, must be laid on a good foundation; not on carnal descent and parentage; nor on a sober and religious education; nor on a civil, moral life and conversation; nor on a bare knowledge of Gospel truths and a flash of affection for them, and the people of God; but upon Christ the sure foundation; and on principles of grace formed by his Spirit, in their hearts: and this, like a tower, is carried very high; not by professing high things, but by living on high amidst a profession; by having the affections set on things above; and by looking down with…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“which of you, &c.--Common sense teaches men not to begin any costly work without first seeing that they have wherewithal to finish. And he who does otherwise exposes himself to general ridicule. Nor will any wise potentate enter on a war with any hostile power without first seeing to it that, despite formidable odds (two to one), he be able to stand his ground; and if he has no hope of this, he will feel that nothing remains for him but to make the best terms he can. Even so, says our Lord, "in the warfare you will each have to wage as My disciples, despise not your enemy's strength, for the odds are all against you; and you had better see to it that, despite every disadvantage, you still…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Intending to build a tower - See Matthew 21:33. A tower was a place of defense or observation, erected on high places or in vineyards, to guard against enemies. It was made “high,” so as to enable one to see an enemy when he approached; and “strong,” so that it could not be easily taken. Counteth the cost - Makes a calculation how much it will cost to build it. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And which of you intending to build a tower - That is, and whoever of you intends to follow me, let him first seriously weigh these things. Luke 14:31”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“intending: Gen 11:4-9; Pro 24:27 counteth: Luk 14:33; Jos 24:19-24; Mat 8:20, Mat 10:22, Mat 20:22, Mat 20:23; Act 21:13; Th1 3:4, Th1 3:5; Pe2 1:13, Pe2 1:14 Luke 14:30”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification