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Luke 14:31

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 14:31 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Or 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?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Or 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 14:31 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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?
32Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and asketh conditions of peace.
33So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
34Salt therefore is good: but if even the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be seasoned?
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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
“Or what king going to make war against another king, etc.] Our Lord illustrates the same thing, the business of a profession, by another similitude, or parable; taking up a profession of religion, is like to two kings engaging in a war. The king on the one side, is the Christian professor; true believers are kings, they have the apparel of kings, the royal robe of Christ's righteousness; they live like kings, at the table of the King of kings; have the attendance of kings, angels ministering unto them; have crowns and thrones as kings have, and greater than theirs; and have a kingdom of grace now, and are heirs of the kingdom of glory. The king on the other side, is the devil; who is the…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“With ten thousand to meet ... - Whether he will be able, with the forces which he “has,” to meet his enemy. Christ here perhaps intends to denote that the enemies which we have to encounter in following him are many and strong, and that “our” strength is comparatively feeble. “To meet him.” To contend with him. To gain a victory over him. 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
“Another king - Does this mean, the prince of this world? Certainly he has greater numbers on his side. How numerous are his children and servants! Luke 14:33”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Kg1 20:11; Kg2 18:20-22; Pro 20:18, Pro 25:8 Luke 14:32”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification