New Testament
Luke 14:1
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see Jesus visiting the home of a prominent Pharisee on the Sabbath, which is a day of rest in Jewish tradition.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
One Sabbath, Jesus went to eat at the home of a prominent Pharisee leader. The other guests were watching him closely.
And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Jesus visiting the home of a prominent Pharisee on the Sabbath, which is a day of rest in Jewish tradition. The Pharisees were religious leaders known for their strict adherence to the law. The fact that they were watching Jesus closely indicates that they were likely scrutinizing his actions, possibly looking for any reason to criticize him. This sets the stage for the ongoing tension between Jesus and the religious leaders, as they often challenged his interpretations of the law and his actions on the Sabbath. This moment highlights the contrast between the rigid legalism of the Pharisees and the compassionate, life-giving approach of Jesus. It also foreshadows the conflicts that will arise as Jesus continues his ministry, emphasizing the need for understanding the spirit of the law rather than just the letter of it.
How to apply Luke 14:1 to your life
This verse reminds us to be aware of our own judgments and criticisms of others, especially in religious contexts. Instead of focusing on rules and appearances, we should seek to understand the heart of the matter and show compassion, just as Jesus did.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 14:1 mean?
Luke 14:1 describes Jesus visiting a prominent Pharisee's home on the Sabbath, where the guests were closely observing him. This highlights the tension between Jesus and the Pharisees, who were known for their strict interpretation of the law.
What is the significance of the Sabbath in Luke 14:1?
The Sabbath is a day of rest in Jewish tradition, and Jesus' actions on this day often drew scrutiny from religious leaders. This verse sets the stage for discussions about the purpose of the Sabbath and Jesus' compassionate approach to the law.
Why were the guests watching Jesus closely in Luke 14:1?
The guests were likely watching Jesus closely to find fault in his actions, as the Pharisees often challenged him regarding his interpretations of the law. This reflects the ongoing conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders.
What does the term 'Pharisee' mean in Luke 14:1?
In Luke 14:1, a Pharisee refers to a member of a religious group known for strict adherence to Jewish law and traditions. They often emphasized legalism and were critical of Jesus' more compassionate approach.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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