New Testament
Luke 14:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The master told him, 'Then go out to the roads and country lanes and urge people to come in, so that my house will be full.
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And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
What Luke 14:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the master instructs his servant to go out into the roads and country lanes to invite people to his feast. This reflects the idea of inclusivity and the desire for everyone to experience the joy of the feast. The master wants his house to be full, symbolizing God's desire for all people to come to Him. The act of urging or compelling people to come in shows the urgency and importance of the invitation. It emphasizes that the invitation to God's kingdom is open to all, regardless of their background or status. This verse highlights the mission of spreading the message of God's love and grace to everyone, encouraging believers to actively seek out those who have not yet accepted the invitation to join in the celebration of faith and community. It serves as a reminder that the call to faith is not just for a select few but is meant for all who are willing to respond.
How to apply Luke 14:23 to your life
As believers, we are called to actively invite others to experience God's love and grace. This can be done through personal relationships, community outreach, or simply sharing our faith stories. We should be intentional in reaching out to those who may feel excluded or unaware of God's invitation.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 14:23
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 14:23 mean?
Luke 14:23 conveys the message that the master desires his house to be full, symbolizing God's wish for everyone to accept His invitation to join in His kingdom. The verse emphasizes the importance of actively inviting others to experience God's love and grace.
What is the meaning of 'compel them to come in' in Luke 14:23?
The phrase 'compel them to come in' suggests a sense of urgency and determination in inviting people to the feast. It highlights the importance of making an effort to reach out to those who may not feel included or aware of the invitation.
How does Luke 14:23 relate to inclusivity?
Luke 14:23 illustrates inclusivity by showing that the invitation to the feast is extended to everyone, regardless of their background. It reflects God's desire for all people to come together and experience His love.
What themes are present in Luke 14:23?
Key themes in Luke 14:23 include invitation, inclusivity, urgency, God's desire for community, and the mission of spreading faith. These themes highlight the importance of reaching out to others and sharing the message of God's grace.
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