New Testament
Luke 14:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
and the host will come over and say, 'Please give your seat to this person.' Then you'll have to move to the lowest seat, feeling ashamed.
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And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.
What Luke 14:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus teaches about humility and the dangers of seeking honor in social situations. He illustrates a scenario where a guest at a banquet chooses a prominent seat, only to be embarrassed when the host asks them to move to a lesser position for someone more important. This highlights the importance of not overestimating one's status and the potential shame that can come from prideful actions. Instead, Jesus encourages people to take the lowest seat, which may lead to being honored by the host later. The underlying message is about valuing humility over self-promotion and recognizing that true honor comes from others, not from our own efforts to elevate ourselves.
How to apply Luke 14:9 to your life
In our daily lives, we should practice humility by not seeking the spotlight or trying to elevate our status among peers. Instead, we can focus on serving others and being content with a lower position. This attitude can lead to genuine respect and honor from those around us.
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 14:9
Related Bible verses
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 14:9 mean?
Luke 14:9 teaches about the importance of humility in social situations. It illustrates how seeking a place of honor can lead to embarrassment when the host asks you to move to a lower seat.
What is the meaning of humility in Luke 14:9?
In Luke 14:9, humility is shown as the practice of taking a lower position rather than seeking recognition or honor. This verse encourages valuing modesty over pride.
How can I apply Luke 14:9 in my life?
You can apply Luke 14:9 by practicing humility in your daily interactions. Focus on serving others and being content with a lower status, which can lead to genuine respect from those around you.
What lesson does Luke 14:9 teach about social status?
Luke 14:9 teaches that social status should not be overvalued. It emphasizes that true honor comes from others and that seeking to elevate oneself can lead to shame.
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