Luke 14:28
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
American King James Version (AKJV)
For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
American Standard Version (ASV)
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?
Basic English Translation (BBE)
For which of you, desiring to put up a tower, does not first give much thought to the price, if he will have enough to make it complete?
Webster's Revision
For which of you intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he hath sufficient to finish it?
World English Bible
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn't first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?
English Revised Version (ERV)
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?
Clarke's Luke 14:28 Bible Commentary
To build a tower - Probably this means no more than a dwelling house, on the top of which, according to the Asiatic manner, battlements were built, both to take the fresh air on, and to serve for refuge from and defense against an enemy. It was also used for prayer and meditation.
This parable represents the absurdity of those who undertook to be disciples of Christ, without considering what difficulties they were to meet with, and what strength they had to enable them to go through with the undertaking. He that will be a true disciple of Jesus Christ shall require no less than the mighty power of God to support him; as both hell and earth will unite to destroy him.
Barnes's Luke 14:28 Bible 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.
Wesley's Luke 14:28 Bible Commentary
14:28 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.
