Features Pricing Bible Library Churches About Sign in Begin

Luke 14:29

Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

Luke 14:29 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse 'Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,' can be found in the book of Luke in the New Testament. This verse serves as a warning to individuals about the importance of completing tasks once they have been started. In a spiritual context, it can be interpreted as a reminder of the need to follow through with one's faith and spiritual growth once the groundwork has been laid. Just as a builder must finish constructing a building to avoid being ridiculed by onlookers, so too must a believer continue to cultivate and strengthen their relationship with God to avoid being mocked by those who witness their incomplete spiritual journey.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the author is using the metaphor of building a house to convey a spiritual truth. The idea of laying a foundation and not being able to finish it can be understood as starting something but not completing it. This can be seen as a warning against starting a spiritual journey or a work for God without being fully committed to seeing it through to the end. The mention of being mocked by others for not finishing what was started emphasizes the importance of following through on our commitments and staying faithful to the path we have chosen. The theological interpretation of this verse can be understood as a call to perseverance and dedication in our faith, reminding us to not be discouraged by the opinions of others but to stay focused on completing the work God has set before us.

Luke 14:29 in other translations

American Standard Version

Lest haply, when he hath laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all that behold begin to mock him,

World English Bible

Or perhaps, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock him,

Douay-Rheims

Lest, after he hath laid the foundation and is not able to finish it, all that see it begin to mock him,

Geneva Bible (1599)

Lest that after he hath laide the foundation, and is not able to performe it, all that behold it, begin to mocke him,