Luke 14:29

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him,

American Standard Version (1901)

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

Bible in Basic English

For fear that if he makes a start and is not able to go on with it to the end, all who see it will be laughing at him,

Douay-Rheims 1899

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

Free Bible Version

Otherwise, if after laying the foundation you weren't able to finish it, everyone who saw it would laugh at you, saying,

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,

King James (Authorized) Version

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

One Unity Resource Bible

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

Translation for Translators

If you did not do that, if you laid the foundation and were not able to finish the rest of the tower, everyone who saw it would make fun of you.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to mock him,

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

Or perhaps, when he has laid a foundation and isn’t able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock him,

Young's Literal Translation

lest that he having laid a foundation, and not being able to finish, all who are beholding may begin to mock him,

Context

The Cost of Discipleship

²⁸Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?²⁹Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him,³⁰saying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’

Sermons

The Mountain Made a Plain

J.C. Philpot

Summary

In Luke 14:29, Jesus uses the analogy of building a tower to illustrate the importance of careful planning and consideration before committing to a task. This verse emphasizes the need for foresight and wisdom in decision-making, encouraging believers to count the cost before embarking on any endeavor. By highlighting the significance of preparation and thoughtful deliberation, Jesus teaches the value of being intentional and diligent in our actions, ensuring that we are fully committed to following through with our commitments. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder to approach life's challenges with prudence and discernment, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with our choices.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Saying, this man began to build,.... He set out well, he promised great things, and made a considerable bluster and stir, as if he would carry things at once to a very high pitch: and was not able to finish; it was all noise and talk, and nothing else: falling off from a profession of religion, exposes men to contempt and scorn; such are not only cast out of churches with disgrace, but are despised by men, by wicked men; and are a reproach, a proverb, and a taunt in all places; and even are mocked by devils too.