What Does Luke 14:8 Mean in the King James?
When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
A seat can be taken, but honor cannot be self-assigned: the invitation’s root is a call issued by another.
THE MEANING
When you enter a gathering, the highest seat can feel like proof of your worth. This verse separates the place you occupy from the honor others recognize: another person’s call brings you in, and another guest’s presence may reveal a mismatch. Your place does not certify your value.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The highest place I can claim proves I deserve the greatest honor.
THE ROOT
κληθῇς
klēthēs
GROWS FROM
καλέω (kaleō; καλε-)
to call, summon, or invite
The word translated “bidden” is a form of a verb meaning “called” or “invited.” Its word family connects a call with being gathered, while the verse leaves the seating, and its honor, to the host.
ALSO GROWS
klētos: Called or invited
κλητός
This related form makes clear that being called to the wedding describes how you enter, not what rank you may claim there.
ekklēsia: An assembly or gathered community
ἐκκλησία
This word is formed from ek (“out”) and kaleō (“call”); the shared root links calling with gathering, rather than with self-appointed status.
THE PATTERN
Self-claimed elevation remains provisional until the one with authority assigns the place.
Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.THE THREAD
For many are called, but few are chosen.Matthew uses κλητοί (klētoi, “called” or “invited”), from καλέω (kaleō, “to call”), the same word family as “bidden” here. The shared root separates being called to the feast from being assigned its place of honor.
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