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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Luke 14:28 - 14:28
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
A tower
The subject of the parable is the life of Christian discipleship, which is figured by a tower, a lofty structure, as something distinguished from the world and attracting attention.
Counteth (ψηφίζει)
Only here and Rev 13:18. From ψῆφος, a pebble (see Rev 2:17), used as a counter. Thus Herodotus says that the Egyptians, when they calculate (λογιζονται ψήφοις, reckon with pebbles), move their hand from right to left (ii., 36). So Aristophanes, “Reckon roughly, not with pebbles (ψήφοις), but on the hand” (“Wasps,” 656). Similarly calculate, from Latin calculus, a pebble. Used also of voting. Thus Herodotus: “The Greeks met at the altar of Neptune, and took the ballots (τὰς ψήφοις) wherewith they were to give their votes.” Plato: “And you, would you vote (ἂν ψῆφον θεῖο, cast your pebble) with me or against me ?” (“Protagoras,” 330). See Act 26:10.
Cost (τὴν δαπάνην)
Allied to δάπτω, to devour. Hence expense, as something which eats up resources.
Sufficient (εἰς ἀπαρτισμόν)
Lit., unto completion. The kindred verb ἀπαρτίζω, not used in New Testament, means to make even or square, and hence to complete.