Luke 14:29
New International Version
For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you,

New Living Translation
Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you.

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

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

Berean Literal Bible
Otherwise, he having laid its foundation and not being able to finish, all seeing it may begin to mock him,

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

New King James Version
lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,

New American Standard Bible
Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who are watching it will begin to ridicule him,

NASB 1995
“Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him,

NASB 1977
“Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him,

Legacy Standard Bible
Lest, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him,

Amplified Bible
Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is unable to finish [the building], all who see it will begin to ridicule him,

Christian Standard Bible
Otherwise, after he has laid the foundation and cannot finish it, all the onlookers will begin to ridicule him,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Otherwise, after he has laid the foundation and cannot finish it, all the onlookers will begin to make fun of him,

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

Contemporary English Version
Otherwise, you will start building the tower, but not be able to finish. Then everyone who sees what is happening will laugh at you.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Otherwise, if you lay a foundation and can't finish the building, everyone who watches will make fun of you.

Good News Translation
If you don't, you will not be able to finish the tower after laying the foundation; and all who see what happened will make fun of you.

International Standard Version
Otherwise, if he lays a foundation and can't finish the building, everyone who watches will begin to ridicule him

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

NET Bible
Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish the tower, all who see it will begin to make fun of him.

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

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

Weymouth New Testament
lest perhaps, when he has laid the foundation and is unable to finish, all who see it shall begin to jeer at 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,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Lest that he having laid a foundation, and not being able to finish, all who are beholding may begin to mock him,

Berean Literal Bible
Otherwise, he having laid its foundation and not being able to finish, all seeing it may begin 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,

Smith's Literal Translation
That lest, having set the foundation, and not able to finish, all seeing begin to mock him,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Lest, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able ti finish it, all that see it begin to mock him,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Otherwise, after he will have laid the foundation and not been able to finish it, everyone who sees it may begin to mock him,

New American Bible
Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him

New Revised Standard Version
Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Lest after he has laid the foundation, he is not able to finish it, and all who see it will mock him,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Lest when he lays the foundation and cannot finish, all who see will mock him,”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Lest, when he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all that see it begin to deride him,

Godbey New Testament
Lest he having laid the foundation, and being unable to complete it, all who see it may begin to mock him,

Haweis New Testament
lest haply, after having laid the foundation, and being unable to finish it, all who look upon it begin to ridicule him,

Mace New Testament
for fear he should be made the jest of every spectator, for laying the foundation, without being able to carry it on.

Weymouth New Testament
lest perhaps, when he has laid the foundation and is unable to finish, all who see it shall begin to jeer at him,

Worrell New Testament
lest, perhaps, having laid a foundation, and not being able to finish it, all who behold begin to mock him,

Worsley New Testament
least having laid a foundation and not being able to finish,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



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.’…

Cross References
Matthew 7:26-27
But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse!”

Proverbs 24:27
Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house.

Proverbs 24:30-34
I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. / Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. / I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: ...

James 1:23-24
For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. / For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. / If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, ...

Matthew 25:1-13
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ...

Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty.

Ecclesiastes 10:18
Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks.

2 Peter 1:10
Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,

Hebrews 3:14
We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first.

Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:19
Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”

Isaiah 28:16
So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.

Ephesians 2:20-22
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. / In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. / And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.

1 Peter 2:6
For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”


Treasury of Scripture

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

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Able Begin Begins Beholding End Fear Finish Foundation Haply Jeer Laid Laughing Makes Mock Observe Order Otherwise Perhaps Ridicule Start Unable
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Able Begin Begins Beholding End Fear Finish Foundation Haply Jeer Laid Laughing Makes Mock Observe Order Otherwise Perhaps Ridicule Start Unable
Luke 14
1. Jesus heals the dropsy on the Sabbath;
7. teaches humility;
12. to feast the poor;
15. under the parable of the great supper,
23. shows how worldly minded men shall be shut out of heaven.
25. Those who will be his disciples, to bear their cross must make their accounts beforehand,
31. lest with shame they revolt from him afterward;
34. and become altogether unprofitable, like salt that has lost its flavor.














Otherwise
This word serves as a transition, indicating a consequence or alternative outcome. In the context of Jesus' teaching, it underscores the importance of considering the cost of discipleship. The Greek word "mēpote" suggests a warning or caution, emphasizing the need for careful planning and foresight in spiritual commitments.

if he lays the foundation
The phrase "lays the foundation" is metaphorical, drawing from the imagery of construction. In Greek, "themelion" refers to the base or groundwork of a building. This foundation represents the initial commitment or decision to follow Christ. Historically, laying a foundation was a significant and visible act, symbolizing the start of a major endeavor. Spiritually, it signifies the beginning of one's faith journey, which must be built upon with dedication and perseverance.

and is unable to finish the work
The inability to finish the work highlights the importance of counting the cost before starting a project. The Greek word "dynamai" (translated as "is unable") implies a lack of power or resources. In a spiritual sense, it warns believers to assess their readiness and commitment to follow Christ fully. The phrase "finish the work" (Greek "epiteleō") suggests bringing something to completion or perfection, which in the Christian life, means growing in faith and maturity.

everyone who sees it
This phrase points to the public nature of one's spiritual journey. The Greek "pas ho theōrōn" indicates that others are observing and evaluating the believer's actions. In the ancient world, community and reputation were significant, and a half-finished building would be a public spectacle. Similarly, a faltering faith can become a testimony to others, either positively or negatively.

will ridicule him
The act of ridicule, from the Greek "empaizō," involves mockery or derision. In the cultural context of the time, failing to complete a building project would bring shame and dishonor. Spiritually, this serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of not fully committing to the path of discipleship. It reminds believers of the importance of perseverance and the potential impact of their witness on others.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Otherwise,
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

if he lays
θέντος (thentos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5087: To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.

[the]
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

foundation
θεμέλιον (themelion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2310: From a derivative of tithemi; something put down, i.e. A substruction.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

is unable
ἰσχύοντος (ischyontos)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2480: To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.

to finish [the work],
ἐκτελέσαι (ektelesai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1615: To complete, bring to completion, carry out, perform. From ek and teleo; to complete fully.

everyone
πάντες (pantes)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

who
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

sees [it]
θεωροῦντες (theōrountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2334: From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge).

will ridicule
ἐμπαίζειν (empaizein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1702: To mock, ridicule. From en and paizo; to jeer at, i.e. Deride.

him,
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Gospels: Luke 14:29 Or perhaps when he has laid (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 14:28
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