Luke 14:18

18 "But they all without exception began to excuse themselves. The first told him, "`I have purchased a piece of land, and must of necessity go and look at it. Pray hold me excused.'

Luke 14:18 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 14:18

And they all with one consent began to make excuse
Or, "they all together", as the Vulgate Latin version, (txab) , "in one", or "at once": in ( Jeremiah 10:8 ) rendered "altogether"; and so the Ethiopic version, which adds, "with one voice": but their words and language were not the same: their excuses are differently expressed. Some render (apo miav) , "from one hour": or the selfsame hour; immediately, directly, as soon as ever they were bidden, they began to frame excuses; they at once agreed, as by common consent, to excuse themselves from coming.

The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, or a
field, and I must needs go and see it:
he ought to have seen it before he bought it; and however, it was a very improper time, at evening, at supper time, as this was, to go and see a piece of ground; and at least it might have been put off till next morning; so that it was a mere excuse indeed.

I pray thee have me excused:
coming to the supper: these were the principal men among the Jews, the Pharisees and rulers among the people; who were rich and covetous, worldly men; seeking their own worldly advantage more than their spiritual and eternal welfare, or the interest of God and religion.

Luke 14:18 In-Context

16 "A man once gave a great dinner," replied Jesus, "to which he invited a large number of guests.

17 At dinner-time he sent his servant to announce to those who had been invited, "`Come, for things are now ready.'

18 "But they all without exception began to excuse themselves. The first told him, "`I have purchased a piece of land, and must of necessity go and look at it. Pray hold me excused.'

19 "A second pleaded, "`I have bought five yoke of oxen, and am on my way to try them. Pray hold me excused.'

20 "Another said, "`I am just married. It is impossible for me to come.'