What Is the Parable of the Great Supper — In Biblical Context
In Luke 14, Jesus told of a man who prepared a great supper—when invited guests made excuses, he sent servants to bring in the poor, maimed, halt, and blind.
In Luke 14, Jesus told of a man who prepared a great supper—when invited guests made excuses, he sent servants to bring in the poor, maimed, halt, and blind.
"And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." — Luke 14:23 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Found in Luke 14:16-24, this parable closely parallels the wedding feast parable but emphasizes different details. A man prepared a great supper and invited many. When the time came, each guest offered excuses—one bought land, another oxen, another had just married. The host, angered by their refusals, sent servants to bring in the poor, maimed, halt, and blind from the streets and highways. The parable illustrates that worldly priorities can cause people to reject God's gracious invitation, and that God will fill His kingdom with those who are willing to come, regardless of their social status.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Luke 14:23, sits inside Luke 14. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled."
Supporting Passages
"For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price?
Theology & Doctrine
Parable of the Great Supper Quiz
Many are invited, but few come to the Master's feast.
What Are the Parables of Jesus?
Theology & Doctrine
What is the parable of the prodigal son?
Theology & Doctrine
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
Matthew 13:45-46 • Kingdom of God
The Parable of the Great Banquet
Luke 14:23 • Compassion & Love
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.