For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just about finances; the original Greek word for "count the cost" implies a deep, analytical calculation, like using pebbles for counting or voting. Jesus wants us to understand that true discipleship isn't a casual decision but a thorough, deliberate reckoning of what it will truly demand, right down to the last stone.
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is speaking to large crowds following him, explaining the radical demands of discipleship. He's just told them that to be his follower, they must prioritize him above their closest family and even their own lives, and be willing to carry their own cross. This parable about building a tower illustrates the seriousness and commitment required for such a decision, warning against starting something without the full intention and resources to finish it.
Jesus uses a common image of building to talk about following Him. But what does this 'tower' represent?
In Luke 14:28, Jesus compares becoming His disciple to building a tower. This isn't just any building; it's a structure that stands out, meant to be strong and visible.
Before you start a big project, you plan, right? Jesus says following Him requires even more serious planning.
Jesus' question in Luke 14:28 highlights the need for careful consideration before committing to something significant.
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What happens when a grand building project is abandoned halfway through?
Jesus doesn't just tell us to count the cost; He warns about the consequences of failing to do so.
Understand the original words
dapanē · Greek Noun
A metaphor for evaluating the spiritual requirements and personal sacrifices necessary for following Jesus. It emphasizes the necessity of intentional, forward-thinking commitment rather than impulsive, emotional zeal.
Jesus uses a similar building analogy here, comparing those who hear and obey his words to a wise builder who builds their house on rock, while those who don't are like a foolish builder whose house collapses. This highlights the importance of careful planning and a solid foundation for any endeavor, especially spiritual commitment.
Luke 14:33Immediately following this parable, Jesus states, 'So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.' This directly connects the 'counting the cost' of building to the ultimate cost of discipleship, which requires complete surrender.
Philippians 3:7-8Paul echoes the idea of counting costs when he speaks of regarding all his former achievements and status as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. This shows a similar recalculation of what truly matters when committing to a higher purpose.
Proverbs 16:18This verse warns, 'Pride goes before destruction, and an early morning tempest before a fall.' It speaks to the danger of overconfidence and failing to count the cost, which can lead to ruin, just like starting a building project without adequate resources.
vincentLuke 14:28: "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?"
A towerThe 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 Revelation 13:18. From ψῆφος, a pebble (see Revelation 2:17), used as a counter. Thus Herodotus says that the Egyptians, when the…
calvinLuke 14:25-32: "And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,"
- He who loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38. And he who doth not take his cross and follow me, [603] is not worthy of me. 39. He who findeth his life [604] shall lose it; and he who loseth his life for my sake shall find it. [605] 40. He who receiveth you receiveth me: and he who receiveth me receiveth him w…
This isn't just about finances; the original Greek word for "count the cost" implies a deep, analytical calculation, like using pebbles for counting or voting. Jesus wants us to understand that true discipleship isn't a casual decision but a thorough, deliberate reckoning of what it will truly demand, right down to the last stone.
Jesus is speaking to large crowds following him, explaining the radical demands of discipleship. He's just told them that to be his follower, they must prioritize him above their closest family and even their own lives, and be willing to carry their own cross. This parable about building a tower illustrates the seriousness and commitment required for such a decision, warning against starting something without the full intention and resources to finish it.
Jesus is speaking to large crowds following him, explaining the radical demands of discipleship. He's just told them that to be his follower, they must prioritize him above their closest family and even their own lives, and be willing to carry their own cross. This parable about building a tower illustrates the seriousness and commitment required for such a decision, warning against starting something without the full intention and resources to finish it.
"For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" — This isn't just about finances; the original Greek word for "count the cost" implies a deep, analytical calculation, like using pebbles for counting or voting. Jesus wants us to understand that true…
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Last reviewed October 2026