A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 14:7

"And he spake a parable unto those that were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief seats; saying unto them," — Luke 14:7 (ASV)

A parable for those which were bidden (προς τους κεκλημενους παραβολην). Perfect passive participle of καλεω, to call, to invite. This parable is for the guests who were there and who had been watching Jesus.

When he marked (επεχων). Present active participle of επεχω with τον νουν understood, holding the mind upon them, old verb and common.

They chose out (εξελεγοντο). Imperfect middle, were picking out for themselves.

The chief seats (τας πρωτοκλισιας). The first reclining places at the table. Jesus condemned the Pharisees later for this very thing (Matthew 23:6; Luke 20:46). On a couch holding three the middle place was the chief one. At banquets today the name of the guests are usually placed at the plates. The place next to the host on the right was then, as now, the post of honour.