Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 14:25

"Now there went with him great multitudes: and he turned, and said unto them," — Luke 14:25 (ASV)

The serious tone of the preceding parable continues as attention now turns to those who profess allegiance to Jesus. Luke again points out Jesus’ popularity and his continuing journey toward Jerusalem . “Hate” (v.26; GK 3631) is not an absolute but a relative term. To neglect social customs pertaining to family loyalties would probably have been interpreted as hate. Jesus is not contravening the commandment to honor one’s father and mother. It is important to understand the ancient Near Eastern expression without blunting its force. (For the meaning of v.27, see comment on 9:23.)