Vincent's Word Studies in the NT

Luke 14:28

A tower. The 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 [ψ η φ ι ζ ε ι]. Only here and Revelation 13:18. From yhfov, a pebble (see Revelation 2:17), used as a counter. Thus Herodotus says that the Egyptians, when they calculate (logizontai yhfoiv, reckon with pebbles), move their hand from right to left (ii. 36). So Aristophanes, "Reckon roughly, not with pebbles [ψ η φ ο ι ς], but on the hand" (" Wasps, "656). Similarly calculate, from Latin calculus, a pebble. Used also of voting. Thus Herodotus :" The Greeks met at the altar of Neptune, and took the ballots [τ α ς ψ η φ ο υ ς] wherewith they were to give their votes. "Plato :" And you, would you vote (an yhfon qeio, cast your pebble) with me or against me? "(" Protagoras," 330). See Acts 26:10.

Cost [τ η ν δ α π α ν η ν]. Allied to daptw, to devour. Hence expense, as something which eats up resources.

Sufficient [ε ι ς α π α ρ τ ι σ μ ο ν]. Lit., unto completion. The kindred verb ajpartizw, not used in New Testament, means to make even or square, and hence to complete.

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Vincent's Word Studies in the NT

Luke 14:28

Old Testament

New Testament