Luke 14:18

18 But they all began, one after another, to make excuses. The first one told the servant, "I have bought a field and must go and look at it; please accept my apologies.'

Luke 14:18 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 14:18

And they all with one consent began to make excuse
Or, "they all together", as the Vulgate Latin version, (txab) , "in one", or "at once": in ( Jeremiah 10:8 ) rendered "altogether"; and so the Ethiopic version, which adds, "with one voice": but their words and language were not the same: their excuses are differently expressed. Some render (apo miav) , "from one hour": or the selfsame hour; immediately, directly, as soon as ever they were bidden, they began to frame excuses; they at once agreed, as by common consent, to excuse themselves from coming.

The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, or a
field, and I must needs go and see it:
he ought to have seen it before he bought it; and however, it was a very improper time, at evening, at supper time, as this was, to go and see a piece of ground; and at least it might have been put off till next morning; so that it was a mere excuse indeed.

I pray thee have me excused:
coming to the supper: these were the principal men among the Jews, the Pharisees and rulers among the people; who were rich and covetous, worldly men; seeking their own worldly advantage more than their spiritual and eternal welfare, or the interest of God and religion.

Luke 14:18 In-Context

16 Jesus said to him, "There was once a man who was giving a great feast to which he invited many people.

17 When it was time for the feast, he sent his servant to tell his guests, "Come, everything is ready!'

18 But they all began, one after another, to make excuses. The first one told the servant, "I have bought a field and must go and look at it; please accept my apologies.'

19 Another one said, "I have bought five pairs of oxen and am on my way to try them out; please accept my apologies.'

20 Another one said, "I have just gotten married, and for that reason I cannot come.'