Bible Strands
Luke 5:29
Then Levi hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his house. A large crowd of tax collectors was there, along with others who were eating with them.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Levi hosts a banquet at his own house immediately after rising from his tax booth to follow Jesus. The event occurs before the Pharisees and scribes begin questioning His disciples about table fellowship.
The words — ἐποίησεν (epoiēsen) translates literally as “made” or “hosted,” while δοχὴν μεγάλην (dochēn megalēn) means “a great banquet.” These terms describe the factual scale of the meal rather than prescribing a ritual.
The thread — Parallel accounts record this same meal in Mark 2:15 and Matthew 9:10, while Luke 15:1 notes the broader pattern of tax collectors and sinners gathering around Him.
Why it lands — The text reports a factual gathering of marginalized guests rather than issuing a command, so the reader must confront the reality of grace extending to social outcasts. It demands a direct response to Jesus’ invitation instead of a defense of religious boundaries.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.
Cross-references
- Mark 2:15 While Jesus was dining at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Him and His disciples—for there were many who followed Him.
- Matthew 9:10 Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples.
- Luke 15:1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus.
- 1 Corinthians 10:27 If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat anything set before you without raising questions of conscience.
- John 12:2 So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him.
- 1 Corinthians 5:9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.