In the biblical context, excuses are often depicted as rationalizations or justifications for failing to obey God's commands or fulfill one's responsibilities. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who offered excuses to avoid divine directives, highlighting the human tendency to shirk accountability and the importance of faithfulness and obedience.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses: One of the most notable instances of making excuses is found in the account of Moses. When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses hesitated and offered several excuses. In Exodus 3:11, Moses questions his own adequacy: "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Later, in Exodus 4:10, he protests, "O Lord, I am not eloquent... I am slow of speech and tongue." Despite his excuses, God reassures Moses and provides Aaron as a spokesperson, demonstrating that divine calling comes with divine provision.

2. Gideon: In Judges 6, Gideon is called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Gideon responds with doubt and excuses, questioning his own significance and the Lord's presence: "Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house" (Judges 6:15). God assures Gideon of His presence, emphasizing that human limitations are overcome by divine strength.

3. Saul: King Saul provides an example of excuses leading to disobedience. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul is commanded to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. Instead, he spares King Agag and the best of the livestock. When confronted by the prophet Samuel, Saul offers excuses, claiming he saved the best animals to sacrifice to the Lord (1 Samuel 15:15). Samuel rebukes Saul, stating, "To obey is better than sacrifice" (1 Samuel 15:22), underscoring that excuses cannot justify disobedience.

New Testament Examples

1. The Parable of the Great Banquet: In Luke 14:16-24, Jesus tells the parable of a man who prepared a great banquet and invited many guests. However, those invited began to make excuses. One said he had bought a field and needed to see it, another had purchased oxen and wanted to try them out, and a third had just married and could not come. These excuses symbolize the rejection of God's invitation to His kingdom, illustrating how worldly concerns can hinder spiritual priorities.

2. The Rich Young Ruler: In Matthew 19:16-22, a rich young man approaches Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus instructs him to sell his possessions and follow Him. The young man leaves sorrowful, unable to part with his wealth. Though not explicitly stated as an excuse, his attachment to material wealth serves as a barrier to full commitment to Christ.

Theological Implications

Excuses in the Bible often reveal a lack of faith, trust, or willingness to submit to God's will. They can stem from fear, insecurity, or misplaced priorities. Scripture consistently calls believers to overcome excuses through faith and obedience. Philippians 4:13 reminds Christians, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength," emphasizing reliance on God's power rather than personal limitations.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to examine their own lives for excuses that hinder spiritual growth and obedience. Hebrews 12:1 exhorts, "Let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us." By identifying and addressing excuses, Christians can more fully embrace their calling and live in accordance with God's purposes.Romans 2:1
Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are that judge: for wherein you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you that judge do the same things.
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Romans 1:20
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Topicalbible.org

Luke 14:18-20
And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said to him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray you have me excused.
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Luke 9:59-62
And he said to another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
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Genesis 3:13
And the LORD God said to the woman, What is this that you have done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
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Genesis 3:12
And the man said, The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
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2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
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Proverbs 19:5
A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall not escape.
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3868. paraiteomai -- to beg from, to beg off
... Origin from para and aiteo Definition to beg from, to beg off NASB Word Usage begged
(1), excused (2), have nothing to do with (1), make excuses (1), refuse (4 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3868.htm - 7k

The Excuses.
... XXI. THE EXCUSES. "Then ... away. "With one consent" they all made excuses. The
servant saw them separately and received their answers. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxi the excuses.htm

Excuses not Reasons
... VOLUME II: ST. LUKE Chaps. XIII to XXIV EXCUSES NOT REASONS. 'They all with one
consent began to make excuse. ... II. Now, secondly, notice the flimsy excuses. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/excuses not reasons.htm

Whether Passion Excuses from Sin Altogether?
... OF THE CAUSE OF SIN, ON THE PART OF THE SENSITIVE APPETITE (EIGHT ARTICLES)
Whether passion excuses from sin altogether? Objection ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether passion excuses from sin.htm

Whether Ignorance Excuses from Sin Altogether?
... OF THE CAUSES OF SIN, IN PARTICULAR (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether ignorance excuses from
sin altogether? ... Therefore ignorance excuses from sin altogether. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether ignorance excuses from sin.htm

Whether Fear Excuses from Sin?
... Otherwise 'cowardice' would be a better rendering.] Whether fear excuses from
sin? Objection 1: It seems that fear does not excuse from sin. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether fear excuses from sin.htm

Whether Drunkenness Excuses from Sin?
... OF DRUNKENNESS (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether drunkenness excuses from sin? Objection
1: It would seem that drunkenness does not excuse from sin. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether drunkenness excuses from sin.htm

Excuses.
... EXCUSES. "I Have Intellectual Difficulties." There is another voice coming down
from the gallery yonder: "I have intellectual difficulties ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/excuses.htm

The Excuses of Sinners Condemn God
... V. THE EXCUSES OF SINNERS CONDEMN GOD. "Wilt thou also disannul my judgment?
Wilt ... God. II. Consider some of these excuses in detail. III. ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/v the excuses of sinners.htm

The Sinner's Excuses Answered
... VI. THE SINNER'S EXCUSES ANSWERED. Elihu also proceeded and said, Suffer me a little,
and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God's behalf. ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/vi the sinners excuses answered.htm

Sundry Objections or Excuses Dealt With.
... Chapter V. "Sundry Objections or Excuses Dealt with. We will certainly
take more pains in answering the excuses of artificers ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on idolatry/chapter v name objections or.htm

Excuses (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Excuses (1 Occurrence). Luke 14:18 They all as
one began to make excuses. "The first said to him,'I have ...
/e/excuses.htm - 6k

Excuse (13 Occurrences)
... as a reason for being excused; a plea offered in extenuation of a fault or irregular
deportment; apology; as, an excuse for neglect of duty; excuses for delay ...
/e/excuse.htm - 11k

Excused (3 Occurrences)
... Excused (3 Occurrences). Luke 14:18 They all as one began to make excuses. "The
first said to him,'I have bought a field, and I must go and see it. ...
/e/excused.htm - 7k

Naked (56 Occurrences)
... 4. (a.) Without addition, exaggeration, or excuses; not concealed or disguised;
open to view; manifest; plain. 5. (a.) Mere; simple; plain. ...
/n/naked.htm - 29k

Excusing (4 Occurrences)

/e/excusing.htm - 7k

Please (324 Occurrences)
... RSV). Luke 14:18 They all as one began to make excuses. "The first said
to him,'I have bought a field, and I must go and see it. ...
/p/please.htm - 36k

Bought (66 Occurrences)
... come and anoint him. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Luke 14:18
They all as one began to make excuses. "The first said to ...
/b/bought.htm - 28k

Alike (67 Occurrences)
... Luke 12:41 "Master," said Peter, "are you addressing this parable to us, or to all
alike?" (WEY). Luke 14:18 They all as one began to make excuses. ...
/a/alike.htm - 25k

Gezer (14 Occurrences)
... this city. In one, a certain freebooter named Lapaya makes excuses that
he had broken into the city. He "has been slandered. Is ...
/g/gezer.htm - 27k

Beg (77 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY YLT NAS RSV NIV). Luke 14:18 They all as one began to make excuses. "The
first said to him,'I have bought a field, and I must go and see it. ...
/b/beg.htm - 37k

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24)? | GotQuestions.org

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Excuses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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