And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.

And another said: I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to try them: I pray thee, hold me excused.

And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee hold me for excused.

'And another said, Five yoke of oxen I bought, and I go on to prove them; I beg of thee, have me excused:

"A second pleaded, "'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and am on my way to try them. Pray hold me excused.'

And another said, I have got some cattle, and I am going to make a test of them: I am full of regret that I am unable to come.

And another said: 'I bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to examine them. I ask you to excuse me.'

The next said 'I have bought five pairs of bullocks, and I am on my way to try them. I must ask you to consider me excused';

I go to prove them - To try them, to see if he had made a good bargain. It is worthy of remark that this excuse was very trifling. He could as easily have tried them at any other time as then, and his whole conduct shows that he was more disposed to gratify "himself" than to accept the invitation of his friend. He was selfish; just as all sinners are, who, to gratify their own worldliness and sins, refuse to accept the offers of the gospel.

And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen,.... To plough the field with,
and I go to prove them: this also being at, or near evening, was an unsuitable time to go into the field with yokes of oxen to try them, how they would draw the plough, and work in the field; the morning would have been a much more proper time:
I pray thee have me excused; to the master of the feast: this man represents also the carnal and worldly Jews, who preferred temporal things before spiritual.