Luke 7

Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.

And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!

But wisdom is justified of all her children.

And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.

And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

What does Luke 7:29 mean?

Explanation

The verse in question, Luke 7:29, occurs in a passage where Jesus is speaking to the people about John the Baptist. This particular verse highlights the reaction of the people, including tax collectors, to John's message and his call for a baptism of repentance.

It is said that the crowd "justified God," which means that they acknowledged the righteousness and justice of God's way, as presented by John the Baptist.

They showed their agreement with and acceptance of God's plan by being baptized by John, thus aligning themselves with God's will and signaling a change of heart or repentance from their previous ways.

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Historical Context

This passage comes from the Gospel of Luke, which is believed to have been written around AD 80-110.

At that time, baptism was a significant religious act that symbolized purification and admission into a new life.

John the Baptist's call for baptism would have been seen as a radical call to repentance, as he was preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah.

Tax collectors, who were often viewed as sinners and collaborators with Roman occupiers, admitting their need for repentance and choosing to be baptized was a significant event, showcasing the inclusive reach of God's plan.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse illustrates the concept of divine justice and mercy. It demonstrates that those who recognize their own shortcomings (sin) and choose to repent are justified, that is, made right with God.

This verse also shows that God’s mercy is not limited to a select few; even those who were socially marginalized like the tax collectors could avail themselves of God's grace. The act of baptism symbolizes entering into a covenant relationship with God through repentance and faith.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse encourages individuals to be open to self-reflection, acknowledging when one's actions or paths have strayed from moral or ethical righteousness.

It exhorts people to take actionable steps, like baptism in John's time, to demonstrate their commitment to change and to align themselves with a purposeful and ethical way of life.

Cross-References

Matthew 3:5-6: "Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins."
Mark 1:4-5: "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."
Matthew 21:31-32: "Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him."

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text of Luke 7:29 are "justified" (δικαιόω, dikaióō) and "baptism" (βάπτισμα, báptisma).

"Dikaióō" can mean to deem to be right and can carry a legal connotation as being declared righteous.

"Báptisma" is the process of immersion, submersion, and emergence, in this context related to a ritual or ceremonial purification.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, various religions practiced ritual washing and purification. For example, the mikveh in Judaism is a bath used for the purpose of ritual immersion. In some mystery religions of the time, initiates underwent similar rites.

However, John's baptism was unique in its association with personal repentance and preparation for the Messiah's arrival, setting it aside from mere ritual practice.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the act of baptism is not related to any physical or scientific effect but is principally an outward manifestation of an inward decision and commitment.

However, cognitive science suggests that engaging in physical actions tied to beliefs can reinforce those beliefs and influence behavior and attitudes.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer interpretations of this verse that align with the general understanding that the people's response to John’s baptism was a public affirmation of their commitment to God's way.

John Calvin comments on how this verse implies that the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God, whereas the tax collectors did not.

Matthew Henry’s commentary echoes the view that the common people and publicans who were baptized by John bore testimony to the justice and wisdom of God.

These commentaries underline the significance of the act of baptism as an external confirmation of an internal change.

Luke 7

Luke 7

What does Luke 7:29 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 7:29 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?