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 7:34 mean?

Explanation

Luke 7:34 is part of the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.

In this verse, Jesus is responding to criticism from some Pharisees and scribes who disapprove of His behavior.

They accuse Him of being a glutton and a drunkard due to His practice of eating and drinking with people they consider sinners, including tax collectors.

Jesus contrasts His own approach with that of John the Baptist, who led an ascetic lifestyle, abstaining from eating bread and drinking wine, and yet was also criticized by these religious leaders.

The deeper meaning here reflects the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry and His willingness to engage with individuals from all walks of life, even those marginalized by society.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

The verse is set in a time when Jewish religious leaders, such as the Pharisees and scribes, held strict views on purity and association.

They often avoided contact with individuals considered sinners or tax collectors (publicans), who were seen as collaborators with the oppressive Roman authorities.

Jesus' association with such people was scandalous to these leaders, as His behavior defied their expectations of how a holy man should act.

Jesus' ministry occurred during the first century CE, a period marked by social stratification and religious rigor within Jewish society.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological standpoint, this verse emphasizes the grace and compassion of Jesus' mission, suggesting that He came to call and redeem sinners, not to condemn them.

It provides a perspective on the nature of God's Kingdom, revealing a God who is more concerned with mercy and forgiveness than with strict adherence to religious or social norms.

Different denominations may interpret this as a basis for social justice, evangelical outreach, or a personal call to a non-judgmental, open-table fellowship.

Practical Applications

The teachings in Luke 7:34 encourage believers to adopt an inclusive approach in their lives, both socially and spiritually.

Christians may be inspired to extend hospitality and fellowship to those who are often excluded or marginalized and to refrain from judging others harshly.

This verse can be a reminder to focus on one's own need for God's grace rather than condemning others, and to witness with one’s actions as well as words.

Cross-References

Matthew 11:19: "The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners.

But wisdom is justified of her children."

Luke 5:32: "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Luke 15:2: "And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them."
Mark 2:16: "And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?"

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek language of this verse include:

"ἐσθίων" (esthion): meaning "eating," connoting the act of sharing a meal.
"πίνων" (pinon): meaning "drinking," which in the context suggests partaking in social meals.
"φάγος" (phagos): often translated as "gluttonous," referring to someone who overindulges in food.
"οἰνοπότης" (oinopotēs): translated as "winebibber," a derogatory term for someone who drinks excessively.
"τελωνῶν" (telonon): "publicans" or tax collectors, often despised as traitors and sinners.
"ἁμαρτωλὸς" (hamartolos): "sinners," typically used for those who transgress religious or moral laws.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The accusation of being a "glutton" or a "drunkard" is a serious one in many ancient cultures and religions, which often placed a high value on self-control and moderation.

For example, in ancient Jewish texts outside of the Bible, such behavior could jeopardize one's religious standing.

In other religious traditions, figures such as Buddha are portrayed as exhibiting great temperance, which contrasts sharply with the accusations levied against Jesus in this verse.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the act of sharing meals plays a significant role in social bonding and the development of community.

Moreover, modern nutrition and psychology recognize the importance of moderation in food and drink consumption.

While this verse does not delve into the health aspects of eating and drinking, the accusations against Jesus carry implicit assumptions about the physical and moral dangers of gluttony and excessive drinking.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators offer insight on Luke 7:34 as highlighting the criticism Jesus faced from religious authorities.

John Calvin comments that wisdom is justified by all her children, showing that the truth of Jesus' actions would be evident in their fruits.

Matthew Henry remarks on the injustice of the accusation, pointing out the inconsistency of the Pharisees who disapproved of both John's austerity and Jesus' sociability.

Modern scholars often discuss this verse in the context of Christian freedom and the challenge of embodying grace in the face of legalism and judgment.

Luke 7

Luke 7

What does Luke 7:34 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 7:34 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?