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 7:37 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 7:37 describes an event in the life of Jesus, where a woman with a sinful reputation comes to Jesus as He dines in a Pharisee's house.

The woman brings with her an alabaster box containing a perfumed ointment.

This scene unfolds amidst a social setting that juxtaposes the self-righteousness of the Pharisee and the penitence of the woman.

The literal meaning of the verse is quite straightforward: a woman who is known for her sins approaches Jesus, bringing with her a very expensive item, likely indicating her desire to show reverence and seek forgiveness.

On a deeper level, the verse highlights themes of grace, repentance, forgiveness, and the contrast between societal judgment and Jesus's open-hearted acceptance.

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Historical Context

In the time of Jesus, an alabaster box of ointment was a valuable item and could indicate the woman's profession as a prostitute, as such items were used to make oneself more appealing to clients.

The Pharisee's house represents the place of religious piety and respectability, thus the woman's action was scandalous and countercultural.

The Pharisees were a Jewish sect known for strict adherence to the Law of Moses and tradition, often leading to a prideful sense of moral superiority.

This event demonstrates Jesus's willingness to break social norms and engage with those deemed "sinners" by society.

Theological Insights

From a theological point of view, this verse showcases the grace of God through the actions of Jesus.

In Christian theology, Jesus is seen as the embodiment of God's love and forgiveness, and this scene illustrates His mission to bring salvation to all people, including societal outcasts.

The act of anointing His feet has been interpreted as an act of worship, penitence, and a precursor to Jesus's later anointing for burial.

Moreover, the text heightens the tension between the religious establishment, represented by the Pharisee, and Jesus's revolutionary teachings of inclusiveness.

Practical Applications

This verse teaches the importance of humility, repentance, and seeking forgiveness. It encourages individuals to look beyond social labels and recognize the inherent worth of every person.

The verse can be understood as a call to love unconditionally, much like Jesus did, embracing those often shunned by society. In daily life, it can inspire acts of kindness, charity, and a non-judgmental attitude towards others, no matter their background or past actions.

Cross-References

Luke 7:38: "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."
Mark 14:3: "And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head."
John 12:3: "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text include:

"alabaster" (ἀλάβαστρον - alabastron): A material used for perfume containers, perceived as costly.
"ointment" (μύρου - myrou): In this context, an aromatic oil or perfume used for anointing, often associated with honor or burial practices.
"sinner" (ἁμαρτωλός - hamartolos): Refers to someone deviating from the moral law, often used in religious texts to refer to a person leading a life contrary to that prescribed by religious teachings.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, anointing was a common practice across various cultures for different purposes, ranging from preparation for burial, to acts of hospitality, to ritual worship.

This practice is not unique to Christianity or Judaism but can also be found in other ancient religions.

The fact that the woman uses a very costly ointment on Jesus could be compared to religious offerings of great value seen in other traditions as a way to honor gods or deities.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, it is interesting to note the use of ointments and perfumes in ancient times.

Studies in archaeology and ancient history have revealed that ointments were made from a mixture of oil and fragrant herbs or resins.

The properties and value of such items reflect social status and wealth in ancient societies.

Contemporary analysis of such substances can shed light on trade, economy, and the agricultural practices of the era.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have offered interpretations of this verse.

Some focus on the expression of the woman's deep remorse and her recognition of Jesus's authority as a healer and spiritual leader.

Others emphasize the societal implications, noting the contrast between the Pharisee's judgment and Jesus's welcoming response.

There are also suggestions that this act of anointing is a prophetic action symbolizing Jesus's death and burial, which could indicate that the woman, perhaps in ways she did not fully understand, was acknowledging Jesus's future sacrifice.

Commentators generally agree that this story illustrates the expansive nature of Jesus's mercy and the personal transformation available to those who earnestly seek forgiveness.

Luke 7

Luke 7

What does Luke 7:37 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 7:37 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?