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 7:40 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 7:40 is part of a larger narrative where Jesus is dining at the house of a Pharisee named Simon.

During this event, a woman known to be a sinner comes to Jesus, weeping, and washes his feet with her tears, dries them with her hair, and anoints them with ointment.

Simon, observing the woman’s actions, doubts Jesus’ prophetic credentials, thinking that if Jesus were truly a prophet, he would not allow such a woman to touch him.

Jesus, perceiving his thoughts, uses a parable to teach Simon a lesson in forgiveness and love.

When Jesus addresses Simon and indicates that he has something to say to him, it is a precursor to a pointed lesson. Simon's response, “Master, say on,” shows a level of respect for Jesus and his willingness to listen.

This verse sets the stage for the direct communication between Jesus and Simon in which Jesus will challenge Simon's judgments and attitudes.

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Historical Context

This encounter takes place in the social context of first-century Palestine, where religious leaders such as Pharisees held significantly high moral and social standards.

The act of inviting a rabbi or teacher to one's home was a sign of openness to teaching and discussion.

Pharisees often separated themselves from those they considered sinners to maintain their purity.

The woman’s actions, therefore, would have been highly provocative, but they reflected a deep sense of repentance and devotion.

Jesus uses the imminent social discomfort and tension to teach about God’s love and the power of forgiveness.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse and the surrounding narrative speak volumes about divine grace and the love of God extending to even those deemed most unworthy by society.

Jesus rarely passes up an opportunity to transform a socially or religiously tense situation into a moment of teaching.

One insight is the juxtaposition of the Pharisee's external adherence to the law versus the sinful woman’s demonstration of heartfelt repentance and faith, highlighting that God values internal transformation over external appearances.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can remind the reader to always be open to learning and to be cautious about making quick judgments about others.

Just as Simon is invited to hear what Jesus has to say, individuals are encouraged to pay attention to lessons that may come from unexpected sources or situations and to reflect on their own biases and shortcomings.

The anticipation of a teaching moment here can inspire believers to seek continual spiritual growth and understanding.

Cross-References

Luke 7:36-50: This entire section provides the broader context for the verse and narrative, showing Jesus’ encounter with the sinful woman and Simon the Pharisee.
Matthew 7:1-2: "Judge not, that ye be not judged.

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged..."

Luke 15:7: "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, Jesus refers to Simon directly by name, suggesting a personal engagement and not an arbitrary discourse.

"answering" (ἀποκρίνομαι - apokrinomai): usually used in the context of responding or replying to something, indicating that Jesus may be addressing not just Simon's spoken words but his thoughts or attitudes.
"say unto thee" (λέγω σοι - lego soi): Jesus uses a direct form of address, indicating an important message is to follow.
"Master" (διδάσκαλος - didaskalos): implies teacher or instructor, a term showing respect for Jesus' knowledge and authority.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this verse with other religious and cultural traditions, one can find parallels in the theme of enlightenment or instruction from a wise figure being sought after by those seeking truth.

In many ancient myths, heroes or sages often have moments of direct communication that yield profound wisdom.

In other religious teachings such as Buddhism, a master (guru) might engage with disciples in a similar way to impart knowledge or insight.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives don't directly engage with the content of this verse, as it deals with personal and spiritual interactions rather than empirical observations.

However, psychology may offer insights into the human behaviors exhibited in the narrative, such as the cognitive biases and the impact of social norms on Simon's perception of the woman and Jesus.

Commentaries

Commentary on this verse tends to focus on the contrast between Simon the Pharisee and the sinful woman, as illustrated by subsequent verses.

Experts comment on Jesus' skillful use of the situation to teach about God's grace and the importance of love and forgiveness.

Matthew Henry's Commentary, for example, sees this as an instructional moment where Jesus, realizing Simon’s thoughts, takes the opportunity to enlighten him on the true meaning of hospitality and the deep repentance demonstrated by the woman.

It's also noted that Jesus uses a question to engage Simon, reflecting a teaching method that prompts self-reflection and deeper understanding.

Luke 7

Luke 7

What does Luke 7:40 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 7:40 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?