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 7:44 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 7:44 is a part of the narrative where Jesus is at a Pharisee's house named Simon.

Simon invited Jesus to dine with him, but during the meal, a sinful woman who had learned that Jesus was eating there came with an alabaster box of ointment.

Weeping, she began to wash his feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.

In this verse, Jesus turns to the woman but speaks to Simon.

He points out Simon's lack of customary hospitality towards Him as a guest, Simon did not provide water to wash Jesus' feet, a common practice of the time due to the dust and dirt of the roads.

Contrarily, the woman showed exceptional devotion and hospitality by washing His feet with her tears and drying them with her hair.

Jesus highlights her actions to draw attention to the contrast between Simon's and the woman's treatment of Him, and to teach about forgiveness, gratitude, and love.

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Historical Context

In the historical context of the first century Middle East, it was a customary act of hospitality to wash a guest's feet when they entered one's home. This was both a practical act, since people wore sandals and walked on unpaved roads, and a sign of welcome and respect.

Additionally, people reclined at a low table during meals, which made the feet more prominent than they might be in contemporary Western table settings. Simon's failure to provide water for Jesus’ feet would have been seen as neglecting a basic duty of a host.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints have interpreted this verse in various ways.

Traditional Christian theology sees this episode as illustrating God's forgiveness of sins, with the woman's tears symbolizing her repentance and the subsequent wiping of Jesus’ feet with her hair showing her humility and penance.

It contrasts human judgments with divine forgiveness, while Simon judges the woman for her sin, Jesus focuses on her contrition and faith.

Practical Applications

From a practical standpoint, this verse encourages acts of humility, kindness, and compassion.

It suggests that true hospitality isn't just about fulfilling social customs but also about the love and recognition one shows to others, especially those in need of forgiveness. In daily life, this could mean going beyond basic duties to help others with heartfelt actions.

Cross-References

John 13:5: "After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded."
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."
Matthew 26:6-13: The anointing of Jesus by a woman, which bears similarities to the account in Luke.
1 Timothy 5:10: Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, lodged strangers, washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work."

Language Study

The original Greek word for "washed" is "βρέχω" (brechō), which literally means to wet thoroughly or moisten.

The word for "feet" is "πόδας" (podas), a common term used for the physical feet but can also imply the base or foundation of something.

"Tears" translates from "δάκρυον" (dakruon), referring to the physical tears but often associated in literature with sorrow and remorse.

The term for "wiped" is "ἐξέμαξεν" (exemaxen), which can mean to wipe off or clean thoroughly, expressing profound care or service.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within other cultural and religious traditions, acts of foot-washing can also signify humility, servitude, and respect.

For instance, in Hinduism, washing the feet of a deity or an honored guest can be a ritual act of welcome and homage.

Similarly, foot-washing ceremonies are present in Buddhism as a sign of respect, and in Islam, the act of washing feet is a part of ritual purification before prayer (wudu).

Scientific Perspectives

While not directly related to science, contemporary psychological understandings of guilt, shame, and forgiveness may shed light on the emotional aspects of the verse.

Current psychologists view behaviors like the woman's, sorrowful weeping and an altruistic act, as part of the complex process of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation, which is beneficial for emotional health and social harmony.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries suggest that the woman's act exemplifies the extravagant love and gratitude that should mark the life of a believer who has been forgiven much.

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the contrast between the Pharisee's self-righteousness and the woman's humility and penitence.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary points out how Jesus uses the occasion to teach about the nature of forgiveness.

Additionally, many commentaries note that Jesus' response to the woman's act reveals his divine authority to forgive sins, as only God can truly forgive sin according to Jewish belief.

Luke 7

Luke 7

What does Luke 7:44 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 7:44 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?