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 7:45 mean?

Explanation

This verse from the Gospel of Luke is spoken by Jesus to Simon the Pharisee.

In the narrative, a woman who has lived a sinful life comes to Jesus as he is dining at Simon's house.

She weeps at his feet, wets his feet with her tears, wipes them with her hair, and kisses them, anointing them with an expensive perfume.

In Luke 7:45, Jesus contrasts Simon's lack of customary hospitality with the woman's extravagant expression of love and contrition.

While Simon did not show the basic courtesies expected of a host, such as giving Jesus a kiss of greeting, providing water for his feet, or anointing his head with oil, this woman had gone far beyond these customs out of her love and repentance.

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Historical Context

At the time when this Gospel was written, it was customary in the Near Eastern culture to provide guests with water to wash their feet, a kiss of greeting, and oil to anoint their head as a sign of respect and welcome.

Simon the Pharisee failed to offer these basic acts of hospitality to Jesus.

The woman's actions would have been seen as scandalous, not only because she led a sinful life but also because her actions involved physical touch and an outpouring of emotion, which were not acceptable in the presence of a Rabbi and in view of the social norms of the time.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints might emphasize various aspects of this verse:

Traditional Christian theology would see this as exemplifying Jesus' message of forgiveness, contrasting the self-righteousness of the Pharisee with the humility and love and the woman.
Feminist theology might highlight the bravery of the woman, her active role in her own repentance, and Jesus' acceptance of it, contrary to social norms.
Reformed theology may discuss the concept of grace, underscoring that it is not our own works that save us but the grace given by Jesus as illustrated by his forgiveness of the woman.

Practical Applications

The verse can serve as a reminder to practice sincere hospitality, to show kindness and love to all people, especially those who may feel unworthy.

It is also an encouragement to be demonstrative in our faith and repentance, not worrying about social conventions when it comes to expressing love for Christ.

The passage also teaches us about the importance of not being quick to judge others, as Simon did, and instead to be compassionate and forgiving.

Cross-References

Matthew 26:6-13 - A similar event where a woman anoints Jesus' head with expensive perfume.
John 13:5 - Jesus washes his disciples' feet, modeling humble service.
Luke 15:20 - The father in the Prodigal Son parable kisses his returning son, signifying forgiveness and acceptance.
1 Samuel 16:7 - God looks at the heart rather than the outward appearance, a principle underlined by Jesus' interaction with the woman.

Language Study

The key words in this verse are "kiss" (φιλέω, phileō in Greek), which indicates an expression of love and greeting, and "ceased" (ἐκλείπω, ekleipō in Greek), meaning to stop or fail.

The intense action of "not ceased" underscores the continual and unreserved display of the woman's affection and penitence, as opposed to the lack of action observed in Simon's hospitality.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Middle Eastern culture, hospitality was of paramount importance and signified respect and honor.

The woman's actions broke cultural norms and bring to mind figures from other religious traditions who act outside of societal expectations for the sake of devotion, such as the Hindu goddess Radha's love for Krishna in the Bhakti tradition.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives may not directly relate to this verse; however, the emotional and psychological aspects of human behavior and social norms are relevant.

The outpouring of the woman's emotions can be studied in terms of emotional catharsis and the psychological process of shame, guilt, and forgiveness.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations:

William Barclay notes the utter devotion and stark contrast the woman's actions present compared to Simon's lackadaisical hospitality.
John Calvin discusses the role of faith in the woman's actions, stating that it was her faith, not just her tears, that justified her.
The IVP New Testament Commentary Series highlights the social implications of Jesus' acceptance of the woman, transcending the rigid purity laws and the social status of individuals.

Luke 7

Luke 7

What does Luke 7:45 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 7:45 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?