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 7:46 mean?

Explanation

This verse, Luke 7:46, is part of a larger narrative where Jesus has been invited to dine at the house of Simon, a Pharisee.

A woman, known to be a sinner, enters the scene carrying an alabaster jar of ointment.

She stands behind Jesus, weeping, and begins to wash his feet with her tears, wiping them with the hair of her head, and anointing them with the ointment.

Jesus uses this moment to teach Simon a lesson about forgiveness and hospitality.

In the verse in question, Jesus contrasts the actions of the woman to those of his host.

He notes that Simon did not provide the customary hospitality of anointing a guest's head with oil, a common gesture of welcome and respect in ancient times.

However, the woman not only anointed Jesus' feet -- which was already an extraordinary act -- but also did so using a costly ointment, signifying her deep reverence and love for Him. Jesus acknowledges her act as one of great love and humility.

The literal meaning of the verse illustrates a lack of basic hospitality by Simon the Pharisee, as well as the profound act of devotion by the woman. The deeper meaning touches on themes of forgiveness, love, acceptance, and the humility necessary to recognize one's need for God's grace.

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Historical Context

The event occurs in the social and religious context of 1st-century Palestine.

Anointing was significant in Jewish cultural practices, being used for various reasons including hospitality, consecration, and preparation for burial.

Anointing a guest's head with oil was a common courtesy extended to visitors, and failing to do so could be seen as a sign of disrespect or inhospitality.

At the time, Pharisees like Simon were part of a sect known for strict adherence to Jewish law.

The woman being described as "a sinner" suggests she may have been known for behaviors considered immoral, possibly including being a prostitute.

This label would have made her a social outcast and her act of anointing even more scandalous to Simon and his guests.

Theological Insights

The verse provides insight into various theological themes, such as:

Sin and Forgiveness: The woman's actions are seen as a response to the forgiveness of her sins, demonstrating the transformative power of Jesus' love and mercy.
Humility and Service: Jesus models acceptance of service from one of lower status, illustrating humility and the inversion of social hierarchies.
Hospitality: This encounter with Simon the Pharisee illustrates the proper attitude of hospitality, where one serves with love rather than simply following societal expectations.

Different denominations might emphasize certain aspects of this encounter.

For example, Catholic theology often sees the act of anointing as symbolic of the sacrament of anointing the sick or of the consecration inherent in religious life.

Protestant interpretations might focus on the woman's faith and personal relationship with Jesus as the path to forgiveness.

Practical Applications

Luke 7:46 can be applied in daily life by encouraging individuals to:

Show hospitality and kindness to others, even going beyond societal norms or expectations.
Recognize the importance of humility and serving others as a sign of love and respect.
Understand that true acts of worship and reverence come from the heart and are not limited by one's past or societal status.

Cross-References

Matthew 26:6-13 - The account of a woman anointing Jesus with costly ointment as a preparation for His burial.
Mark 14:3-9 - Another parallel passage of the anointing of Jesus.
John 12:3-8 - Mary anoints Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair.
Psalm 23:5 - "Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over," symbolizing God's provision and care.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include:

Anoint" (ἔλειψέν - eleipsen): The root word "aleipho" signifies the act of smearing or rubbing with oil, often implying honor or consecration.
Oil" (ἔλαιον - elaion): This term commonly references olive oil, a product widely used in ancient times not only for anointing but also for cooking, lighting, and medicinal purposes.
Ointment" (μύρου - myrou): Refers to a perfumed oil or balm, often very costly and used for anointing purposes, signifying the woman's sacrifice and honor in her act.

The Greek indicates an emphasis on the contrast between the expected ritual of anointing the head with oil and the extraordinary act of the woman anointing Jesus' feet with precious ointment.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, anointing was also significant. For instance, the Egyptians used oils and ointments in the embalming process and in religious ceremonies. In Greek and Roman society, anointing had connections to athletics, where oils were applied to the body.

In religious contexts, anointing could denote divine selection or kingship, as seen in the Hebrew Bible with the anointing of Saul and David by the prophet Samuel.

The act of the woman in Luke 7:46 echoes this religious significance but in a personal, intimate setting, showcasing Jesus' role as the Messiah, the anointed one.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is limited direct intersection between this verse and modern scientific understandings, the practice of using oils and ointments has relevance in studies on ancient medicines and aromatherapy.

Research in these fields explores the significance of natural substances for healing and well-being, providing some insight into why certain oils and ointments might have been valued highly in ancient times.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary: Suggests that the woman's actions were an expression of gratitude for forgiven sins and that Simon's failure to anoint Jesus represented spiritual negligence.
The Expositor's Greek Testament: Emphasizes the social implications of the host's neglect and the woman's act of devotion as a proof of her great love, which Jesus uses to illustrate her understanding of forgiveness.
William Barclay's Daily Study Bible: Points out the woman's bravery in entering a Pharisee's house, given her status, and the deep symbolism of her act in contrast to the lack of common courtesy shown by Simon.

Luke 7

Luke 7

What does Luke 7:46 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 7:46 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?