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 7:48 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 7:48, "And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven," comes from a story in the Gospel of Luke where Jesus is anointed by a woman at the Pharisee’s house.

This is a significant scene where a sinful woman, who is not named, brings an alabaster box of ointment and begins to wash Jesus' feet with her tears, wipe them with her hair, kiss his feet, and anoint them with ointment.

Observing this, the Pharisee named Simon, who had invited Jesus, questions Jesus' prophetic knowledge and his ability to discern that the woman is a sinner.

In response, Jesus tells Simon a parable of two debtors, emphasizing the idea that those who are forgiven much, love much.

Jesus then turns to the woman and announces her sins forgiven, connecting her forgiveness with her faith and her expressions of love.

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Historical Context

This incident takes place during the time of Jesus' ministry in Galilee and reflects the social and religious context of first-century Palestine.

During this period, Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and traditions.

Women in this society were often marginalized, especially those labeled as sinful or immoral.

The act of a woman anointing Jesus would have been seen as socially transgressive, especially in the house of a Pharisee.

Theological Insights

This verse touches on several theological themes.

One is the authority of Jesus to forgive sins, which traditionally was the purview of God alone.

This claim by Jesus is a key factor in his conflict with the religious leaders of the time.

Another theme is the connection between forgiveness and love; Jesus teaches that those who are forgiven much, show greater love.

Additionally, forgiveness is linked to faith. The woman's loving actions are seen as an outflow of her faith, leading to forgiveness.

Practical Applications

Luke 7:48 can be applied practically to daily life in numerous ways.

It encourages believers to approach Jesus for forgiveness regardless of their past or the gravity of their sins, emphasizing faith and repentance.

It also teaches the importance of humility and the expression of genuine love and gratitude.

Moreover, this verse can inspire Christians to extend grace and forgiveness to others, recognizing that all are in need of mercy.

Cross-References

Luke 5:20: "And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee."
Luke 7:50: “And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”
Mark 2:5: "When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."
John 8:11: "She said, No man, Lord.

And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."

Language Study

In the Greek New Testament, the phrase "Thy sins are forgiven" translates to “ἀφίενταί σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι” (aphientai [are forgiven] sou [your] hai hamartiai [sins]).

The key term “ἀφίενταί” (aphientai) is from the root “ἀφίημι” (aphiēmi), which means to send away, to release, or to forgive.

The tense used here denotes a completed action with ongoing results.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of forgiveness and atonement for sins is not unique to Christianity.

In many ancient cultures and religions, there were rituals and sacrifices designed to absolve individuals from their wrongdoings.

What is unique here is the personal authority of Jesus to forgive sins without the traditional sacrifices, and the portrayal of forgiveness as an act of grace rather than merit.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community generally does not comment directly on religious texts like the Bible.

However, modern psychology supports the idea that forgiveness can have a positive impact on the mental and physical health of the individual who forgives. This aligns with the relief and peace that the woman in Luke 7:48 might have experienced upon being forgiven.

commentaries

Commentaries on this verse recognize its significance in illustrating Jesus' divinity and his radical approach to forgiveness.

For example, the Pulpit Commentary mentions that Jesus, with this act, is positioned in a place only God can occupy, establishing his divine stature.

Matthew Henry's Commentary draws attention to the love and devotion of the woman, indicating that those who are most sensible of their debt and duty of love, will love Christ the most.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible points out the gracious and powerful manner in which Jesus pronounces forgiveness to the woman, highlighting the immediacy and assurance in his voice.

The consensus among experts is that this is an important testament to the power of faith, the depth of Jesus' compassion, and the reality of his forgiving nature.

Luke 7

Luke 7

What does Luke 7:48 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 7:48 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?