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 7:50 mean?

Explanation

The verse "And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." (Luke 7:50, King James Version) is a powerful testament to the importance of faith in the Christian doctrine and illustrates Jesus Christ's capacity for forgiveness and compassion.

In this verse, the woman mentioned is traditionally identified as a "sinful woman," possibly a prostitute, who anoints Jesus' feet with oil and washes them with her tears in the house of a Pharisee named Simon.

Despite Simon's judgment of both the woman and Jesus, Christ recognizes the woman's actions as an expression of her faith and repentance.

The phrase "Thy faith hath saved thee" acknowledges that her faith has led to her salvation - a salvation that not only implies forgiveness but also encompasses a restoration to wholeness.

Going "in peace" depicts the woman's newly gained spiritual tranquility and the divine assurance of being reconciled with God.

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Historical Context

This incident takes place in the Gospel of Luke during the period of Jesus' ministry in Galilee.

It is an account that showcases one of Jesus' many interactions with individuals of ill repute according to the societal norms of the time.

During the 1st century in ancient Israel, Pharisees like Simon were leaders within the Jewish community known for their strict observance of the Torah.

The interaction between Jesus, the sinful woman, and Simon the Pharisee unfolds in a culture where social status and religious purity were highly significant, and where women were often marginalized, especially those considered 'sinners'.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse highlights several key concepts:

Salvation by Faith: The idea that faith alone, rather than works or adherence to the law, is the gateway to salvation is a critical tenet in many Christian traditions, especially in Protestantism.
Divine Forgiveness: This verse reinforces the concept of God's willingness to forgive sins for those who come to Him with a repentant heart.
Grace: The unmerited favor that the woman receives points to the grace offered by Jesus Christ to sinners - a grace that surpasses human judgment and the strictures of the law.

Different denominations may emphasize different aspects of these insights based on their doctrinal leanings.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse serves as an encouragement for individuals to seek redemption and forgiveness without fear of judgment from others.

It also provides a model for Christians to extend grace and love towards those viewed as 'sinners' within their community.

For personal spiritual development, it underlines the importance of genuine faith and repentance in one's relationship with God.

Cross-References

Ephesians 2:8 - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
Mark 5:34 - "And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague."
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

The key words in this verse are:

"Faith" (Greek: πίστις, pistis) - Often connotes trust, belief, or confidence in someone or something; in a Christian context, it is a reliance on God and acceptance of God's will.
"Saved" (Greek: σέσωκέν, sesoken) - Past tense of "sozo," which can mean to save, but also to preserve, heal, or rescue.
"Peace" (Greek: εἰρήνη, eirene) - Indicates not just the absence of conflict but also a sense of well-being and wholeness.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar themes of forgiveness and redemption can be found in various ancient cultures and religious traditions.

For instance, in many Ancient Near Eastern practices, rituals of purification symbolized the restoration of an individual to the community or the divine.

In Buddhism, the confession of sins and repentance can lead to a cleansing of karma.

However, the Christian notion of faith leading directly to salvation is a distinctive feature not paralleled in many other religions where actions, rituals, or adherence to law tend to play a more substantial role.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology might align with the idea of peace following forgiveness and reconciliation. Scientific studies have shown that forgiveness can lead to better mental and emotional well-being.

The concept of faith providing peace and tranquility could be seen as consistent with findings that spiritual beliefs often contribute to personal coping mechanisms and stress reduction.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians provide different interpretations of this passage:

Some view it as an example of Jesus' radical inclusion, breaking down social barriers and extending grace to the marginalized.
Others focus on the contrast between the Pharisee's lack of hospitality and the sinful woman's lavish demonstration of honor and repentance.
Conservative commentaries may emphasize the transformative power of faith and interpretation of salvation in an eternal sense.
Liberal scholars might see Jesus' actions as a challenge to the legalistic and judgmental attitudes of religious leadership at the time.

Luke 7

Luke 7

What does Luke 7:50 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 7:50 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?