Luke 7 meaning explained in AI Summary
The Centurion's Faith and the Raising of the Widow's Son
- A centurion's faith in Jesus leads to the healing of his servant.
- Jesus raises a widow's son back to life.
- John the Baptist sends messengers to inquire about Jesus' identity.
- Jesus praises John but declares the greatest in the kingdom is greater than John.
Luke chapter 7 focuses on Jesus' growing authority and compassion through a series of significant miracles and encounters.
Key events include:
- Healing the Centurion's Servant (7:1-10): Jesus heals a Roman centurion's servant from afar, impressed by the centurion's faith and understanding of authority. This story highlights Jesus' power over sickness and his openness to people from all backgrounds.
- Raising the Widow's Son (7:11-17): Jesus encounters a funeral procession in Nain and brings a widow's son back to life. This miracle demonstrates Jesus' compassion and power over death, further solidifying his reputation among the people.
- John the Baptist's Question (7:18-35): John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod, sends disciples to ask Jesus if he is the Messiah. Jesus responds by pointing to his miracles and teachings, affirming his identity but also highlighting John's own importance as a prophet.
- A Sinful Woman Forgiven (7:36-50): A woman known for her sinfulness anoints Jesus' feet with perfume, demonstrating her repentance and faith. Jesus forgives her sins, contrasting her genuine remorse with the self-righteousness of a Pharisee who had invited him. This story emphasizes the importance of repentance and God's willingness to forgive.
Overall Themes:
- Jesus' Authority and Power: The chapter showcases Jesus' authority over sickness, death, and even the spiritual realm through his miracles and interactions.
- Compassion and Forgiveness: Jesus demonstrates deep compassion for the suffering, offering healing, comfort, and forgiveness to those who seek him.
- Faith and Repentance: The chapter emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and repentance in approaching God, regardless of one's past.
Luke chapter 7 serves as a turning point in the Gospel, showcasing Jesus' growing influence and the increasing opposition he faces from religious leaders while highlighting his unwavering commitment to the lost and broken.
Luke 7 bible study ai commentary
The overarching theme of Luke 7 is the unveiling of Jesus' supreme authority and the diverse human responses it provokes. Jesus demonstrates power over distance and disease, over death itself, and ultimately over sin. These demonstrations force a choice, leading to profound faith from societal outsiders (a Roman Centurion, a "sinful" woman) and skeptical rejection from the religious insiders (the Pharisees). The chapter critically examines the nature of true faith, contrasting it with doubt and self-righteousness, and establishes that the correct response to Jesus is love born from an awareness of forgiveness.
Luke 7 Context
This chapter is set in Galilee, primarily in Capernaum and Nain. The region is under Roman occupation, explaining the presence of a centurion—a commander of about 100 Roman soldiers. His positive relationship with the local Jewish elders is unusual but not unheard of for "God-fearers," Gentiles who were drawn to Judaism. Culturally, the loss of an only son to a widow was the ultimate tragedy, leaving her without social, economic, or emotional support. The actions of the "sinful woman" at the Pharisee's house are deeply counter-cultural; a respectable woman would not let down her hair in public, let alone touch a man she wasn't related to. These events happen against a backdrop of intense Messianic expectation, where people, including John the Baptist, were trying to fit Jesus into their pre-conceived notions of a king or judge.
Luke 7:1-5
When he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”
In-depth-analysis
- The centurion, an agent of Roman power, shows extraordinary humility and compassion. His servant (
doulos
) was "highly valued," a stark contrast to the typical treatment of slaves as mere property. - He does not approach Jesus directly, possibly feeling unworthy as a Gentile. He uses Jewish elders as intermediaries, demonstrating his respect for their customs and his established good relationship with the community.
- The elders argue for the centurion's worthiness based on his works: "he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue." Their appeal is based on merit. Greek
axios
, meaning "worthy" or "deserving."
Bible references
- Matthew 8:5-13: The parallel account, which differs in that the centurion approaches Jesus directly. Luke, writing to a Gentile audience (Theophilus), may be highlighting the positive Jewish-Gentile interactions.
- Acts 10:1-2: "At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion... a devout man who feared God..." (Shows another example of a God-fearing, respected Roman officer).
- 1 Kings 8:41-43: "...likewise, when a foreigner... comes from a distant land... then hear in heaven your dwelling place and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to you..." (Solomon's prayer for foreigners who seek God).
Cross references
Phlm 1:16 (valued servant), 1 Kgs 5:1 (Gentile helping Israel), Isa 56:6-7 (foreigners who love God accepted), Gal 3:28 (no Jew or Gentile).
Luke 7:6-8
And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
In-depth-analysis
- The centurion's message reveals a staggering level of insight. He switches the basis of the appeal from his own merit (
axios
) to his unworthiness (hikanos
). - "Say the word" (
alla eipe logō
). This is the crux of his faith. He understood Jesus's authority was not magical or geographical but inherent and vocal, like the creative power of God in Genesis 1. - His analogy is profound: he, a man under authority, has authority. He recognized that Jesus was likewise a man under God's ultimate authority, and therefore wielded divine authority over the physical realm, including sickness.
Bible references
- Psalm 107:20: "He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction." (The Centurion's theology in an OT verse).
- Hebrews 11:3: "By faith we understand that the universe was formed by the word of God..." (Reinforces the concept of creation and order through divine speech).
- Genesis 1:3: "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." (The ultimate example of creative power through spoken word).
Cross references
Psa 33:9 (He spoke, and it came to be), Mt 28:18 (all authority given to Jesus), Jn 1:1 (In the beginning was the Word).
Luke 7:9-10
When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
In-depth-analysis
- Jesus "marveled" (
ethaumasen
). The gospels record Jesus marveling only twice: here at the centurion's faith, and in Mark 6:6 at his own hometown's unbelief. - The commendation is a stunning rebuke to the crowd and a foreshadowing of the gospel going to the Gentiles. The greatest faith Jesus had encountered came not from a religious Jew but a Roman soldier.
- The healing is instantaneous and from a distance, validating the centurion’s understanding of Jesus’s non-local authority.
Bible references
- Mark 6:6: "And he marveled because of their unbelief..." (The opposite reaction, highlighting the significance of this moment).
- Isaiah 49:6: "...I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." (Fulfillment of prophecy about Gentiles coming to faith).
- Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Theological explanation of what is happening here).
Cross references
Rom 3:29 (God of Jews and Gentiles), Acts 13:46-47 (gospel turning to Gentiles), Eph 2:11-13 (Gentiles brought near).
Luke 7:11-17
Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain... a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow... And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came up and touched the bier... and said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak... Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!”
In-depth-analysis
- This scene juxtaposes two processions: the procession of life (Jesus and His disciples) and the procession of death (the funeral).
- The woman's situation is one of complete devastation: she is a widow, and this was her only son (Greek
monogenēs
, same word used for Jesus in John 3:16). - Jesus's motive is pure compassion (
esplanchnisthē
- a visceral, gut-level feeling). He acts without being asked. - "Young man, I say to you, arise." This is a direct command to the dead, an act of supreme authority. Unlike the OT prophets who prayed and labored to resuscitate the dead, Jesus speaks with inherent, life-giving power.
- The people’s reaction: they recognize this as a divine act, concluding a "great prophet" is here and "God has visited his people." This echoes the language of redemption and deliverance.
Polemics
This miracle is a polemic against any notion that Jesus is merely a prophet like those in the Old Testament. While it directly recalls Elijah and Elisha's miracles, it intentionally surpasses them.
- Elijah prayed, stretched himself over the body three times, and cried out to the Lord (1 Kings 17).
- Elisha prayed, and went through an elaborate process of physical contact (2 Kings 4).
- Jesus simply speaks a word of command. The implicit claim is that He is the source of life, not merely a conduit for it.
Bible references
- 1 Kings 17:17-24: Elijah raises the widow of Zarephath's son from the dead.
- 2 Kings 4:32-37: Elisha raises the Shunammite woman's son from the dead.
- John 11:43: "Lazarus, come out." (Jesus demonstrating the same life-giving authority over a man dead for four days).
Cross references
Jn 5:21 (the Son gives life to whom he will), Lk 1:68 ("God has visited and redeemed his people"), Acts 9:40 (Peter raises Tabitha).
Luke 7:18-23
The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” ... And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
In-depth-analysis
- John the Baptist, now in prison, faces a crisis of expectation. He had preached a Messiah of judgment ("ax is laid to the root of the trees," Lk 3:9). Jesus' ministry of mercy and healing did not align with this picture.
- Jesus's answer is not a simple "yes." Instead, He points to His works, which are a direct and unmistakable fulfillment of messianic prophecy from Isaiah. He is telling John to interpret His identity through scripture, not preconceived notions.
- His list of miracles (healing, raising dead) and His mission (preaching to the poor) are His credentials.
- "Blessed is the one who is not offended by me." (
skandalisthē
- scandalized, caused to stumble). This is a gentle warning to John (and others) not to stumble over a Messiah who doesn't fit their mold.
Bible references
- Isaiah 35:5-6: "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened... the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer..." (The prophetic script Jesus is acting out).
- Isaiah 61:1: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to thepoor..." (The mission statement of the Messiah).
- Malachi 3:1: "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me..." (John was this messenger, asking if Jesus was the one to follow).
Cross references
Mt 11:2-6 (parallel account), Jn 10:25 (works bear witness), Isa 29:18-19 (prophecy of healing).
Luke 7:24-30
...He began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? ... A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (And all the people who heard this, including the tax collectors, justified God... But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves...)
In-depth-analysis
- Jesus affirms John's unparalleled greatness, calling him "more than a prophet." He was the specific, prophesied forerunner.
- The paradox: "among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." This is not about moral character but redemptive-historical position. John is the climax of the Old Covenant. Even the "least" person who has entered the New Covenant through faith in Christ has a privileged position and intimate relationship with God that John could only point toward.
- Luke interjects a narrator's comment (v. 29-30) clarifying the two responses to God's work through John and Jesus: the common people and tax collectors "justified God" (acknowledged He was right), while the religious elite "rejected the purpose of God."
Polemics
This passage is a direct critique of those who revered John but failed to make the leap to Jesus. Jesus forces the issue: John's entire purpose was to prepare for Him. To accept John but reject Jesus is to miss the entire point and, as Luke notes, to "reject God's purpose." It elevates the state of a simple believer in the New Covenant above the greatest prophet of the Old.
Bible references
- Malachi 3:1 & Isaiah 40:3: The prophecies about the forerunner which Jesus applies to John.
- Hebrews 11:39-40: "And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us..." (Explains how NT believers receive a greater fulfillment).
- Matthew 3:11: "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I..." (John's own testimony of his preparatory role).
Cross references
Eph 2:19-22 (household of God), Heb 8:6 (mediator of a better covenant), Jn 3:30 (He must increase, I must decrease).
Luke 7:31-35
“To what then shall I compare the people of this generation... They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.”
In-depth-analysis
- Jesus uses a parable of discontented children to describe a generation that refuses to be pleased. They reject both God's messengers, regardless of the method.
- The contrast is sharp: John the ascetic (dirge) was rejected as demonic. Jesus the sociable one (flute) was rejected as hedonistic. The problem wasn't the messenger or the method; it was the hardness of the audience's heart.
- "Wisdom is justified by all her children." Wisdom (God's plan, embodied in Jesus) is proven right by those who respond to it. The "children of wisdom" are those who repent at John's call and believe in Jesus (e.g., the tax collectors, the Centurion, the woman to come). Their transformed lives are the vindication of God's ways.
Bible references
- Matthew 11:16-19: The direct parallel account of this teaching.
- Proverbs 1:20-24: "Wisdom cries aloud in the street... 'How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? ... Because I have called and you refused...'" (Personified Wisdom is rejected, just as Jesus described).
- 1 Corinthians 1:24: "...but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." (Identifies Christ as the ultimate wisdom of God).
Cross references
Jer 5:21 (hear but do not understand), Isa 5:1-7 (Parable of the Vineyard), Prov 9:7-9 (rebuking a scoffer vs. a wise man).
Luke 7:36-50
One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him... and a woman of the city, who was a sinner... brought an alabaster flask of ointment... weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears... and kissed his feet and anointed them... [The Pharisee thought,] "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is..." [Jesus tells the parable of the two debtors]. “...her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” ... "Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
In-depth-analysis
- This story is a living enactment of the previous section. Simon the Pharisee is like the discontented children, while the "sinful woman" is a child of wisdom.
- The woman's actions are extravagant: expensive ointment, precious tears, unbound hair (a mark of shame or intimacy), and physical contact—all are acts of radical humility, repentance, and worship.
- Simon's failure: Jesus points out that Simon failed even in basic hospitality (water, a kiss, oil), while the woman performed acts of extravagant devotion. Simon's failure to love was rooted in his failure to see his own need for forgiveness.
- Forgiveness and Love: The key principle is in verse 47. Crucially, her love is the evidence of her forgiveness, not the cause of it. The "for" (
hoti
in Greek) is better understood as "as shown by the fact that." A person who understands the magnitude of their sin and the even greater magnitude of the grace they've received responds with overwhelming love and gratitude. - Jesus makes two pronouncements: one to the woman ("Your sins are forgiven") and a second ("Your faith has saved you"). He grounds her forgiveness in divine authority and her reception of it in faith. Her loving actions were the fruit of that faith.
Polemics
This is a direct polemic against the theology of self-righteousness. The Pharisees believed they maintained a right relationship with God through careful obedience to the Law. They saw themselves as the "50 denarii" debtor who needed little help. Jesus reframes the entire system: everyone is a "500 denarii" debtor, and righteousness is not about avoiding sin but about receiving grace and responding in love. By claiming the authority to forgive sins (Mk 2:7
), Jesus is making an explicit claim to divinity, which the other guests immediately recognize and question.
Bible references
- Mark 2:7: "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (The implicit question in the minds of the guests).
- 1 John 4:19: "We love because he first loved us." (The theological principle behind the woman's actions).
- Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith... it is the gift of God, not a result of works..." (The foundation of her salvation).
Cross references
2 Sam 12:1-13 (Nathan's parable to David), Rom 5:20 (grace abounded all the more), Isa 1:18 (sins like scarlet become white as snow), Psa 51:17 (broken and contrite heart).
Luke chapter 7 analysis
- The Theme of "Worthy": The chapter presents a stark contrast in what makes one "worthy." The Jewish elders believe the centurion is worthy (
axios
) because of his good works (v. 4). The centurion believes he is unworthy (hikanos
) to even host Jesus (v. 6). The sinful woman acts from a place of complete unworthiness. The chapter teaches that approaching Jesus begins with acknowledging one's unworthiness, not asserting one's merit. - A Chiastic Structure (possible reading): The chapter can be seen as an "A-B-B-A" structure of faith and response:
- A: Great faith from an outsider (Centurion, vv. 1-10)
- B: Rejection/doubt from Israel's insiders (Generation, vv. 31-35) and its greatest representative (John, vv. 18-30).
- B': Rejection from a religious insider (Simon the Pharisee, vv. 36-46).
- A': Great faith and love from an outsider (Sinful Woman, vv. 36-50).
- Progressive Revelation of Authority: The chapter systematically escalates the claims about Jesus's identity and power:
- Authority over Sickness & Space (The Centurion's servant healed from a distance).
- Authority over Death (The Widow's son raised by a command).
- Authority over Prophetic History (Jesus declares Himself the fulfillment of prophecy and superior to John).
- Authority over Sin & Judgment (Jesus forgives the woman's sins, a divine prerogative).
Luke 7 summary
Luke 7 reveals Jesus' supreme authority through a series of powerful encounters. He heals a centurion's servant from afar, responding to a Roman's profound faith in His word alone. He then raises a widow's only son from the dead out of sheer compassion, showing power over life itself. This is followed by Jesus confirming His messianic identity to the doubting disciples of John the Baptist by pointing to His scripturally-foretold works. The chapter culminates in a dinner where a sinful woman's extravagant love, born from her forgiveness, is contrasted with the cold judgment of her Pharisee host, powerfully illustrating that a right relationship with God is founded on receiving grace through faith, which in turn produces love.
Luke 7 AI Image Audio and Video
Luke chapter 7 kjv
- 1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
- 2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
- 3 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.
- 4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
- 5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
- 6 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:
- 7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
- 8 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.
- 9 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.
- 10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
- 11 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.
- 12 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.
- 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
- 14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
- 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
- 16 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.
- 17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
- 18 And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.
- 19 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?
- 20 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?
- 21 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.
- 22 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.
- 23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
- 24 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?
- 25 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.
- 26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
- 27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
- 28 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.
- 29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
- 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
- 31 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?
- 32 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.
- 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.
- 34 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!
- 35 But wisdom is justified of all her children.
- 36 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.
- 37 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,
- 38 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.
- 39 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.
- 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
- 41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
- 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
- 43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
- 44 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.
- 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
- 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
- 47 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.
- 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
- 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
- 50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
Luke chapter 7 nkjv
- 1 Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum.
- 2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.
- 3 So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant.
- 4 And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving,
- 5 "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue."
- 6 Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.
- 7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
- 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
- 9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"
- 10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.
- 11 Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd.
- 12 And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her.
- 13 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."
- 14 Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise."
- 15 So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother.
- 16 Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us"; and, "God has visited His people."
- 17 And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.
- 18 Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things.
- 19 And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"
- 20 When the men had come to Him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, 'Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?' "
- 21 And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight.
- 22 Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.
- 23 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."
- 24 When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
- 25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings' courts.
- 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.
- 27 This is he of whom it is written: 'Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.'
- 28 For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
- 29 And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John.
- 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.
- 31 And the Lord said, "To what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like?
- 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, saying: 'We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not weep.'
- 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.'
- 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'
- 35 But wisdom is justified by all her children."
- 36 Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee's house, and sat down to eat.
- 37 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil,
- 38 and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil.
- 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, "This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner."
- 40 And Jesus answered and said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." So he said, "Teacher, say it."
- 41 "There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
- 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?"
- 43 Simon answered and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more." And He said to him, "You have rightly judged."
- 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head.
- 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in.
- 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil.
- 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."
- 48 Then He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
- 49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
- 50 Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
Luke chapter 7 niv
- 1 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum.
- 2 There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die.
- 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant.
- 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this,
- 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue."
- 6 So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.
- 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
- 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
- 9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel."
- 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
- 11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him.
- 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out?the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her.
- 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry."
- 14 Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!"
- 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
- 16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people."
- 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.
- 18 John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them,
- 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"
- 20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'?"
- 21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind.
- 22 So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.
- 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me."
- 24 After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?
- 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces.
- 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
- 27 This is the one about whom it is written: "?'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'
- 28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
- 29 (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John.
- 30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)
- 31 Jesus went on to say, "To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like?
- 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: "?'We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.'
- 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.'
- 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.'
- 35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children."
- 36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table.
- 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.
- 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
- 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is?that she is a sinner."
- 40 Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said.
- 41 "Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
- 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
- 43 Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
- 44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
- 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.
- 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.
- 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven?as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little."
- 48 Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
- 49 The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
- 50 Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
Luke chapter 7 esv
- 1 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
- 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.
- 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.
- 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy to have you do this for him,
- 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue."
- 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.
- 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed.
- 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
- 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith."
- 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
- 11 Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him.
- 12 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her.
- 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."
- 14 Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise."
- 15 And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
- 16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!"
- 17 And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.
- 18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John,
- 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?"
- 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, 'Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?'"
- 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight.
- 22 And he answered them, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them.
- 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me."
- 24 When John's messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
- 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings' courts.
- 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
- 27 This is he of whom it is written, "'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'
- 28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
- 29 (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John,
- 30 but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)
- 31 "To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like?
- 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, "'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.'
- 33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.'
- 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'
- 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children."
- 36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table.
- 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment,
- 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.
- 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner."
- 40 And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "Say it, Teacher."
- 41 "A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
- 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
- 43 Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly."
- 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
- 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet.
- 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.
- 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven ? for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."
- 48 And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
- 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?"
- 50 And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
Luke chapter 7 nlt
- 1 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people, he returned to Capernaum.
- 2 At that time the highly valued slave of a Roman officer was sick and near death.
- 3 When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some respected Jewish elders to ask him to come and heal his slave.
- 4 So they earnestly begged Jesus to help the man. "If anyone deserves your help, he does," they said,
- 5 "for he loves the Jewish people and even built a synagogue for us."
- 6 So Jesus went with them. But just before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, "Lord, don't trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor.
- 7 I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.
- 8 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, 'Go,' and they go, or 'Come,' and they come. And if I say to my slaves, 'Do this,' they do it."
- 9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, "I tell you, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel!"
- 10 And when the officer's friends returned to his house, they found the slave completely healed.
- 11 Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him.
- 12 A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow's only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her.
- 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. "Don't cry!" he said.
- 14 Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. "Young man," he said, "I tell you, get up."
- 15 Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother.
- 16 Great fear swept the crowd, and they praised God, saying, "A mighty prophet has risen among us," and "God has visited his people today."
- 17 And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding countryside.
- 18 The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples,
- 19 and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, "Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?"
- 20 John's two disciples found Jesus and said to him, "John the Baptist sent us to ask, 'Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?'"
- 21 At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind.
- 22 Then he told John's disciples, "Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard ? the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor."
- 23 And he added, "God blesses those who do not fall away because of me. "
- 24 After John's disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. "What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind?
- 25 Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces.
- 26 Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet.
- 27 John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, 'Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
and he will prepare your way before you.' - 28 I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!"
- 29 When they heard this, all the people ? even the tax collectors ? agreed that God's way was right, for they had been baptized by John.
- 30 But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God's plan for them, for they had refused John's baptism.
- 31 "To what can I compare the people of this generation?" Jesus asked. "How can I describe them?
- 32 They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, 'We played wedding songs,
and you didn't dance,
so we played funeral songs,
and you didn't weep.' - 33 For John the Baptist didn't spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, 'He's possessed by a demon.'
- 34 The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, 'He's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!'
- 35 But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it. "
- 36 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat.
- 37 When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume.
- 38 Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.
- 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She's a sinner!"
- 40 Then Jesus answered his thoughts. "Simon," he said to the Pharisee, "I have something to say to you." "Go ahead, Teacher," Simon replied.
- 41 Then Jesus told him this story: "A man loaned money to two people ? 500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other.
- 42 But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?"
- 43 Simon answered, "I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt." "That's right," Jesus said.
- 44 Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn't offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
- 45 You didn't greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet.
- 46 You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.
- 47 "I tell you, her sins ? and they are many ? have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love."
- 48 Then Jesus said to the woman, "Your sins are forgiven."
- 49 The men at the table said among themselves, "Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?"
- 50 And Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
- Bible Book of Luke
- 1 Story of Zacharias and Elisabeth
- 2 Mary giving birth to Jesus
- 3 John the Baptist Prepares the Way
- 4 The Temptation of Jesus
- 5 Jesus Calls the First Disciples
- 6 Jesus about the Sabbath
- 7 Jesus Heals a Centurion's Servant
- 8 Women Accompanying Jesus
- 9 Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles
- 10 Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two
- 11 The Lord's Prayer
- 12 Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees
- 13 Repent or Perish
- 14 Healing of a Man on the Sabbath
- 15 Parable of the Lost Sheep
- 16 Parable of the Shrewd Manager
- 17 Jesus teaching on Forgiveness
- 18 The Parable of the Persistent Widow
- 19 Zacchaeus the Tax Collector
- 20 The Authority of Jesus Challenged
- 21 The Widow's Offering
- 22 Judas the one who betrayed Jesus
- 23 The Crucifixion of Jesus
- 24 Jesus is Risen