Luke 10 38

Luke 10:38 kjv

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

Luke 10:38 nkjv

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house.

Luke 10:38 niv

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.

Luke 10:38 esv

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.

Luke 10:38 nlt

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.

Luke 10 verses

Luke 10 38 Meaning

Luke 10:38 describes Jesus, accompanied by His disciples, arriving in a village named Bethany. Here, a specific woman named Martha extends hospitality to Him, welcoming Him into her private home. This verse sets the stage for a crucial encounter illustrating different forms of discipleship.

Luke 10 38 Context

Luke 10 begins with Jesus commissioning the seventy-two disciples and sending them out with instructions for their mission, including how they should be received (or not received). This section emphasizes the active spread of the Gospel message and Jesus's journey towards Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). Prior to verse 38, Jesus had taught the disciples about prayer and the power they possessed, and then narrated the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), illustrating neighborly love. Immediately following this parable, the narrative transitions from public teaching and mission instruction to a more intimate, domestic setting. The verse directly introduces the well-known interaction between Martha and Mary, making this brief mention of Jesus's arrival in Bethany and Martha's welcome foundational to understanding the contrasting approaches to discipleship that Jesus then addresses. Bethany, situated just a couple of miles east of Jerusalem, would become a frequent stopping point for Jesus, linking this private home with many pivotal events in His final ministry days.

Luke 10 38 Word analysis

• Now it came to pass (Kai egeneto - Καὶ ἐγένετο): A characteristic Lukan transitional phrase. It serves to advance the narrative, indicating a shift in time or setting, moving from a previous event to a new one. It marks the commencement of an event rather than a continuation.
• as they went (en tō poreuesthai autous - ἐν τῷ πορεύεσθαι αὐτούς): The Greek uses a continuous tense, emphasizing that Jesus and His disciples were actively "on the way" or "journeying." This highlights Jesus's itinerant ministry and constant movement. Poreuomai (πορεύομαι) means "to go," "to travel," or "to journey," signifying their ongoing mission.
• that he entered (eiselthen - εἰσῆλθεν): This word implies a definite and intentional entry. Jesus chose to go into this specific place, rather than simply passing by.
• into a certain village (komēn tina - κώμην τινά): A "village" (komē - κώμη) refers to a small settlement, distinct from a larger "city" (polis - πόλις). Villages typically offered basic amenities and quieter environments. The term "certain" suggests it's a specific, identified location to the reader.
• named Bethany (onoma Bēthaniā - ὀνόματι Βηθανία): Bethany (Βηθανία) is a key geographical location, located about two miles east of Jerusalem. Its name may mean "house of dates/figs" or "house of affliction." It's significant because it becomes Jesus's frequent retreat and the setting for His miraculous raising of Lazarus and an anointing prior to His Passion.
• and a certain woman named Martha (kai gunē tis onomati Martha - καὶ γυνὴ δέ τις ὀνόματι Μάρθα): "A certain woman" highlights Martha as the individual host, not just a member of a group. Martha (Μάρθα) is of Aramaic origin (מַרְתָּא, Martāʾ) meaning "mistress" or "lady of the house." This name likely reflects her position as the head or primary manager of the household.
• received him (hupedexato auton - ὑπεδέξατο αὐτόν): The verb hupodechomai (ὑποδέχομαι) means "to receive under one's roof," "to welcome," "to entertain as a guest." It suggests a warm, intentional, and personal act of hospitality, not just mere allowance into a dwelling. This was a significant act in ancient cultures where travel safety and sustenance relied heavily on hospitality.
• into her house (eis ton oikon autēs - εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτῆς): The term oikos (οἶκος) refers to a house or household. The phrase "her house" explicitly indicates that Martha owned or was the primary resident and manager of the property. This personal invitation highlights her initiative and generosity.

• "as they went, that he entered": This phrase captures the itinerancy of Jesus's ministry—He was always moving, bringing the Kingdom of God wherever He went, and taking advantage of moments of respite offered by willing hosts.
• "a certain village, named Bethany": This identifies the specific locale. The choice of Bethany suggests familiarity and trust, laying the groundwork for later intimate scenes and teachings in this beloved family home.
• "a certain woman named Martha received him into her house": This key phrase highlights Martha's immediate action and primary role. Her leadership and readiness to offer personal hospitality signify the warmth and importance of her welcoming gesture.

Luke 10 38 Bonus section

• Luke's emphasis on women: Luke's Gospel notably highlights the roles and faith of women more than the other Gospels. Martha here is not just a passive background character but an active initiator of hospitality, leading the way in receiving Jesus. This sets her up as a prominent female figure whose subsequent interaction with Jesus becomes a cornerstone of discipleship teaching.
• Strategic Placement of Bethany: The strategic positioning of Bethany just outside Jerusalem (around two miles) makes it a practical and perhaps necessary place of refuge and rest for Jesus during His ministry. Its significance is expanded upon in John's Gospel, especially during Holy Week, confirming it as a place of familiar solace for Jesus.
• Contrast in Reception: This verse offers a stark contrast to the previous rejection Jesus experienced in a Samaritan village (Luke 9:51-53), emphasizing that while some did not receive Him, there were those, like Martha, who warmly welcomed Him. This hospitality facilitated both physical rest for Jesus and spiritual teaching for His followers.

Luke 10 38 Commentary

Luke 10:38 is a simple, direct narrative transition that immediately precedes the classic account of Martha and Mary. It effectively sets the scene by establishing that Jesus, continuously on His mission journey, accepted a personal invitation into a private home in Bethany. Martha, explicitly identified as the host and "lady" of the house, takes the initiative to "receive" Jesus and His company, indicating an act of profound and active hospitality—a cherished value in the ancient world. This seemingly straightforward act of welcoming Him into her physical dwelling primes the reader for the subsequent narrative, which will explore the deeper meaning of "receiving" Christ not just into one's house, but into one's life and priorities. It portrays Jesus's willingness to engage not only in public ministry but also in intimate, personal settings, allowing for profound interactions that unfold in the very next verses. This hospitality serves as a precursor to spiritual instruction.