Luke 7 36

Luke 7:36 kjv

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.

Luke 7:36 nkjv

Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee's house, and sat down to eat.

Luke 7:36 niv

When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table.

Luke 7:36 esv

One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table.

Luke 7:36 nlt

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat.

Luke 7 verses

Luke 7 36 Meaning

Luke 7:36 establishes the setting for a pivotal encounter in Jesus' ministry. It describes a Pharisee inviting Jesus to a meal, an act of hospitality that Jesus accepts, entering the Pharisee's home and taking his place at the table. This verse serves as the immediate precursor, providing the essential context for the dramatic anointing of Jesus by a sinful woman, which immediately follows. It highlights Jesus' willingness to engage with all segments of society, including religious leaders, despite their often opposing views, and sets the scene for a display of radical grace and forgiveness within a highly structured religious and social environment.

Luke 7 36 Context

Luke 7:36 is strategically placed within Luke's Gospel, following a series of demonstrations of Jesus' divine authority and compassion. Immediately before this verse, Jesus raises the son of the widow of Nain (Lk 7:11-17) and commends the faith of the Roman centurion (Lk 7:1-10). These powerful acts confirm Jesus' unique identity and power, leading into a discussion about John the Baptist and "this generation" (Lk 7:18-35). The invitation to the Pharisee's house shifts the setting from public miracles to a private social interaction, which quickly turns into a public teaching moment.

In the broader Lukan narrative, meals are frequent settings for Jesus' teachings, revealing His character and challenging societal norms (e.g., Lk 5:29-32; 11:37; 14:1; 19:5-7; 24:30). This particular meal invitation by a Pharisee highlights the ongoing tension between Jesus and the religious establishment, who often sought to scrutinize Him, yet also demonstrated an interest, whether genuine or critical, in His teachings. Historically, meals were highly significant social and religious occasions in ancient Jewish culture, often laden with rituals, traditions, and implications for one's status and purity. Reclining at a meal (as indicated by "sat down to meat") was typical of a formal banquet setting.

Luke 7 36 Word analysis

• And: Connects this event directly to the preceding narrative, showing a continuous flow in Jesus' ministry.
• one of the Pharisees: Greek: Pharisaios (Φαρισαῖος). The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious and political party known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and their own oral traditions. They often clashed with Jesus over matters of purity, Sabbath observance, and the interpretation of the Law. The mention of "one of" (Greek: τις, tis, 'a certain one') suggests an individual, not representing the entire group, but setting the stage for a representative interaction. Their interest in Jesus varied, ranging from genuine inquiry to attempts to entrap Him.
• desired him: Greek: erōtaō (ἐρωτάω). This word can mean simply "to ask" or "to question," but also "to invite" or "to request earnestly." In this context, it is an invitation to share a meal, implying a level of hospitality. The Pharisee's motive might have been curiosity, a desire to hear Jesus teach more closely, or even to test Him.
• that he would eat with him: Sharing a meal symbolized fellowship and acceptance in ancient Jewish culture. Eating together could signify social equality, religious acceptance, and even covenant bonds. For a Pharisee, known for meticulous dietary and purity laws, inviting a person like Jesus (whose associates were often criticized) carried significance.
• And he went: Greek: eiserchomai (εἰσέρχομαι), meaning "to come into," "to enter." Jesus' willingness to accept the invitation underscores His accessibility and His mission to reach all people, including religious leaders who were often His critics. It shows He did not shun interaction with those who held different views.
• into the Pharisee's house: Greek: oikia (οἰκία). A private setting for a communal meal. This detail is important because the subsequent events involve a woman entering a private home, which would have been socially unconventional for her status. It highlights the vulnerability of the domestic space to unexpected intrusions, yet also allows for intimate discourse.
• and sat down to meat: Greek: anapiptō (ἀναπίπτω), meaning "to recline." This term indicates the customary posture at banquets in the Roman and Hellenistic worlds. Guests would recline on couches with their feet stretched backward away from the table. This detail is crucial for the events that follow, as the "sinful woman" is able to access Jesus' feet freely, allowing her act of devotion. This also signifies that it was a formal meal, not a quick, informal snack.

Luke 7 36 Bonus section

The naming of the Pharisee is absent here, unlike some other Lukan meal narratives (e.g., Lk 11:37; 14:1). Some traditions identify this Pharisee as Simon (Lk 7:40), though Luke only calls him "a certain Pharisee." This anonymity underscores that the focus is not on the host himself, but on Jesus' action and teaching within this representative setting. Jesus' repeated willingness to accept invitations from Pharisees demonstrates His strategic outreach; He does not retreat from confrontation or engagement but actively seeks opportunities to challenge hardened hearts and demonstrate His kingdom values. Meals served as intimate contexts where Jesus could teach and minister beyond the synagogues and public squares, bringing His message into the very homes and social circles of those who needed to hear it most directly. This also prepares the audience for the common pattern of Jesus eating with "undesirables," as His dining choices often drew criticism.

Luke 7 36 Commentary

Luke 7:36 is a succinct verse that, while seemingly straightforward, carries immense significance as the opening act of one of Luke's most profound narratives. It introduces a moment of apparent social engagement between Jesus and a Pharisee, a representative of the religious establishment often depicted in tension with Jesus. The Pharisee's invitation to a meal is not uncommon, as Jesus frequently dined with various people, utilizing these settings as opportunities for teaching and ministry. Jesus' acceptance demonstrates His non-discriminatory approach and His willingness to engage with those who, on the surface, were His intellectual and theological adversaries.

The detail that Jesus "sat down to meat" (reclined) provides a vivid cultural setting, making the subsequent intrusion by the "sinful woman" (Lk 7:37-38) both physically plausible and socially scandalous. The common practice of open doors during meals meant that outsiders could observe, and occasionally even approach, the diners, though typically only male beggars or slaves might be allowed closer proximity. For a woman of ill repute to enter a private, male-dominated Pharisee's gathering was highly unconventional and would immediately challenge the sanctity and purity of the space according to Pharisaic customs. Thus, this simple verse sets the scene for a powerful clash of societal norms, religious expectations, and divine grace. It foreshadows the dramatic demonstration of Jesus' compassion, radical inclusivity, and understanding of true repentance, preparing the audience for the profound teaching on forgiveness and love that follows.