Luke 7 43

Luke 7:43 kjv

Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

Luke 7:43 nkjv

Simon answered and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more." And He said to him, "You have rightly judged."

Luke 7:43 niv

Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

Luke 7:43 esv

Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly."

Luke 7:43 nlt

Simon answered, "I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt." "That's right," Jesus said.

Luke 7 verses

Luke 7 43 Meaning

Luke 7:43 reveals Simon the Pharisee's correct, logical conclusion to Jesus' parable of the two debtors. Simon deduces that the person who was forgiven a larger debt would naturally feel more love for the one who forgave them. Jesus affirms this judgment as "right," confirming the universal principle that the depth of gratitude and love corresponds to the magnitude of the forgiveness received. This verse serves as a crucial bridge, validating the premise of Jesus' teaching before He applies it directly to Simon and the woman who anointed His feet. It highlights that even intellectual understanding can acknowledge spiritual truths, though it doesn't always equate to personal repentance or heartfelt transformation.

Luke 7 43 Context

Luke 7:43 is a pivotal moment within the larger narrative of Jesus dining at Simon the Pharisee's house (Lk 7:36-50). The verse immediately follows Jesus' parable of the two debtors, which Jesus told in response to Simon's unspoken, judgmental thoughts about a "sinful woman" who lavishly expressed devotion at Jesus' feet. Simon's initial disdain (Lk 7:39) stemmed from his strict adherence to purity laws and his inability to fathom why Jesus, if truly a prophet, would allow a known sinner to touch Him. Culturally, Pharisaic society distinguished rigidly between the righteous and the unrighteous, often valuing outward displays of piety over internal transformation and mercy. This exchange directly challenges such legalistic assumptions by introducing the concept that a deeper awareness of one's own sin and the vastness of divine forgiveness leads to profound love and devotion, which Simon, due to his self-perceived righteousness, could not manifest. Jesus implicitly critiques the contemporary belief that one must earn God's favor and highlights His unique authority to forgive sins.

Luke 7 43 Word analysis

• Simon (Σίμων - Simōn): The Pharisee hosting Jesus. His name often appears in the Gospels in connection to his role as an observer, often judgmental, of Jesus' ministry. Here, he represents a self-righteous individual who struggles to see his own spiritual debt.

• answered (ἀποκριθείς - apokritheis): "Having answered" (aorist participle), indicating a direct and immediate verbal response to Jesus' question from verse 42.

• The one, I suppose (ἐκεῖνος οἶμαι - ekeinos oimai): "That one, I think/suppose." The word "οἶμαι" (oimai - I suppose/I imagine) reveals Simon's detached, intellectual reasoning. He correctly understands the logic of the parable but, critically, not its spiritual application to his own heart or the woman's. This highlights a disconnect between head-knowledge and heartfelt recognition.

• for whom he canceled the greater debt (ᾧ τὸ πλεῖον δανείον ἀφῆκεν - hō to pleion daneion aphēken): This phrase is Simon's correct interpretation of the parable's premise.

  • canceled (ἀφῆκεν - aphēken): "Released," "forgave," "dismissed." This verb (from ἀφίημι - aphiēmi) signifies a full and complete pardon or liberation, emphasizing the magnanimous nature of the moneylender's act.
  • greater debt (τὸ πλεῖον δανείον - to pleion daneion): This refers directly to the five hundred denarii in the parable. Symbolically, it represents a deeper awareness of one's sinfulness and the corresponding greater need for grace and forgiveness.

• And he said to him (ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ - ho de eipen autō): Jesus' direct address to Simon, acknowledging his logical answer.

• You have judged rightly (Ὀρθῶς ἔκρινας - Orthōs ekrinas):

  • rightly (Ὀρθῶς - Orthōs): Meaning "correctly," "accurately," "straight." This confirms the accuracy of Simon's deduction from the parable. Jesus validates Simon's intellectual understanding of the principle, which then serves as a springboard for Jesus to deliver the profound spiritual application in the subsequent verses.
  • judged (ἔκρινας - ekrinas): "You have judged/discerned/decided" (aorist active indicative of κρίνω - krinō). This word is significant; while Simon has "judged" the parable correctly, Jesus is subtly setting up the idea that true judgment involves more than just intellectual reasoning—it involves the heart and recognition of one's own need for forgiveness.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Simon answered, 'The one, I suppose, for whom he canceled the greater debt.'" This statement reveals Simon's limited spiritual perception. While his logical answer is correct, the phrase "I suppose" implies a detached, purely intellectual response, lacking personal insight or emotional resonance with the truth revealed. He acknowledges the abstract principle without recognizing its application to his own self-righteousness versus the woman's obvious repentance and love.
  • "And he said to him, 'You have judged rightly.'" Jesus' affirmation of Simon's intellectual conclusion. This is not an affirmation of Simon's heart, but of his mind's ability to logically discern. Jesus validates the principle of "more forgiveness, more love" which Simon articulated, providing a solid foundation for the subsequent, challenging application to Simon himself and the woman. It emphasizes Jesus' willingness to meet people where they are, using their own reasoning to lead them to deeper truths.

Luke 7 43 Bonus section

This verse sets up a dramatic contrast that is central to Luke's Gospel: the self-righteous versus the humble sinner. Simon, despite his correct intellectual answer, represents those who believe they have little to be forgiven for, and thus manifest little love or gratitude. The unnamed woman, understanding her vast debt and experiencing radical forgiveness, responds with overflowing love and adoration. This dynamic challenges the rigid social and religious structures of Jesus' day, asserting that spiritual status is not based on social standing or perceived morality, but on a recognition of sin and reception of divine grace. The passage underscores that genuine faith manifests as humble gratitude and fervent love, flowing from the heart of one who knows they have been greatly forgiven. It's not about how 'good' one is, but how profoundly one has experienced God's saving mercy.

Luke 7 43 Commentary

Luke 7:43 encapsulates a moment of ironic truth. Simon, the host, a Pharisee concerned with ritual purity and outward righteousness, correctly answers Jesus' simple question. He intellectually grasps the logic: a person who is forgiven much will love much. Yet, his "I suppose" hints at his personal disconnect from this profound truth. He sees the woman as "a sinner" and himself as "righteous," failing to perceive his own spiritual debt or the depth of his need for forgiveness, which prevents him from showing genuine love for Jesus as the woman does. Jesus' validation, "You have judged rightly," confirms the universal principle that love is a direct outflow of a transformed heart experiencing divine forgiveness. It serves as a pedagogical move, compelling Simon to acknowledge the very premise that Jesus then uses to expose Simon's spiritual blindness and elevate the woman's faithful devotion. The verse illustrates that understanding about God is distinct from experiencing God's transforming grace.