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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} it came to pass {G1096}, as {G1722} they {G846} went {G4198}, that {G2532} he {G846} entered {G1525} into {G1519} a certain {G5100} village {G2968}: and {G1161} a certain {G5100} woman {G1135} named {G3686} Martha {G3136} received {G5264} him {G846} into {G1519} her {G846} house {G3624}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On their way Yeshua and his talmidim came to a village where a woman named Marta welcomed him into her home.

Berean Standard Bible

As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.

American Standard Version

Now as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 10:38 initiates a pivotal moment in Jesus' journey, describing His entry into a village and His reception by a woman named Martha into her home. This seemingly simple act of hospitality serves as the foundational setting for a profound teaching on spiritual priorities, contrasting the busyness of service with the quiet devotion of listening to Christ, thereby establishing the domestic context for an enduring lesson on discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the profound [Parable of the Good Samaritan](/luke/10-25-37 "Luke 10:25-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan"), which concludes with Jesus' command to "Go, and do thou likewise" ([Luke 10:37](/luke/10-37 "Luke 10:37 - Go and Do Likewise")). The transition from a public teaching on neighborly love to a private domestic scene involving Martha and Mary is abrupt yet intentional, shifting the focus from external action to internal spiritual disposition. It is part of Luke's larger "travel narrative" or "journey to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:51-19:27](/luke/9-51-19-27 "Luke's Journey Narrative - Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem")), where Jesus consistently teaches His disciples about the nature of the Kingdom of God and the demands of discipleship as He moves towards His ultimate destination. The encounter with Martha and Mary, therefore, is not an isolated incident but an integral part of Jesus' ongoing instruction to those who follow Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern society, hospitality was not merely a social custom but a sacred duty and a cornerstone of communal life. To offer shelter, food, and refreshment to a traveler, especially a revered teacher or prophet, was a highly esteemed act of virtue and a mark of honor for the host. The "certain village" mentioned, though unnamed in Luke, is traditionally understood to be Bethany, located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, just a few miles from Jerusalem. This village was home to Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus, as confirmed by [John 11:1](/john/11-1 "John 11:1 - Lazarus of Bethany"). Houses in this period typically had a central courtyard, and rooms would open onto it, providing a setting suitable for receiving guests. Women played a crucial role in managing the household and extending hospitality, often taking on the demanding tasks of preparing meals and ensuring guest comfort. Martha's immediate reception of Jesus into her home highlights her adherence to these deeply ingrained cultural expectations of hospitality.
* **Key Themes:** The introduction of Martha and her home in [Luke 10:38](/luke/10-38 "Luke 10:38 - Martha Receives Jesus") establishes several key themes that resonate throughout this passage and the broader Gospel. Firstly, **Hospitality** is paramount, showcasing Martha's initiative to welcome Jesus, embodying the virtue of opening one's home and life to others, especially the Lord. This act is a tangible expression of love and service. Secondly, the theme of **Receiving Jesus** extends beyond physical lodging; it symbolizes an openness to His presence and teaching in one's personal sphere, setting the stage for the subsequent lesson on spiritual priorities. Thirdly, the phrase "as they went" underscores the **Itinerant Nature of Jesus' Ministry**, emphasizing His constant movement and engagement with people in various settings, bringing His message and presence directly into their lives and homes. This dynamic journey is central to Luke's portrayal of Jesus' mission, as seen in passages like [Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus Preaches in Other Towns") where He declares He must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to other towns also.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Now it came to pass (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb signifies "to come into being," "to become," or "to happen." It is a common introductory phrase in the Gospels, often used to transition to a new event or narrative segment. Here, it signals the commencement of a significant interaction, marking the beginning of Jesus' encounter with Martha and her household. Its usage underscores the unfolding of God's plan through ordinary events.
* **woman (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** This term simply refers to an adult female. While seemingly straightforward, in this context, it highlights Martha's individual agency and role as the head or primary manager of the household who takes the initiative to invite Jesus. The subsequent naming of "Martha" further personalizes this "certain woman," emphasizing her specific identity and actions.
* **received (Greek, _hypodéchomai'_):** Derived from _hypó_ (under) and _déchomai_ (to receive), this verb literally means "to receive under one's roof," or "to entertain hospitably." It conveys a deliberate and welcoming act of taking someone into one's home, suggesting a warm and intentional invitation rather than a casual encounter. Martha's action is portrayed as an active, personal initiative to extend genuine hospitality to Jesus and His traveling companions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Now it came to pass, as they went":** This opening clause serves as a narrative transition, indicating the continuation of Jesus' journey (the "travel narrative" in Luke). The phrase "as they went" emphasizes the ongoing, dynamic, and itinerant nature of Jesus' ministry, not confined to one place but actively moving and engaging with people wherever He went. It sets the scene for an encounter that occurs amidst His purposeful travels.
* **"that he entered into a certain village":** This specifies the location of the next significant event. The village is left unnamed by Luke, perhaps to generalize the lesson that follows, though tradition identifies it as Bethany. Jesus' act of "entering" signifies His intentional engagement with the local community and His willingness to step into the private sphere of individuals, bringing His presence and teaching directly to them.
* **"and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house":** This final clause introduces the central figure of the immediate narrative and highlights her pivotal action. Martha is identified by name, giving her a distinct identity and role. Her act of "receiving" Jesus "into her house" is an act of profound hospitality, indicating her initiative and willingness to open her private dwelling to the Lord and His disciples, thereby setting the stage for the deeper spiritual lesson about priorities that unfolds in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 10:38 employs several literary devices to set the scene and introduce the characters. The opening phrase, "Now it came to pass," is a common **Transitional Formula** in biblical narratives, signaling a shift in setting or the beginning of a new episode, effectively moving the story forward. The use of **Indefinite Articles** like "a certain village" and "a certain woman" initially creates a sense of universality, suggesting that this encounter could happen anywhere or with anyone, before the woman is specifically named, adding a layer of particularity and personal connection. The naming of "Martha" serves as a form of **Character Introduction**, immediately establishing her as a key figure in the unfolding narrative. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing** by setting up a domestic scene of hospitality, which subtly hints at the subsequent tension and teaching concerning the nature of service and devotion that will be explored in the following verses, thereby preparing the reader for a deeper theological discussion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 10:38 introduces the profound theological theme of **divine presence in the domestic sphere**. Jesus, the embodiment of God, enters a private home, signaling that His ministry is not confined to synagogues or public spaces but extends intimately into the everyday lives and personal environments of His followers. Martha's act of receiving Him into her house underscores the theological concept of hospitality as a tangible expression of faith and love, a practice deeply valued in both Old and New Testaments as a way of welcoming God Himself. This verse sets the stage for a critical discussion on the nature of discipleship, contrasting active service with contemplative listening, and ultimately elevating the priority of spiritual engagement over temporal concerns. It highlights that true reception of Christ involves not just physical welcome but also an openness of heart to His Word.

* [Matthew 25:35](/matthew/25-35 "Matthew 25:35 - Welcoming the Stranger")
* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practicing Hospitality")
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Do Not Forget Hospitality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 10:38 offers a powerful invitation for personal reflection on how we receive Christ into our own lives and homes. Martha's immediate and active hospitality serves as a commendable example of eagerness to host the Lord. This verse challenges us to consider the spaces we make available for Jesus, not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally. Are our lives and homes truly open to His presence, His teachings, and His transformative power? In a world filled with distractions and demands, Martha's initial welcome reminds us of the importance of intentionality in inviting Jesus into our daily routines and priorities. It prompts us to examine whether our initial enthusiasm for serving Him is balanced with a deeper desire to simply be with Him, setting the stage for the vital lesson that unfolds in the subsequent verses about choosing the "good part." Our hospitality, whether literal or metaphorical, should always stem from a genuine desire to honor and commune with the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I "receive" Jesus into my "house" or personal life today?**
* **How does my initial eagerness to serve Christ compare with my desire to simply be in His presence and listen to Him?**
* **What practical steps can I take to create more space for Jesus in my daily routine and spiritual life?**

### FAQ
**Why is the village not named in Luke 10:38?**

Answer: While tradition and other Gospel accounts ([John 11:1](/john/11-1 "John 11:1 - Lazarus of Bethany")) identify the village as Bethany, Luke's decision to leave it unnamed in [Luke 10:38](/luke/10-38 "Luke 10:38 - Martha Receives Jesus") is likely intentional. By referring to it as "a certain village," Luke broadens the applicability of the subsequent lesson. It suggests that the principles of hospitality and spiritual priorities are not confined to a specific geographical location or a particular family, but are universal truths relevant to any believer, anywhere, who opens their home and heart to Jesus. This anonymity allows the focus to remain on the actions of Martha and Mary and the teaching Jesus imparts, rather than on the specific locale.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 10:38, though seemingly a simple narrative introduction, profoundly foreshadows the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's desire to dwell among His people. Martha's act of receiving Jesus into her physical house prefigures the ultimate reality that in Christ, God Himself "tabernacled" among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), making His dwelling not just in a temple, but in human flesh. This initial act of hospitality by Martha points to the greater spiritual reality that believers are called to receive Christ not just into their homes, but into their very hearts, becoming a "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")). Jesus' entry into Martha's house symbolizes His ongoing desire to enter into the lives of individuals, offering intimate fellowship and transforming presence. Just as He sought to be welcomed by Martha, He continually seeks to be welcomed by all who hear His voice and open the door ([Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Jesus Stands at the Door")), establishing a relationship where He is not merely a guest, but the honored Lord of the household, fulfilling the promise of Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 11:19

And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

John 11:20

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat [still] in the house.

John 11:1

¶ Now a certain [man] was sick, [named] Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

John 11:5

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

John 12:1

¶ Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

John 12:3

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

Luke 8:2

And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,