Luke 10:39

KJV

And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} she {G3592} had {G2258} a sister {G79} called {G2564} Mary {G3137}, which {G3739} also {G2532} sat {G3869} at {G3844} Jesus {G2424}' feet {G4228}, and heard {G191} his {G846} word {G3056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She had a sister called Miryam who also sat at the Lord’s feet and heard what he had to say.

Berean Standard Bible

She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message.

American Standard Version

And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet, and heard his word.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 10:39 introduces Mary, the sister of Martha, in their home in Bethany, portraying her as a paradigm of devoted discipleship. While her sister was occupied with the demands of hospitality, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, a posture of humble submission and earnest learning, actively listening to His teachings. This verse sets the stage for a profound lesson on spiritual priorities, highlighting the eternal value of engaging with Christ's word over temporal concerns and establishing Mary as an exemplar of prioritizing spiritual nourishment and intimate communion with the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 10:39 is nestled within a broader section of Luke's Gospel (chapters 9-19) that details Jesus' journey to Jerusalem and His extensive teaching ministry. Immediately preceding this account is the parable of the Good Samaritan ([Luke 10:25-37](/luke/10-25-37 "The Parable of the Good Samaritan")), which emphasizes the practical outworking of love for neighbor. The transition to the story of Martha and Mary ([Luke 10:38-42](/luke/10-38-42 "Jesus Visits Martha and Mary")) shifts the focus from outward, active love (though Martha's hospitality is a form of this) to inward, contemplative devotion to Christ and His word. This juxtaposition is crucial, as it suggests that even good works must flow from a foundational relationship with God, characterized by listening and learning. The narrative is concise, directly contrasting the sisters' responses to Jesus' presence, setting up Jesus' subsequent commendation of Mary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is a village, traditionally identified as Bethany, a short distance from Jerusalem, where Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus resided. Hospitality was a cornerstone of ancient Near Eastern culture, considered a sacred duty and a mark of honor. When a guest, especially a revered teacher like Jesus, entered a home, the host was expected to provide generously. Women in this society typically managed household affairs, prepared meals, and served guests. For a woman like Mary to sit at the feet of a rabbi, a posture traditionally reserved for male disciples, was unconventional and indicative of her radical devotion and Jesus' revolutionary acceptance of women into the sphere of spiritual learning. This act challenged societal norms and underscored Jesus' inclusive approach to discipleship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **discipleship and true priorities**, contrasting active service with contemplative listening. Jesus' subsequent affirmation of Mary's choice in [Luke 10:42](/luke/10-42 "Jesus Commends Mary's Choice") highlights that prioritizing spiritual nourishment and the "one thing needful" is paramount. Secondly, it speaks to the **role of women in ministry and discipleship**, as Mary is presented not merely as a hostess but as an active learner, breaking cultural barriers by taking on the role of a student at a rabbi's feet. This aligns with Luke's broader emphasis on the significant involvement of women in Jesus' ministry (e.g., [Luke 8:1-3](/luke/8-1-3 "Women Who Supported Jesus")). Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the **supremacy of God's Word**, portraying it as the essential source of life and wisdom, a theme woven throughout the New Testament, as seen in passages like [John 6:68](/john/6-68 "Peter's Confession of Jesus' Words of Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sat (Greek, _parakathízō'_):** From G3869, meaning "to sit down near." This word emphasizes Mary's intentional proximity and posture. It's not a casual sitting but a deliberate act of placing herself in a position to receive instruction. In ancient Jewish culture, students would literally sit at the feet of their teachers (rabbis) to listen attentively and receive instruction, signifying submission, reverence, and a deep commitment to learning. This posture denotes a disciple's readiness to absorb the master's teachings.
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, a primary verb meaning "to hear (in various senses)." This is more than mere auditory perception; it implies attentive, receptive, and understanding hearing. It suggests a spiritual receptivity, an openness to the message being conveyed, which is crucial for genuine discipleship. Mary was not simply present; she was actively engaged in the process of listening and comprehending Jesus' words.
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, meaning "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive." In this context, "His word" refers to Jesus' teachings, His divine message, and the very essence of His revelation. The term `lógos` carries profound theological weight, especially in the Johannine tradition where it refers to Christ Himself as the Divine Expression ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "The Word Was God")). Here, it signifies the spiritual nourishment and truth that Mary eagerly sought.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she had a sister called Mary":** This clause introduces Mary, establishing her relationship to Martha, who was mentioned in the preceding verse as the hostess. The familial connection highlights the contrast in their responses to Jesus' presence, setting the stage for the central lesson. Mary is not just an anonymous figure but a specific individual whose actions are to be observed and learned from.
* **"which also sat at Jesus' feet":** This is the pivotal action of the verse. Mary's posture is deeply symbolic. "Sitting at the feet" of a teacher was the traditional stance of a disciple, indicating humility, reverence, and a profound desire to learn. This act signifies Mary's prioritization of spiritual instruction over social convention or domestic duties, placing herself in a position of humble submission and eager reception.
* **"and heard his word":** This final phrase clarifies the purpose and outcome of Mary's posture. Her sitting was not passive but active, focused on "hearing His word." This emphasizes the spiritual nature of her engagement. She was not merely observing Jesus but absorbing His teachings, recognizing the supreme value of His divine message above all other concerns. This highlights her spiritual hunger and her understanding of what was truly important in that moment.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 10:39 makes effective use of several literary devices. **Characterization** is central, as Mary is immediately presented through her actions as a devoted and spiritually attuned individual, contrasting implicitly with Martha's more active, yet distracted, demeanor (foreshadowing the next verses). The phrase "sat at Jesus' feet" is rich in **Symbolism**, representing the posture of a humble disciple eager to learn from a master. This imagery transcends a mere physical position, conveying Mary's spiritual submission, reverence, and prioritization of spiritual instruction. The verse also employs a subtle form of **Juxtaposition** (though the full effect is seen in [Luke 10:40-42](/luke/10-40-42 "Martha's Complaint and Jesus' Response")), by introducing Mary's contemplative action immediately after Martha's reception of Jesus, setting up the subsequent comparison of their priorities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 10:39 is a foundational text for understanding the priority of spiritual devotion and the reception of God's Word in the life of a believer. Mary's choice to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His word exemplifies a profound theological truth: that communion with God, rooted in attentive listening to His revelation, is the "better part" that cannot be taken away. This passage challenges the common human tendency to prioritize outward activity and service, even good and necessary ones, over the essential inward work of spiritual nourishment and intimacy with Christ. It teaches that true spiritual fruitfulness flows from a deep well of being with Jesus, rather than merely doing for Jesus. This principle is vital for maintaining spiritual health and ensuring that our service is empowered by divine truth, not human effort.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Man Does Not Live By Bread Alone")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalm/119-105 "Your Word is a Lamp")
* [John 8:31-32](/john/8-31-32 "Abiding in Jesus' Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 10:39 presents a timeless challenge to believers in a world increasingly defined by busyness and distraction. Mary's simple act of sitting at Jesus' feet and hearing His word serves as a powerful call to re-evaluate our own priorities and postures. In an era where "doing" often overshadows "being," Mary reminds us that the most valuable activity is often the most overlooked: quiet, intentional communion with Christ. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spiritual hunger that prioritizes the nourishment of God's Word above all other demands, recognizing that true service and effective living flow from this foundational relationship. It's not about choosing between service and devotion, but understanding that devotion fuels authentic service. We are invited to carve out sacred space in our lives to simply be present with Jesus, listening to His voice, allowing His truth to shape our hearts and minds, and finding our identity and purpose in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "sitting at Jesus' feet" look like in my daily life amidst its many demands?**
* **Am I more prone to Martha's busyness or Mary's focused devotion, and what steps can I take to cultivate a listening heart?**
* **How does prioritizing listening to Jesus' word impact my ability to serve others effectively and joyfully?**
* **What distractions or perceived duties prevent me from spending intentional time in God's presence and His Word?**

### FAQ
**What does "sitting at Jesus' feet" mean culturally and spiritually?**

Answer: Culturally, "sitting at Jesus' feet" was the traditional posture of a student learning from a rabbi. It signified deep respect, humility, and an eager desire to receive instruction. For a woman like Mary to adopt this posture was particularly significant, as it challenged the societal norms that often limited women's access to formal religious education. Spiritually, it represents a posture of submission to Jesus' authority, a willingness to be taught by Him, and a prioritization of spiritual learning and communion over all other concerns. It embodies a receptive heart that values the wisdom and truth of God's Word above all else, as highlighted by Jesus' later commendation in [Luke 10:42](/luke/10-42 "Jesus' Commendation of Mary").

**How does Mary's choice relate to Martha's actions in the broader story?**

Answer: Mary's choice directly contrasts with Martha's actions, which are described in [Luke 10:40](/luke/10-40 "Martha's Complaint"). While Mary sat and listened, Martha was "cumbered about much serving," preoccupied with the many tasks of hospitality. This contrast is not meant to condemn service but to highlight the superior value of spiritual nourishment and communion with Christ. Jesus' response in [Luke 10:41-42](/luke/10-41-42 "Jesus' Gentle Rebuke to Martha") clarifies that while Martha's service was good, Mary had chosen the "good part," the "one thing needful," which was listening to His word. The story teaches that active service should flow from, and not replace, a foundational relationship with Jesus through His Word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mary's posture of sitting at Jesus' feet and hearing His word in [Luke 10:39](/luke/10-39 "Mary Sits at Jesus' Feet") beautifully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ. Her act of devotion is a prefigurement of the New Covenant reality where believers are invited into an intimate, personal relationship with the living Word. Just as Mary physically sat at the feet of the incarnate `lógos`, believers today are called to sit at the feet of the ascended Christ, not physically, but spiritually, through the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "The Spirit of Truth")). Jesus Himself is the ultimate Word of God ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")), the full revelation of God's character and will. Mary's attentive listening anticipates the call for all humanity to "hear His voice" ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "My Sheep Hear My Voice")) and follow Him, finding life and peace. Her choice to prioritize His word over earthly tasks points to the eternal significance of Christ's teachings, which offer salvation and abundant life ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "Words of Spirit and Life")). In essence, Mary's devotion is a microcosm of the believer's necessary posture towards Christ: one of humble reception, eager learning, and profound communion with the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")).

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

Proverbs 8:34

Blessed [is] the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

Luke 8:35

Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

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.

Acts 22:3

¶ I am verily a man [which am] a Jew, born in Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, [and] taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Deuteronomy 33:3

Yea, he loved the people; all his saints [are] in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; [every one] shall receive of thy words.

Luke 2:46

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

1 Corinthians 7:32

But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: