Luke 10:39

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

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}.

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

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

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

Luke 10:39 introduces Mary, the sister of Martha, in their home in Bethany, where Jesus was a guest. This verse sets the stage for one of the New Testament's most beloved and insightful accounts of discipleship and priorities. While her sister Martha was "cumbered about much serving" (Luke 10:40), Mary chose a different posture, one of intentional focus and spiritual hunger.

Context

The immediate context of Luke 10:39 begins in Luke 10:38, where Jesus enters a certain village, presumably Bethany, and is received into Martha's house. This hospitality was a common and important cultural practice in the ancient Near East. The narrative quickly shifts from the general welcome to the specific actions of the two sisters, highlighting their distinct approaches to hosting Jesus. This story follows Jesus' teaching on the Good Samaritan, emphasizing love for God and neighbor, and now illustrates how that love is expressed in a personal encounter with the Lord.

Key Themes

Prioritizing Listening and Learning

  • Sitting at Jesus' Feet: Mary's posture was not merely casual; it was the traditional stance of a disciple learning from a rabbi. By choosing to "sit at Jesus' feet," Mary demonstrated profound humility, respect, and an earnest desire to absorb His teachings. This symbolizes a readiness to learn and a recognition of Jesus as the ultimate teacher and source of truth.
  • Hearing His Word: The phrase "heard his word" (Greek: logos) signifies Mary's primary focus on Jesus' message and instruction. Unlike Martha, who was preoccupied with the temporal tasks of hospitality, Mary understood the singular importance of spiritual nourishment. Her choice underscores the eternal value of God's word over transient earthly duties, a theme Jesus later affirms as "that good part" (Luke 10:42).

Devotion and Discipleship

Mary's actions reveal a heart of deep devotion. She recognized that the most valuable thing she could do in Jesus' presence was to listen to Him. This is a foundational aspect of true discipleship: prioritizing an intimate relationship with Christ through attentiveness to His voice and teachings. Her example serves as a timeless reminder that active listening and spiritual reception are paramount to a thriving faith, even amidst the demands of life.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sat at Jesus' feet" is rich in meaning. In ancient Jewish culture, students would literally sit at the feet of their teachers (rabbis) to listen attentively and receive instruction. For example, Paul describes himself as having been "brought up at the feet of Gamaliel" (Acts 22:3). This posture signifies submission, reverence, and a deep commitment to learning. Mary was not just a casual listener; she was taking on the role of a devoted student.

Practical Application

Luke 10:39 offers a powerful lesson for believers today. In a world often characterized by busyness and endless tasks, Mary's example challenges us to evaluate our own priorities. Are we so consumed with "doing" for God, or for others, that we neglect the essential "being" with Him? This verse encourages us to:

  • Prioritize Spiritual Nourishment: Make intentional time to sit at Jesus' feet, whether through reading the Bible, prayer, or quiet contemplation.
  • Cultivate a Listening Heart: Be eager to hear and obey God's word, recognizing it as the foundation for life and ministry (John 8:31).
  • Find Balance: While service is important, it must flow from a place of spiritual strength and connection, not replace it. Mary's choice reminds us that one thing is truly needful.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:
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