Luke 10:40

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

But {G1161} Martha {G3136} was cumbered {G4049} about {G4012} much {G4183} serving {G1248}, and {G1161} came to him {G2186}, and said {G2036}, Lord {G2962}, dost {G3199} thou {G4671} not {G3756} care {G3199} that {G3754} my {G3450} sister {G79} hath left {G2641} me {G3165} to serve {G1247} alone {G3441}? bid {G2036} her {G846} therefore {G3767} that {G2443} she help {G4878} me {G3427}.

But Marta was busy with all the work to be done; so, going up to him, she said, “Sir, don’t you care that my sister has been leaving me to do all the work by myself?”

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”

But Martha was cumbered about much serving; and she came up to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

Luke 10:40 describes a pivotal moment in the home of Martha and Mary in Bethany, where Jesus was a guest. This verse highlights Martha’s diligent but ultimately distracted efforts in hospitality, contrasting with her sister Mary’s approach, setting the stage for Jesus’ important teaching on priorities.

Context

This verse is part of a brief but profound narrative found in Luke 10:38-42. Jesus, traveling and teaching, arrives at the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary. While Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His words (Luke 10:39), Martha was busy with the extensive preparations required for hosting such an honored guest. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a significant duty and a mark of honor, so Martha's desire to serve was commendable in itself.

Key Themes

  • Distraction vs. Devotion: The central tension is between Martha's active service and Mary's quiet devotion. Martha's "much serving" (Greek: polla diakonia) reflects her good intentions, but her focus shifted from the guest to the tasks, leading to anxiety. Mary, however, prioritized listening to Jesus' teaching.
  • The Burden of Busyness: Martha was "cumbered" (Greek: perispao), meaning to be drawn away, pulled in different directions, or distracted by many cares. This word vividly portrays her state of being overwhelmed and anxious by the demands of her service. It's a powerful illustration of how even good activities can lead to spiritual neglect if not properly prioritized.
  • Complaining and Seeking Intervention: Martha's frustration boils over, and she directly appeals to Jesus, not only voicing her complaint about Mary but also implicitly questioning Jesus' own care ("dost thou not care?") and demanding He intervene ("bid her therefore that she help me"). This highlights how busyness can lead to resentment and a critical spirit.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "cumbered" beautifully translates the Greek verb perispao (περισπάω), which means to draw away, to distract, or to be pulled around by concerns. It describes a state of being overwhelmed and agitated due to excessive activity or worry. This is distinct from simply being busy; it implies a mental and emotional state of being pulled apart, losing focus on what truly matters.

Practical Application

Luke 10:40 offers timeless lessons for modern believers. It challenges us to examine our own priorities and ensure that our service, however well-intentioned, does not overshadow our personal devotion and spiritual nourishment. We are called to serve God and others, but this verse reminds us that true service flows from a heart connected to Christ. It's a call to balance activity with rest, and doing with being, recognizing that seeking first the kingdom of God includes sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His word, and allowing Him to speak into our lives. This passage encourages us to guard against the "tyranny of the urgent" and choose the "good part" that will not be taken away from us.

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.

  • John 6:27

    Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

  • Luke 12:29

    And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

  • Matthew 16:22

    Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

  • Matthew 14:15

    And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

  • Jonah 4:1

    ¶ But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.

  • Jonah 4:4

    Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?

  • Luke 9:55

    But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

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