Luke 10:42

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

But {G1161} one thing {G1520} is {G2076} needful {G5532}: and {G1161} Mary {G3137} hath chosen {G1586} that good {G18} part {G3310}, which {G3748} shall {G851} not {G3756} be taken away {G851} from {G575} her {G846}.

But there is only one thing that is essential. Miryam has chosen the right thing, and it won’t be taken away from her.”

But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.”

but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Context

This verse concludes the familiar narrative of Jesus visiting the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary, in Bethany. Martha is depicted as busy and anxious, "cumbered about much serving," while Mary is found sitting at the Lord's feet, listening to His words. Martha's complaint to Jesus, found in Luke 10:40, prompts this profound response from Christ, highlighting a crucial spiritual principle. This scene contrasts the value of active service with that of devoted communion.

Key Themes

  • The Primacy of Spiritual Devotion: Jesus declares that "one thing is needful," emphasizing that attentive listening to His teaching and cultivating a relationship with Him takes precedence over even necessary household duties or strenuous service. Mary's posture of humility and receptiveness, sitting at Jesus' feet, exemplifies this priority.
  • Eternal vs. Temporal Value: The "good part" chosen by Mary is described as something that "shall not be taken away from her." This contrasts sharply with the fleeting nature of worldly tasks or concerns. It points to the enduring, eternal benefit of spiritual nourishment and a deep connection with God, which far outweighs the temporary satisfaction of even good works. This resonates with the call to seek first the kingdom of God.
  • Perspective on Service: While service is vital in the Christian life, this passage provides a corrective. It's not a condemnation of Martha's hospitality, but a reordering of priorities. True, effective service flows from a place of spiritual fullness and communion with Christ, rather than becoming a source of anxiety or distraction.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "good part" translates the Greek agathēn merida (ἀγαθὴν μερίδα). Agathēn means "good" in a moral or beneficial sense, while merida refers to a "portion," "share," or "part." It implies a choice of a superior, lasting portion, much like an inheritance or a chosen lot. This "good part" is not merely a segment of activity but a fundamental orientation of the heart and mind towards divine truth and presence.

Practical Application

  • Prioritize Intimacy with God: In a world that often values busyness and productivity, this verse calls believers to regularly pause, quiet their hearts, and engage with God's Word and presence. It reminds us that our spiritual well-being is the foundation for all other activities, including our service to others.
  • Guard Against Distraction: We, like Martha, can become "cumbered" by many things—work, family, social commitments, even ministry itself—to the point where we neglect our direct communion with Christ. This verse encourages self-examination to ensure our priorities align with what is truly needful and eternal.
  • Choose the Enduring: The "good part" Mary chose is secure and lasting. This encourages believers to invest their time, energy, and affections in things that have eternal significance, trusting that devotion to Christ will yield benefits that cannot be lost, as seen in John 10:28.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 4:4 (Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.)
  • John 6:27 (Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life.)
  • Colossians 3:2 (Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.)
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.

  • Psalms 27:4

    One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

  • Psalms 16:5

    The LORD [is] the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

  • Psalms 16:6

    The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant [places]; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

  • John 10:27

    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

  • John 10:28

    And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.

  • John 4:14

    But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

  • John 5:24

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
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