Luke 10:42

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 10:42 encapsulates Jesus' profound teaching on spiritual priorities, delivered in the context of His visit to Mary and Martha's home. While Martha was preoccupied with the demands of hospitality, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, listening to His words. Jesus affirms Mary's choice, declaring that "one thing is needful," identifying it as the "good part" that she has chosen, which possesses an enduring, eternal quality that cannot be taken away. This verse highlights the supreme value of spiritual devotion and communion with Christ over temporal concerns and even necessary service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax of the beloved narrative in [Luke 10:38-42](/luke/10-38-42 "Luke 10:38-42 - Mary and Martha"). Immediately preceding it, [Luke 10:38-39](/luke/10-38-39 "Luke 10:38-39 - Jesus Visits Mary and Martha") introduces the two sisters, Martha as the bustling hostess and Mary as the attentive disciple. Martha's complaint in [Luke 10:40](/luke/10-40 "Luke 10:40 - Martha's Complaint") ("Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.") directly prompts Jesus' response in [Luke 10:41-42](/luke/10-41-42 "Luke 10:41-42 - Jesus' Gentle Rebuke and Affirmation"). This narrative is strategically placed after the parable of the Good Samaritan in [Luke 10:25-37](/luke/10-25-37 "The Parable of the Good Samaritan"), which emphasizes active love and service. The juxtaposition creates a crucial balance, suggesting that while outward service is vital, it must flow from an inward posture of devotion and spiritual nourishment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, hospitality was a profound social and religious obligation, often involving extensive preparation and service to guests. Martha's diligence in serving Jesus and His disciples would have been commendable and expected. However, the cultural norm also dictated that women typically engaged in domestic duties, while men, especially rabbis, taught male disciples. Mary's act of "sitting at the Lord's feet" ([Luke 10:39](/luke/10-39 "Luke 10:39 - Mary at Jesus' Feet")) was a posture of a disciple learning from a rabbi, an unconventional role for a woman in that society. Jesus' affirmation of Mary's choice thus challenges cultural expectations, elevating spiritual learning and communion above traditional gender roles and even the demands of hospitality. This highlights Jesus' revolutionary approach to discipleship, open to all who would listen and learn.
* **Key Themes:** This passage profoundly contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Primacy of Spiritual Devotion**, emphasizing that attentive listening to Jesus' teaching and cultivating a relationship with Him takes precedence over even necessary household duties or strenuous service. Mary's posture of humility and receptiveness, exemplified by her sitting at Jesus' feet, illustrates this priority. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Eternal vs. Temporal Value**. The "good part" chosen by Mary is described as something that "shall not be taken away from her," contrasting sharply with the fleeting nature of worldly tasks or concerns. This 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, resonating with the call to [seek first the kingdom of God](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God"). Lastly, the narrative offers a nuanced **Perspective on Service**. While service is undeniably vital in the Christian life, this passage provides a corrective, suggesting that true, effective service flows from a place of spiritual fullness and communion with Christ, rather than becoming a source of anxiety or distraction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Needful (Greek, _chreía'_):** This word (G5532) signifies a "necessity," "requirement," or "use." Jesus' declaration that "one thing is needful" is not a casual observation but a profound statement about what is truly essential. It implies a fundamental requirement for human flourishing and spiritual well-being, suggesting that without this "one thing," other pursuits, no matter how seemingly important, fall short of ultimate value.
* **Chosen (Greek, _eklégomai'_):** The verb (G1586) denotes a deliberate act of "selection" or "making a choice." Mary did not stumble upon this "good part" by accident; she actively "chose" it. This highlights the intentionality required in prioritizing spiritual devotion. It implies a conscious decision to set aside other distractions and focus on what Jesus deemed most valuable, reflecting a discerning heart.
* **Good part (Greek, _agathós merís'_):** This phrase combines "good" (G18, _agathós_), meaning inherently good, beneficial, or morally excellent, with "part" (G3310, _merís_), referring to a "portion," "share," or "lot." Together, "good part" describes a superior, lasting portion, akin to an inheritance or a chosen lot that brings enduring benefit. It is not merely a segment of activity but a fundamental orientation of the heart and mind towards divine truth and presence, yielding a lasting spiritual inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But one thing is needful:"** Jesus responds to Martha's anxious complaint by redirecting the focus from her many concerns to a singular, essential truth. The "one thing" is not explicitly named here but is implicitly defined by Mary's action: attentive listening to Jesus' teaching and communion with Him. This statement elevates spiritual priority above all else, indicating that while many things may be good or necessary in daily life, only one holds ultimate, indispensable value.
* **"and Mary hath chosen that good part,"** This clause affirms Mary's discerning choice. Her decision to sit at Jesus' feet and absorb His words, rather than joining Martha in the kitchen, is validated by Christ Himself. The "good part" refers to her spiritual focus, her hunger for divine truth, and her prioritization of communion with the Lord. It is a portion that is qualitatively superior, beneficial, and morally excellent.
* **"which shall not be taken away from her."** This concluding phrase underscores the enduring nature of Mary's choice. Unlike perishable food, fleeting accomplishments, or temporary comforts, the spiritual nourishment and relationship gained through devotion to Christ are eternal. This "good part" is a secure, permanent possession, immune to the vicissitudes of life or the passage of time, emphasizing its supreme and lasting value.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Contrast** as a primary literary device, setting Martha's anxious, busy service against Mary's calm, attentive devotion. This highlights the central tension and the lesson Jesus intends to convey. There is also an element of **Understatement** or **Hyperbole** in "one thing is needful," as Jesus uses a seemingly simple phrase to convey a profound spiritual truth, implying that this "one thing" is so supremely important that it eclipses all others. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is present in Mary's posture of "sitting at Jesus' feet," which vividly symbolizes humility, submission, and the posture of a disciple eager to learn from a master. The "good part" itself is a **Metaphor** for the spiritual blessing and eternal inheritance gained through prioritizing communion with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 10:42 profoundly shapes our understanding of discipleship, revealing that true spiritual vitality stems not primarily from outward activity, but from an inward posture of attentive devotion to Christ. This passage teaches that while service is a vital expression of faith, it must flow from a deeper well of communion with God. Martha's anxiety illustrates the danger of allowing even good works to become a distraction from the source of life, whereas Mary's choice exemplifies the kingdom principle that seeking God's presence and truth is the ultimate priority. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on wisdom, the Word of God, and the pursuit of righteousness as foundational to a life pleasing to God, yielding eternal rather than temporal rewards.

* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom"): "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
* [John 6:27](/john/6-27 "John 6:27 - Enduring Food"): "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."
* [Colossians 3:1-2](/colossians/3-1-2 "Colossians 3:1-12 - Set Your Minds on Things Above"): "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that constantly pressures us towards busyness, productivity, and external achievements, Luke 10:42 serves as a timeless and counter-cultural call to re-evaluate our priorities. It challenges us to consider what truly is "needful" in our lives. Often, we, like Martha, become "cumbered about much serving"—whether in our careers, families, social obligations, or even ministry—to the point where our direct, intimate communion with Christ is neglected or relegated to an afterthought. This verse reminds us that our spiritual well-being, rooted in a deep and consistent relationship with God through His Word and prayer, is not merely one item on a long to-do list, but the foundational "one thing" upon which all other meaningful activity must rest. Choosing the "good part" means intentionally carving out time for quiet devotion, listening to God's voice, and allowing His presence to nourish our souls, trusting that this investment yields eternal dividends that no earthly circumstance can diminish or take away.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "many things" (like Martha's concerns) are currently distracting me from prioritizing my relationship with Jesus?**
* **In what practical ways can I, like Mary, choose the "good part" in my daily schedule and activities this week?**
* **How does my current rhythm of life reflect a belief that communion with Christ is the "one thing needful" that cannot be taken away?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that service and good works are unimportant or wrong?**

Answer: No, this verse does not condemn service or good works. Martha's hospitality was commendable and necessary. Rather, Jesus is reordering priorities. He is not saying that service is bad, but that it is secondary to spiritual devotion and communion with Him. True, effective, and joyful service flows from a heart that is first nourished by Christ's presence and teaching. The passage highlights that without the "one thing needful"—a deep connection with Jesus—even good works can become a source of anxiety and distraction, rather than an overflow of love and spiritual vitality. The Christian life involves both listening and doing, but listening must precede and empower the doing.

**What exactly is the "one thing needful" that Mary chose?**

Answer: The "one thing needful" refers to prioritizing attentive listening to Jesus' words, cultivating a deep relationship with Him, and receiving spiritual nourishment directly from the Lord. It is the choice to value communion with God above all other temporal concerns, including the demands of hospitality or daily tasks. Mary's posture of sitting at Jesus' feet ([Luke 10:39](/luke/10-39 "Luke 10:39 - Mary at Jesus' Feet")) symbolizes this intentional focus on spiritual learning and intimacy with the Divine Teacher. This "good part" is the enduring spiritual benefit and eternal life that comes from being in Christ's presence and absorbing His truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 10:42 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself being the embodiment of the "one thing needful" and the "good part" that can never be taken away. Jesus is not merely the one who teaches about the good part; He *is* the good part. In Him, we find the fullness of truth, the source of eternal life, and the very presence of God. When Mary sat at Jesus' feet, she was not just listening to a wise teacher, but was in the presence of the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the very [wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God"). He is the [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") that truly satisfies, unlike the perishable food Martha was preparing. The enduring nature of the "good part" points directly to Jesus' promise of [eternal life](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - My Sheep Hear My Voice") and His unshakeable kingdom. To choose Jesus is to choose the portion that can never be lost, for He is the [same yesterday, today, and forever](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ, the Same Forever"), and His words are [spirit and life](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life"). Thus, Luke 10:42 is a profound invitation to center our lives on Christ, for in Him alone do we find the one indispensable reality that truly matters and endures for eternity.

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

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.