Luke 7:36

KJV

¶ And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} one {G5100} of the Pharisees {G5330} desired {G2065} him {G846} that {G2443} he would eat {G5315} with {G3326} him {G846}. And {G2532} he went {G1525} into {G1519} the Pharisee's {G5330} house {G3614}, and sat down to meat {G347}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One of the P'rushim invited Yeshua to eat with him, and he went into the home of the Parush and took his place at the table.

Berean Standard Bible

Then one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.

American Standard Version

And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he entered into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 7:36 introduces a pivotal moment in Jesus' public ministry, setting the stage for one of the most profound and tender encounters recorded in the Gospels. This verse describes a seemingly ordinary social interaction: a Pharisee extends an invitation to Jesus for a meal, and Jesus accepts, entering the Pharisee's home and reclining at the table. This simple act, however, is laden with theological significance, highlighting Jesus' radical accessibility, His willingness to engage with all segments of society, and His strategic use of common social settings as platforms for divine revelation and transformative encounters.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' commendation of John the Baptist and His lament over the unresponsiveness of "this generation" to both John's asceticism and His own joyful presence (Luke 7:29-35). The narrative then shifts abruptly from public discourse to a private, intimate setting – a meal in a Pharisee's house. This transition is crucial, as the private meal becomes the backdrop for the dramatic and deeply moving account of the sinful woman who anoints Jesus' feet (Luke 7:37-50), which directly follows. The seemingly mundane invitation in Luke 7:36 is thus the essential narrative setup for a powerful display of grace, forgiveness, and Jesus' unique authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, sharing a meal was far more than a casual event; it was a deeply significant act of fellowship, hospitality, and often, social alignment. To invite someone into one's home for a meal signified acceptance, honor, and a degree of intimacy. Similarly, accepting such an invitation conveyed respect and a willingness to associate. The Pharisees, a prominent Jewish religious sect, were known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and their oral traditions. While some Pharisees were genuinely open to Jesus' teachings (e.g., Nicodemus in [John 3](/john/3 "John 3 - Jesus Teaches Nicodemus")), many were critical of His perceived disregard for their traditions, His claims of authority, and especially His association with "sinners" and outcasts (as seen in [Luke 5:29-32](/luke/5-29-32 "Luke 5:29-32 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")). Jesus' acceptance of this invitation, therefore, was a deliberate act, demonstrating His willingness to engage even with those who often opposed Him, using every opportunity to bring His message of the Kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 7:36 contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' Radical Accessibility and Inclusivity**. He does not confine His ministry to those who already believe or are marginalized; He actively seeks opportunities to interact with all people, including religious leaders who might be skeptical or even hostile. This aligns with Luke's emphasis on Jesus' universal mission to "seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Significance of Table Fellowship** in Jesus' ministry. Meals were frequently settings for His teaching, healing, and profound encounters, transforming ordinary social gatherings into moments of divine revelation and spiritual transformation. This foreshadows the ultimate table fellowship of the Lord's Supper and the heavenly banquet. Finally, it serves as a **Narrative Setup for Divine Revelation and Forgiveness**, providing the necessary context for the subsequent powerful demonstration of grace and the teaching on love and forgiveness in [Luke 7:37-50](/luke/7-37-50 "Luke 7:37-50 - The Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **desired (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** This verb (G2065) means "to interrogate" or, by implication, "to request" or "to entreat." In this context, it signifies a polite but earnest invitation from the Pharisee. It suggests more than a casual suggestion; it implies a genuine asking, perhaps driven by curiosity, a desire to test Jesus, or even a nascent openness to His teachings.
* **went (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** This compound verb (G1525), formed from "into" (G1519, _eis'_) and "to come" (G2064, _erchomai'_), literally means "to enter into." It emphasizes Jesus' deliberate action of moving from the public sphere into the private domain of the Pharisee's home. This act of "entering" is significant, as it signifies His willingness to cross social boundaries and engage directly with His host on his own ground.
* **sat down to meat (Greek, _anaklínō'_):** This verb (G347) literally means "to lean back" or "to recline." It accurately describes the common practice of reclining on couches around a low table during formal meals in the ancient world, rather than sitting upright on chairs. This detail is crucial for understanding the subsequent narrative, as it explains how the woman could approach Jesus' feet from behind while He was dining.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him."**: This clause introduces the instigator of the event, an unnamed Pharisee (later identified as Simon in [Luke 7:40](/luke/7-40 "Luke 7:40 - Simon the Pharisee")). The "desire" or request indicates an intentional invitation, highlighting the Pharisee's initiative in seeking an encounter with Jesus. The invitation to "eat with him" signifies an offer of hospitality and fellowship, a significant social gesture in that culture.
* **"And he went into the Pharisee's house,"**: This part describes Jesus' response to the invitation. His immediate acceptance and entry into the Pharisee's private dwelling underscore His accessibility and willingness to engage with all people, even those from a group often critical of Him. It demonstrates His readiness to meet people where they are, physically and socially.
* **"and sat down to meat."**: This final clause details Jesus' action upon entering the house. The phrase "sat down to meat" (KJV) accurately reflects the ancient custom of reclining at a low table for a meal. This physical posture is not merely a descriptive detail but a crucial setup for the dramatic events that immediately follow, particularly the actions of the sinful woman who approaches Jesus' feet.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 7:36 employs several subtle but effective **Literary Devices**. Firstly, it uses **Narrative Foreshadowing**, as the seemingly simple act of Jesus accepting a dinner invitation sets the stage for the profound and controversial encounter with the sinful woman in the very next verses. The mundane act of eating becomes the backdrop for a divine revelation of grace and forgiveness. Secondly, there is a subtle **Juxtaposition** between the host, a Pharisee (representing religious orthodoxy and often legalism), and the guest, Jesus (representing radical grace and association with outcasts). This contrast immediately creates a sense of anticipation and potential tension, hinting that this meal will not be ordinary. Finally, the act of **Table Fellowship** itself functions as a **Symbolism** of intimacy, acceptance, and the breaking down of social barriers, which Jesus consistently leveraged throughout His ministry to convey deeper spiritual truths.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 7:36, while brief, is rich in theological implications, primarily showcasing Jesus' unique approach to ministry and His radical inclusivity. His willingness to enter the home of a Pharisee, a representative of the very group that often opposed Him, demonstrates His commitment to reaching all people, regardless of their social standing, religious affiliation, or perceived righteousness. This act underscores the truth that God's grace is not confined to a select few but extends to all who are willing to receive it. It also highlights Jesus' strategic use of ordinary social interactions as opportunities for profound spiritual encounters, transforming common meals into settings for divine teaching and the display of His power and compassion. This openness sets the stage for the subsequent narrative, where the Pharisee's judgment is contrasted with the woman's humble faith, revealing the heart of God's forgiveness.

* [Luke 5:29-32](/luke/5-29-32 "Luke 5:29-32 - Jesus Eats with Tax Collectors and Sinners")
* [Matthew 9:10-13](/matthew/9-10-13 "Matthew 9:10-13 - Jesus Eats with Sinners and Calls for Mercy")
* [Mark 2:15-17](/mark/2-15-17 "Mark 2:15-17 - Jesus Eats with Tax Collectors and Sinners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 7:36 offers a powerful and enduring model for believers today. Jesus' readiness to accept an invitation from a Pharisee, a figure often associated with opposition and criticism, challenges us to extend grace and engage in meaningful dialogue with those who may hold different beliefs, come from different backgrounds, or even be critical of our faith. It reminds us that the Kingdom of God is not exclusive to those within our immediate circles but is meant to be shared with all. This verse encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, to be accessible, and to view every interaction—even seemingly ordinary social gatherings—as potential platforms for demonstrating God's love, truth, and transformative power. Like Jesus, we are called to be agents of reconciliation, bridging divides and seeking opportunities to share the Gospel in unexpected places, always ready to show compassion and extend an invitation to experience God's grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be limiting my interactions to only those who already agree with me or are part of my usual social circles?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of radical accessibility and hospitality, mirroring Jesus' willingness to engage with diverse individuals, even those who might challenge my beliefs?**
* **What "ordinary" social settings in my life could become opportunities for demonstrating God's love and truth, just as a meal became for Jesus?**

### FAQ
**Why did a Pharisee invite Jesus to eat with him, given their frequent disagreements?**

Answer: The motivations of the Pharisee, later identified as Simon in [Luke 7:40](/luke/7-40 "Luke 7:40 - Simon the Pharisee"), are not explicitly stated in [Luke 7:36](/luke/7-36 "Luke 7:36 - Jesus Invited to a Pharisee's House"), but several possibilities exist. He might have been genuinely curious about Jesus' teachings, seeking to understand Him better. Some Pharisees were indeed open to Jesus, like Nicodemus ([John 3:1-2](/john/3-1-2 "John 3:1-2 - Nicodemus Visits Jesus by Night")). Alternatively, Simon could have had ulterior motives, such as wanting to scrutinize Jesus more closely, test His adherence to the Law, or find fault with Him. Regardless of Simon's specific intent, Jesus' acceptance of the invitation demonstrates His willingness to engage with all segments of society, using every opportunity to proclaim the Kingdom of God.

**What does "sat down to meat" mean in this context, and why is it important?**

Answer: The phrase "sat down to meat" (KJV) accurately translates the Greek verb _anaklínō_ (G347), which means "to recline." In first-century Jewish and Roman culture, it was customary for guests at a formal meal to recline on low couches around a communal table, resting on their left elbow and eating with their right hand. This posture is crucial for understanding the events that immediately follow in [Luke 7:37-38](/luke/7-37-38 "Luke 7:37-38 - The Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus' Feet"). Because Jesus was reclining, His feet would have been easily accessible to someone standing behind Him, allowing the sinful woman to approach Him from behind and anoint His feet without disrupting the meal or directly facing the other guests. This detail provides essential context for the narrative's dramatic unfolding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 7:36, though a simple narrative detail, profoundly foreshadows the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' willingness to enter the Pharisee's house, a place of potential scrutiny and opposition, mirrors His ultimate mission: to enter a world hostile to God and to dwell among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). This act of humble condescension, stepping into an environment where He was not fully welcomed or understood, prefigures His incarnation and His journey to the cross, where He would become sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His acceptance of the invitation to a meal, a symbol of fellowship, anticipates the ultimate communion He offers through His body and blood in the new covenant ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - The Last Supper")). Furthermore, the meal setting in the Pharisee's house, which immediately leads to the profound display of forgiveness for the sinful woman, highlights Jesus as the one who brings grace and reconciliation to all, regardless of their past or present standing. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making fellowship possible even with those who were once far off ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ")). This seemingly ordinary dinner invitation is a microcosm of Christ's entire redemptive work: entering our world to offer Himself, transforming judgment into grace, and inviting all to the eternal feast.

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

Mark 14:3

And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured [it] on his head.

Mark 14:9

Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, [this] also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

Matthew 26:5

But they said, Not on the feast [day], lest there be an uproar among the people.

Matthew 26:6

¶ Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

Luke 14:1

¶ And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.

John 11:2

(It was [that] Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

John 11:16

Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.