Luke 7:36

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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

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.

Luke 7:36 (KJV) introduces a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, setting the scene for one of the most tender and profound encounters recorded in the Gospels. The verse states, "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." This seemingly simple invitation reveals much about Jesus' character and the social dynamics of His time.

Context

In first-century Judea, sharing a meal was a significant act of fellowship and hospitality, often signifying acceptance and a degree of intimacy. That a Pharisee would invite Jesus to dine is notable, given the frequent theological and ideological clashes between Jesus and the Pharisaic sect. While some Pharisees were genuinely open to Jesus' teachings, many were critical of His perceived disregard for their traditions and His association with "sinners" (as seen in Luke 5:29-32). This particular Pharisee is later identified as Simon in Luke 7:40. Jesus' acceptance of the invitation demonstrates His willingness to engage with all segments of society, seeking to reach people from every background, not just His immediate disciples or the marginalized.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Accessibility: This verse highlights Jesus' incredible willingness to engage with people from all walks of life, even those who held opposing views or were often His critics. He did not isolate Himself but actively sought opportunities for interaction and teaching.
  • The Importance of Hospitality: The act of inviting someone to one's home for a meal was a cornerstone of ancient culture. Jesus honoring this invitation underscores the value of open doors and fellowship, even when the host might have ulterior motives or critical intentions.
  • Setting the Stage for Divine Revelation: This meal is not merely a social event. It is the immediate precursor to the dramatic and deeply moving account of the sinful woman who anoints Jesus' feet, which unfolds directly after this verse (see Luke 7:37-50). The table fellowship provides the perfect backdrop for Jesus to teach profound lessons on forgiveness, love, and grace.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sat down to meat" (KJV) refers to the common practice of reclining at a low table, rather than sitting upright on chairs, during formal meals in that period. The Greek word used, anepesen (ἀνέπεσεν), literally means "reclined" or "lay down." This physical posture is important for understanding the subsequent events, particularly how the woman could access Jesus' feet while He was dining.

Practical Application

Luke 7:36 offers a powerful example for believers today. Jesus' readiness to enter the home of a Pharisee, a representative of a group often hostile to Him, challenges us to extend grace and engage in dialogue with those who may hold different beliefs or even be critical of our faith. It reminds us that opportunities for ministry and sharing the Gospel can arise in unexpected places, even during seemingly ordinary social interactions. Like Jesus, we are called to be accessible and to use every interaction as a potential platform for demonstrating God's love and truth.

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.

  • 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.

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