Luke 7:38

KJV

And stood at his feet behind [him] weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe [them] with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed [them] with the ointment.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} stood {G2476} at {G3844} his {G846} feet {G4228} behind {G3694} him weeping {G2799}, and began {G756} to wash {G1026} his {G846} feet {G4228} with tears {G1144}, and {G2532} did wipe {G1591} them with the hairs {G2359} of her {G846} head {G2776}, and {G2532} kissed {G2705} his {G846} feet {G4228}, and {G2532} anointed {G218} them with the ointment {G3464}.

Complete Jewish Bible

stood behind Yeshua at his feet and wept until her tears began to wet his feet. Then she wiped his feet with her own hair, kissed his feet and poured the perfume on them.

Berean Standard Bible

As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume.

American Standard Version

and standing behind at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 7:38 vividly portrays a deeply moving and counter-cultural act of devotion by a woman identified as a "sinner." During a dinner at the house of Simon the Pharisee, she approaches Jesus from behind, weeping profusely, and proceeds to wash His feet with her tears, dry them with her hair, kiss them repeatedly, and anoint them with precious ointment. This extraordinary display of humility, repentance, and extravagant love sets the stage for Jesus' profound teaching on forgiveness and the nature of true faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Luke's narrative, immediately following the introduction of the "woman in the city who was a sinner" in [Luke 7:37](/luke/7-37 "Luke 7:37 - The Woman Who Was a Sinner"). The preceding verses detail Jesus' ministry, including His healing of the centurion's servant and raising the widow's son, establishing His authority and compassion. The setting is a dinner invitation from Simon the Pharisee, a figure representing the religious establishment, whose judgmental attitude contrasts sharply with the woman's humble devotion. The events of [Luke 7:36-50](/luke/7-36-50 "Luke 7:36-50 - The Anointing by the Sinful Woman") form a cohesive unit, culminating in Jesus' parable of the two debtors ([Luke 7:41-43](/luke/7-41-43 "Luke 7:41-43 - The Parable of the Two Debtors")) which directly explains the woman's actions and Simon's lack of understanding, followed by Jesus' pronouncement of forgiveness and peace to the woman.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Jewish dining customs involved reclining on low couches, making guests' feet easily accessible behind them. It was a standard act of hospitality for a host to provide water for guests' feet, a greeting kiss, and oil for their heads (cf. [Genesis 18:4](/genesis/18-4 "Genesis 18:4 - Abraham's Hospitality") and [John 13:5](/john/13-5 "John 13:5 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet")). Simon's omission of these courtesies toward Jesus indicates a deliberate slight or lack of proper respect. For a woman, especially one with a public reputation as a "sinner" (likely implying a prostitute), to enter a man's house uninvited and touch a man, let alone a revered teacher, in such an intimate and public manner was profoundly scandalous and socially unacceptable. Her unbinding her hair in public was also highly unconventional for a respectable woman. The ointment she used would have been costly, representing a significant personal sacrifice.
* **Key Themes:** The scene in [Luke 7:38](/luke/7-38 "Luke 7:38 - The Anointing of Jesus' Feet") powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, it highlights **Profound Humility and Repentance**, as the woman, despite her public shame, approaches Jesus with deep sorrow for her sins, expressed through her tears and actions rather than words. Second, it showcases **Extravagant Love and Devotion**, demonstrating that true worship stems from a heart overwhelmed by grace and forgiveness, as Jesus later explains in [Luke 7:47](/luke/7-47 "Luke 7:47 - Love and Forgiveness"). Third, it underscores the nature of **True Worship**, which is not bound by social status or outward religious observance but flows from a transformed heart. Finally, the narrative creates a stark **Contrast of Hearts** between the woman's sincere, vulnerable faith and Simon the Pharisee's self-righteousness and spiritual blindness, emphasizing that God's grace extends beyond societal judgments ([Luke 7:44-46](/luke/7-44-46 "Luke 7:44-46 - Jesus Contrasts Simon's Actions with the Woman's")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **weeping (Greek, _klaíō'_):** This primary verb signifies to "sob" or "wail aloud," distinguishing it from a silent cry. It denotes an intense, audible expression of grief, sorrow, or profound emotion, indicating the woman's deep contrition and brokenness before Jesus.
* **wash (Greek, _bréchō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to moisten," especially by a shower or rain. In this context, it literally means to wet or drench, emphasizing the abundance of her tears used to cleanse Jesus' feet.
* **wipe (Greek, _ekmássō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to knead out," this verb implies to "wipe dry." It suggests a thorough and deliberate action, not merely a light touch, as she uses her hair to completely dry the feet she has just washed with her tears.
* **kissed (Greek, _kataphiléō'_):** This compound verb, from "down" and "to kiss," means "to kiss earnestly" or "to kiss repeatedly." It conveys an intense, affectionate, and reverent act, far beyond a customary greeting, signifying deep adoration and humble submission.
* **anointed (Greek, _aleíphō'_):** From a root meaning "to oil (with perfume)," this verb refers to applying fragrant oil or ointment. It indicates a sacred or respectful act of consecration and honor, typically performed for esteemed guests or for burial, highlighting the preciousness of her offering and the honor she bestows upon Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And stood at his feet behind [him] weeping":** The woman's posture is significant. Reclining at table meant feet were extended backward, making them accessible. Her standing "behind him" suggests humility and perhaps a desire not to draw attention to herself initially, yet her weeping was undoubtedly audible and visible, betraying her profound emotional state of sorrow and repentance.
* **"and began to wash his feet with tears":** This is an astonishing act. Instead of water, her own tears, flowing abundantly from a broken heart, become the medium of cleansing. This highlights the depth of her sorrow and the personal, sacrificial nature of her devotion, transforming a common act of hospitality into an extraordinary expression of reverence.
* **"and did wipe [them] with the hairs of her head":** For a woman, especially in public, to unbind her hair was highly immodest and scandalous. By using her hair, a symbol of her glory and femininity, to wipe Jesus' feet, she performs an act of extreme humility and self-abasement, demonstrating her complete surrender and disregard for social convention in her devotion to Christ.
* **"and kissed his feet":** This action, described by the Greek _kataphiléō_ (to kiss earnestly or repeatedly), signifies deep affection, reverence, and adoration. It is a gesture of profound respect and submission, an act of worship directed towards Jesus.
* **"and anointed [them] with the ointment":** The final act involves a costly, fragrant oil. Anointing with oil was a sign of honor, hospitality, or preparation for burial. By using this precious ointment, the woman offers her most valuable possession, symbolizing her complete devotion and the immeasurable value she places on Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the profound significance of this encounter. **Symbolism** is central, with the woman's tears symbolizing her deep repentance and sorrow for sin, and her hair, a symbol of her feminine glory, becoming an instrument of humble service. The costly **ointment** symbolizes her extravagant love, sacrifice, and the preciousness of her offering. The entire scene is a powerful **Contrast** between the cold, judgmental self-righteousness of Simon the Pharisee and the overflowing, humble devotion of the "sinner" woman, highlighting Jesus' radical acceptance of the outcast. The woman's actions themselves, being so far beyond social norms, can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of her love and faith in response to the great forgiveness she has received or anticipates.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 7:38 serves as a profound illustration of the nature of true repentance, the depth of God's grace, and the reciprocal relationship between forgiveness and love. The woman's actions, born out of a heart deeply aware of its sinfulness and desperate for mercy, demonstrate that genuine faith expresses itself in extravagant, unreserved devotion. Her humility and public display of worship stand in stark contrast to the self-righteousness of Simon, revealing that God's favor is not based on social standing or adherence to external religious codes, but on a contrite heart that recognizes its need for a Savior and responds with overwhelming gratitude. This passage underscores that those who recognize the vastness of their forgiveness will respond with the greatest love.

* [Luke 7:47](/luke/7-47 "Luke 7:47 - To Whom Much Is Forgiven, Much Loves")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalm/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [1 Peter 4:8](/1_peter/4-8 "1 Peter 4:8 - Love Covers a Multitude of Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The poignant scene in Luke 7:38 challenges us to examine the depth of our own repentance and the sincerity of our love for Christ. The woman, despite her public shame and societal condemnation, dared to approach Jesus with an unreserved display of devotion, valuing His presence and forgiveness above all else. Her actions call us to consider whether our own worship is merely performative or if it flows from a heart genuinely broken by sin and overwhelmed by the grace of God. It invites us to shed the fear of human judgment and offer our "all" to Jesus, just as she offered her tears, her hair, and her costly ointment. This passage reminds us that true faith is active, humble, and willing to express gratitude in ways that may seem extravagant or unconventional to the world, because the forgiveness we have received is immeasurable. It also compels us to extend the same radical acceptance and compassion to others, recognizing that God's grace is available to all, regardless of their past.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What societal or personal fears might prevent me from expressing my devotion to Christ as openly and unreservedly as the woman in this passage?**
* **In what practical ways can I demonstrate "extravagant love" and gratitude for the forgiveness I have received from God?**
* **How does my understanding of God's grace influence the way I view and interact with those whom society might label as "sinners" or outcasts?**
* **Am I more like Simon, quick to judge and slow to offer compassion, or like the woman, humble and overflowing with love for Jesus?**

### FAQ
**Who was this woman, and why is she referred to as a "sinner"?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly name the woman in Luke 7:38. She is identified only as "a woman in the city who was a sinner" in [Luke 7:37](/luke/7-37 "Luke 7:37 - The Woman Who Was a Sinner"). In Jewish society of that time, "sinner" (Greek: _hamartōlos_) was a broad term for those who did not adhere to the Mosaic Law, but in this context, especially given the Pharisee's reaction and the public nature of her "sin," it strongly implies a person with a notorious reputation for immorality, most likely a prostitute. Her identity is less important than her actions and Jesus' response, which highlight the availability of God's grace to all who repent, regardless of their past.

**Is this the same event as Mary anointing Jesus' feet in Bethany?**

Answer: No, the anointing described in [Luke 7:38](/luke/7-38 "Luke 7:38 - The Anointing by the Sinful Woman") is distinct from the anointing by Mary, the sister of Lazarus, in Bethany, which is recorded in [John 12:1-8](/john/12-1-8 "John 12:1-8 - Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany"), [Matthew 26:6-13](/matthew/26-6-13 "Matthew 26:6-13 - The Anointing at Bethany"), and [Mark 14:3-9](/mark/14-3-9 "Mark 14:3-9 - The Anointing at Bethany"). While both involve a woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume and wiping His feet (in John's account, Mary uses her hair), the contexts, timing, locations, hosts, and the specific women involved are different. The Luke account occurs earlier in Jesus' ministry, features an unnamed "sinner" woman, and takes place in Galilee at the house of Simon the Pharisee. The Bethany account occurs just before Jesus' crucifixion, features Mary of Bethany, and takes place at the house of Simon the Leper.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound encounter in Luke 7:38, where a sinful woman pours out her heart and precious ointment at Jesus' feet, beautifully foreshadows and embodies the core of Christ's redemptive work. Her extravagant acts of love and humility are a direct response to the forgiveness she either received or profoundly anticipated from Jesus, demonstrating that "to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little" ([Luke 7:47](/luke/7-47 "Luke 7:47 - Love and Forgiveness")). Jesus, 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")), is the ultimate object of her worship and the source of her cleansing. Her tears symbolize the brokenness required for true repentance, a brokenness that Jesus came to heal, not to condemn ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). Her anointing of His feet, a gesture of honor and preparation, subtly points towards His impending death and burial, where His body would be broken and His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins ([Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - The Blood of the Covenant")). Ultimately, this scene reveals Jesus as the compassionate Savior who welcomes the outcast, forgives the repentant, and transforms lives through His boundless grace, demonstrating that true salvation comes through faith in Him, leading to peace ([Luke 7:50](/luke/7-50 "Luke 7:50 - Your Faith Has Saved You")).

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 126:5

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

Psalms 126:6

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves [with him].

Genesis 18:4

Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

Luke 7:44

And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped [them] with the hairs of her head.

Luke 7:46

My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

Psalms 6:6

I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.

Psalms 6:8

¶ Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.