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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Luke 7:38 presents a deeply moving scene where a woman, identified in the preceding verse as a "sinner" (Luke 7:37), demonstrates profound devotion to Jesus. This verse captures her extraordinary acts of humility and worship during a dinner at the house of Simon the Pharisee.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Jewish society, dining involved reclining on couches, which meant guests' feet were easily accessible behind them. It was customary for a host to offer water for feet washing as a basic act of hospitality (see Genesis 18:4 or John 13:5). Simon, the Pharisee, notably omitted these courtesies, highlighting his disdain or lack of respect for Jesus. The woman's actions—weeping, washing Jesus' feet with her tears, wiping them with her hair, kissing them, and anointing them with expensive ointment from an alabaster flask—were a radical departure from social norms. For a woman, especially one of ill repute, to enter a man's house uninvited and touch him in such an intimate way was scandalous. Her public display of repentance and love was an act of immense courage and vulnerability.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Profound Humility and Repentance: The woman's actions speak volumes about her sorrow for sin and her humble submission to Jesus. She does not speak but expresses her repentance through her actions.
  • Extravagant Love and Devotion: Her acts are not merely polite gestures but an overflowing expression of love. Jesus later connects this love directly to the magnitude of her forgiveness (Luke 7:47), illustrating that "to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little."
  • True Worship: This scene stands as a powerful example of genuine worship, which transcends social status or outward appearance. It comes from a heart deeply moved by grace and forgiveness.
  • Contrast of Hearts: The woman's sincere actions highlight the spiritual blindness and self-righteousness of Simon the Pharisee, who, despite his religious standing, lacked true understanding of God's grace and hospitality (Luke 7:44-46).

Linguistic Insights

The term "sinner" (Greek: hamartōlos, ἁμαρτωλός) used to describe the woman in Luke 7:37 broadly means one who misses the mark or errs. In this context, it strongly implies a public reputation for immorality, likely a prostitute. The "ointment" (Greek: myron, μύρον) refers to a costly, fragrant oil, often used for perfumes or anointing, signifying its preciousness and the great sacrifice she made.

Related Scriptures

  • This event is distinct from other anointing accounts, such as the one in Bethany where Mary, Lazarus's sister, anoints Jesus' feet (see John 12:3). While the act of anointing feet is similar, the context, timing, and individuals are different.
  • Jesus' parable of the two debtors in Luke 7:41-43 directly follows this event, serving as an explanation for why the woman's great love indicates her great forgiveness.
  • The concluding words of Jesus to the woman in Luke 7:50, "Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace," underscore the saving power of her faith, activated by her repentance and love.

Practical Application

Luke 7:38 challenges us to consider the depth of our own repentance and love for Christ. It teaches that true devotion is not about outward religious performance but about a heart transformed by God's grace and forgiveness. We are called to humility, acknowledging our need for a Savior, and to express our gratitude with genuine, perhaps even extravagant, acts of worship and service. It also reminds us that God's acceptance extends to those society often rejects, inviting us to extend similar grace and compassion.

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 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.

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