Luke 7:40

And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} answering {G611} said {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, Simon {G4613}, I have {G2192} somewhat {G5100} to say {G2036} unto thee {G4671}. And {G1161} he saith {G5346}, Master {G1320}, say on {G2036}.

Yeshua answered, "Shim`on, I have something to say to you." "Say it, Rabbi," he replied.

But Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, Teacher,” he said.

And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Teacher, say on.

Context

Luke 7:40 initiates a pivotal conversation between Jesus and Simon, a Pharisee, during a dinner at Simon's home. Immediately preceding this verse, a woman described as a "sinner" (likely a prostitute) entered the house and began to weep, wash Jesus' feet with her tears, dry them with her hair, kiss them, and anoint them with expensive ointment (Luke 7:37-38). Simon, observing this, silently judged Jesus, thinking, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner" (Luke 7:39). This verse marks Jesus' direct response to Simon's unspoken thoughts, revealing His divine insight and setting the stage for a profound lesson on forgiveness and love.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Discernment: Jesus demonstrates His supernatural ability to know the secret thoughts and judgments of Simon, even though they were unspoken. This reinforces His identity as more than just a prophet.
  • Gracious Confrontation: Rather than rebuking Simon directly or harshly, Jesus begins with a gentle, yet firm, invitation to dialogue: "Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee." This approach allows Simon to willingly engage in the impending teaching.
  • Prelude to a Parable: This verse serves as the immediate introduction to the Parable of the Two Debtors (Luke 7:41-43), which Jesus uses to illustrate the profound connection between the depth of one's forgiveness and the measure of one's love.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "I have somewhat to say unto thee" is "Ἔχω τι σοι εἰπεῖν" (Echō ti soi eipein). It's a polite but direct opening, signalling that Jesus is about to impart a significant truth or teaching. Simon's response, "Master, say on" (Διδάσκαλε, εἰπέ, Didaskale, eipe), acknowledges Jesus' authority as a teacher (Master/Rabbi), even if Simon's heart was still filled with judgment and skepticism.

Practical Application

Luke 7:40 offers valuable lessons for us today:

  1. Beware of Silent Judgment: Simon's internal judgment was known to Jesus. This reminds us that our thoughts and attitudes, even if unexpressed, are open before God (Hebrews 4:13). We should examine our own hearts for judgmentalism towards others.
  2. Approach Others with Grace: Jesus' method of engagement—inviting conversation rather than immediate condemnation—is a model for how we might address disagreements or perceived wrongs in others. It opens the door for understanding and growth.
  3. Be Open to Correction: Like Simon, we should be willing to listen when God, through His Word or through others, has "somewhat to say unto us." An open heart and mind are crucial for receiving divine truth and experiencing transformation.
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.

  • John 16:19

    Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

  • Luke 20:20

    ¶ And they watched [him], and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

  • Luke 20:21

    And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person [of any], but teachest the way of God truly:

  • Luke 5:22

    But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

  • Luke 5:31

    And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

  • John 16:30

    Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

  • Luke 6:8

    But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.
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