Luke 7:47

KJV

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G3739}{G5484} I say {G3004} unto thee {G4671}, Her {G846} sins {G266}, which {G3588} are many {G4183}, are forgiven {G863}; for {G3754} she loved {G25} much {G4183}: but {G1161} to whom {G3739} little {G3641} is forgiven {G863}, the same loveth {G25} little {G3641}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Because of this, I tell you that her sins -- which are many! -- have been forgiven, because she loved much. But someone who has been forgiven only a little loves only a little."

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”

American Standard Version

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 7:47 is a pivotal statement by Jesus, delivered in the home of Simon the Pharisee, which encapsulates the profound truth that the depth of one's love for God is a direct measure of their understanding and experience of divine forgiveness. It reveals that forgiveness is not earned by love, but rather, an outpouring of love is the natural and inevitable response to having received abundant grace. This verse powerfully contrasts the humble gratitude of a repentant sinner with the self-righteousness of one who perceives little need for mercy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the interpretive climax of a dramatic encounter in [Luke 7:36-50](/luke/7-36-50 "Luke 7:36-50 - The Anointing by a Sinful Woman"). Jesus is dining at the house of Simon, a Pharisee, when a woman known in the city as a "sinner" boldly enters, weeps over Jesus' feet, wipes them with her hair, kisses them, and anoints them with expensive ointment. Simon, observing this, silently questions Jesus' prophetic discernment, reasoning that if Jesus were truly a prophet, He would know the woman's sinful reputation. In response, Jesus tells the [parable of the two debtors](/luke/7-41-43 "Luke 7:41-43 - The Parable of the Two Debtors"), one forgiven a large debt and the other a small one, asking Simon which would love the creditor more. Simon correctly identifies the one forgiven more. Luke 7:47 is Jesus' direct application of this parable, explaining the woman's lavish display of love and Simon's lack of hospitality as reflections of the forgiveness each perceived they had received.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is a dinner in a private home, likely with guests reclining at tables, a common practice that would have allowed the woman to approach Jesus' feet from behind. The act of anointing feet was a sign of honor and hospitality, often performed by servants. For a woman, especially one with a reputation as a "sinner," to enter a man's house uninvited and perform such an intimate act was highly unconventional and scandalous. Simon's judgmental thoughts reflect the rigid social and religious distinctions of Jewish society, where "sinners" were ostracized, and Pharisees prided themselves on their adherence to the Law, often viewing themselves as righteous and needing little forgiveness. The "sinner" likely refers to a woman of loose morals, possibly a prostitute, making her public display of devotion even more shocking to the onlookers.
* **Key Themes:** This passage, and particularly [Luke 7:47](/luke/7-47 "Luke 7:47 - Forgiveness and Love"), contributes to several major themes in Luke's Gospel. Foremost is the theme of **God's radical grace and forgiveness**, extended even to those considered outcasts by society, contrasting sharply with human self-righteousness. It highlights the **transformative power of repentance and faith**, demonstrating that genuine repentance leads to an overflowing response of love and devotion. The narrative also underscores **Jesus' divine authority** to forgive sins, a power traditionally reserved for God alone, and His compassionate embrace of the marginalized. Furthermore, it subtly critiques the **hypocrisy of religious leaders** who, like Simon, may adhere to external rituals but lack true humility and love, failing to recognize their own need for forgiveness (see [Luke 18:9-14](/luke/18-9-14 "Luke 18:9-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sins (Greek, _hamartía'_):** This term, G266, refers to a "sin (properly abstract)," an "offence, sin(-ful)." In this context, it denotes the woman's moral transgressions and failures, which were "many" (G4183, _polýs'_). The use of the plural emphasizes the extensive nature of her wrongdoing, highlighting the significant burden of guilt she carried and the magnitude of the forgiveness she received.
* **forgiven (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This verb, G863, means "to send forth," but in various applications, including "to forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up." Here, it specifically signifies the divine act of remitting or pardoning her sins, releasing her from the guilt and penalty associated with them. The passive voice ("are forgiven") indicates that this is an action done *to* her, by God's initiative, not something she earned.
* **loved (Greek, _agapáō'_):** This verb, G25, means "to love (in a social or moral sense)." It describes a deep, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love, distinct from mere affection (compare G5368, _philéō'_). The woman's actions—her tears, the anointing, the wiping of feet with her hair—are all expressions of this profound _agape_ love, which is presented as the *result* or *evidence* of her forgiveness, not its cause.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore I say unto thee,"**: Jesus directly addresses Simon, signaling that the preceding parable of the two debtors is about to be applied to the current situation. This phrase asserts Jesus' authority to interpret and declare spiritual truths, challenging Simon's unspoken judgment.
* **"Her sins, which are many, are forgiven;"**: This is a declarative statement of divine absolution. Jesus authoritatively pronounces the woman's forgiveness, emphasizing the vast number of her transgressions. The passive voice indicates that God is the one who has granted this forgiveness, not the woman's actions. This forgiveness is the foundational truth upon which the rest of the verse builds.
* **"for she loved much:"**: The Greek conjunction "for" (G3754, _hóti'_) here functions as an explanatory "because" or "since," but in a consequential rather than causal sense. It does not mean her love *caused* her forgiveness, but rather her great love is the *evidence* or *demonstration* of the great forgiveness she had *already received*. Her lavish display of devotion is the natural, overflowing response to the immense grace she experienced.
* **"but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little."**: This concluding clause draws a stark contrast, applying the parable's principle to Simon. Jesus implies that Simon, who likely perceived himself as righteous and needing little forgiveness, consequently demonstrated little love or hospitality toward Jesus. This highlights a spiritual principle: a diminished awareness of one's own sin and need for grace leads to a diminished capacity for love and gratitude towards God.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is central, primarily between the woman and Simon. Their actions, attitudes, and perceived needs for forgiveness are set in stark opposition to highlight spiritual truths. The woman's extravagant love is contrasted with Simon's lack of basic hospitality, demonstrating the difference between a humble, repentant heart and a self-righteous one. The entire episode functions as an **allegory** or **parable in action**, with Jesus using the real-life scenario to illustrate the principle taught in the preceding **parable** of the two debtors. The structure of the verse itself exhibits **parallelism** and a form of **chiasm**, contrasting "sins...many...loved much" with "little...forgiven...loveth little," which serves to reinforce the direct correlation between the measure of forgiveness received and the measure of love expressed. The woman's actions are also highly **symbolic**, with her tears representing repentance, her hair humility, and the expensive ointment sacrificial devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 7:47 profoundly illustrates the New Testament's teaching on grace: forgiveness is a free gift of God, not something earned by human merit or works. The woman's love is not the *cause* of her forgiveness but its *effect* and *evidence*. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that humanity is utterly dependent on divine mercy for salvation. True love for God springs from a deep apprehension of His boundless grace, which liberates and transforms the heart. Those who understand the vastness of their sin and the immeasurable cost of their redemption will naturally respond with profound gratitude and devotion, while those who minimize their sin will likewise minimize their love. This challenges self-righteousness and calls for a humble recognition of one's spiritual bankruptcy apart from Christ.

* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"): "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners"): "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
* [1 John 4:19](/1_john/4-19 "1 John 4:19 - We Love Because He First Loved Us"): "We love him, because he first loved us."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 7:47 serves as a mirror, reflecting the true state of our hearts and the depth of our relationship with God. It compels us to honestly assess our understanding of our own sinfulness and the magnitude of the forgiveness we have received through Christ. If our love for God feels superficial or our devotion lukewarm, this verse suggests we may have an underdeveloped appreciation for the vastness of His grace and the depth of our own need. True spiritual vitality and an overflowing love for God are rooted in a humble recognition of our great debt of sin, which has been fully paid by Christ. This understanding should cultivate profound gratitude, leading to a life characterized by genuine worship, selfless service, and a compassionate heart towards others, knowing that we too have been extended immeasurable mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How deeply do I recognize my own need for God's forgiveness, and how does that recognition impact my love for Him?**
* **In what ways do I express my gratitude for the forgiveness I have received? Are my actions a reflection of a "much loved" heart?**
* **Do I, like Simon, sometimes subtly judge others while overlooking my own spiritual shortcomings and need for grace?**
* **How can a deeper understanding of God's forgiveness motivate me to extend grace and compassion to those around me?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that loving God earns forgiveness?**

Answer: No, absolutely not. The Greek conjunction "for" (G3754, _hóti'_) in "for she loved much" is crucial here. While it can mean "because," in this context, it functions as an explanatory "since" or "as a result." Jesus is not saying her love *caused* her forgiveness, but rather that her great love was the *evidence* or *consequence* of the great forgiveness she had already received. Her love was the *response* to grace, not the condition for it. This aligns with the consistent biblical teaching that salvation and forgiveness are by [God's grace through faith](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"), not by works or human merit ([Romans 3:23-24](/romans/3-23-24 "Romans 3:23-24 - Justification by Grace Through Faith")).

**What is the significance of the woman being a "sinner" and Simon being a Pharisee?**

Answer: This contrast is central to Jesus' teaching in [Luke 7](/luke/7 "Luke 7 - Jesus' Authority and Compassion"). The woman, publicly identified as a "sinner," represents those who are acutely aware of their moral failings and desperate need for God's mercy. Her humility and repentance lead to an overwhelming expression of love. Simon, a Pharisee, represents those who are outwardly religious and self-righteous, believing they have little sin and therefore little need for forgiveness. His lack of hospitality and judgmental attitude toward the woman reveal a heart that has not fully grasped its own spiritual bankruptcy. Jesus uses this encounter to demonstrate that those who recognize the vastness of their sin and the immeasurable grace of God will love Him profoundly, while those who perceive themselves as righteous will love Him little. This highlights Jesus' mission to save the lost and His challenge to the religious elite ([Luke 5:31-32](/luke/5-31-32 "Luke 5:31-32 - Jesus Calls Sinners")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 7:47 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both the source and the object of this profound forgiveness and love. The woman's "many sins" could only be forgiven because of the atoning sacrifice that Jesus would accomplish on the cross. He is the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), whose shed blood provides the complete and final atonement for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Remission")). The forgiveness Jesus pronounces to the woman is a foretaste of the boundless grace made available through His death and resurrection. Her "much love" is the quintessential response of a heart transformed by the gospel, reflecting the very love of God poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - God's Love Poured into Our Hearts")). Thus, the verse points to Christ as the one who embodies and bestows the forgiveness that elicits such overwhelming love, revealing that our capacity to love God is directly proportional to our understanding and acceptance of His sacrificial love for us in Christ Jesus ([1 John 4:10](/1_john/4-10 "1 John 4:10 - God's Love Manifested in Christ")).

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

1 John 4:19

We love him, because he first loved us.

1 John 3:18

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Galatians 5:6

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Romans 5:20

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

John 21:15

¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

John 21:17

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.