And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

And {G2532} they that sat at meat with him {G4873} began {G756} to say {G3004} within {G1722} themselves {G1438}, Who {G5101} is {G2076} this {G3778} that {G3739} forgiveth {G863} sins {G266} also {G2532}?

At this, those eating with him began saying among themselves, "Who is this fellow that presumes to forgive sins?"

But those at the table began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that even forgiveth sins?

Luke 7:49 records the astonished, internal reaction of the guests at Simon the Pharisee's house after Jesus declares the sinful woman's forgiveness. This verse highlights a pivotal moment where Jesus' authority to forgive sins directly challenges the traditional understanding of His identity and divine prerogative.

Context

This verse is situated within a dramatic narrative in Luke 7:36-50. Jesus is dining with Simon, a prominent Pharisee, when a woman known in the city as a sinner enters. She approaches Jesus, weeping, and begins to wash His feet with her tears, wipe them with her hair, kiss them, and anoint them with expensive ointment. Simon, observing this, silently questions Jesus' prophetic status, 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).

Jesus, knowing Simon's thoughts, tells the parable of the two debtors, concluding that the one who is forgiven much will love much. He then turns to the woman and, to the astonishment of all, declares, "Thy sins are forgiven" (Luke 7:48). It is this direct and authoritative declaration that prompts the internal questioning recorded in Luke 7:49.

Key Themes

  • The Authority of Jesus: The central theme is Jesus' astounding claim to forgive sins. In Jewish thought, only God Himself could forgive sins. The guests' question, "Who is this that forgiveth sins also?", reveals their shock and disbelief that a mere man would make such a divine claim. This mirrors similar reactions seen elsewhere, such as when Jesus heals the paralytic (Mark 2:7).
  • The Identity of Christ: The verse implicitly raises the profound question of Jesus' true identity. The guests' internal debate underscores the dawning realization among some that Jesus was more than just a prophet or a teacher; He was claiming a divine prerogative that pointed to His unique relationship with God, or even His deity.
  • Grace vs. Legalism: The scene starkly contrasts the self-righteous legalism of Simon and his guests with the overwhelming grace extended to the repentant sinner. While the Pharisees judged the woman based on her past, Jesus offered her complete forgiveness, demonstrating that His kingdom operated on principles of grace and mercy, not just adherence to the law.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "forgiveth sins" comes from the Greek aphiēmi hamartias (ἀφίημι ἁμαρτίας). The verb aphiēmi means "to send away," "to release," "to pardon," or "to forgive." Its use here, in the context of forgiving sins, was a profound and direct assertion of divine authority. The guests understood the gravity of this claim, recognizing that such power belonged solely to God.

Practical Application

Luke 7:49 remains highly relevant today, inviting us to ponder the same question the guests asked: "Who is this?"

  • Understanding Jesus' Authority: This verse powerfully affirms Jesus' divine authority not only to teach and heal but also to forgive sins. It assures believers that Jesus has the power to cleanse them completely, regardless of their past.
  • Embracing Forgiveness: Just as the woman found complete forgiveness and peace, this passage encourages all who acknowledge their sinfulness to turn to Jesus for pardon. His ability to forgive is not limited by the depth or number of our transgressions.
  • Challenging Our Assumptions: Like the guests, we might have preconceived notions about who Jesus is or what He can do. This verse challenges us to look beyond conventional wisdom and recognize the radical, life-changing power of Christ. It encourages us to have faith in His unique ability to offer salvation and new life, as demonstrated by the woman's transformation through forgiveness and love (Luke 7:47).
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.
  • Luke 5:20

    And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.
  • Luke 5:21

    And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?
  • Mark 2:7

    Why doth this [man] thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
  • Matthew 9:3

    And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This [man] blasphemeth.

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