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 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.
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
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?"