Luke 7:50

KJV

And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036} to {G4314} the woman {G1135}, Thy {G4675} faith {G4102} hath saved {G4982} thee {G4571}; go {G4198} in {G1519} peace {G1515}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he said to the woman, "Your trust has saved you; go in peace."

Berean Standard Bible

And Jesus told the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 7:50 serves as the climactic declaration in a profound encounter between Jesus, a woman known as a "sinner," and Simon the Pharisee. In this verse, Jesus affirms that the woman's faith, not her lavish acts of devotion, was the true instrument of her salvation and forgiveness. His words not only pronounce her sins forgiven and grant her holistic peace but also implicitly assert His own divine authority to forgive sins, challenging the conventional religious and social norms of His day and highlighting the transformative power of genuine faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the narrative found in [Luke 7:36-50](/luke/7-36-50 "Luke 7:36-50 - The Anointing of Jesus' Feet"). Jesus is dining at the home of Simon, a Pharisee, when an unnamed woman, publicly identified as a "sinner" (likely a prostitute), enters. In a deeply emotional and humble display, she weeps over Jesus' feet, washes them with her tears, dries them with her hair, kisses them, and anoints them with expensive perfume. Simon, observing this, silently condemns both the woman and Jesus, reasoning that if Jesus were truly a prophet, He would know her sinful nature and avoid her. In response to Simon's unspoken judgment, Jesus tells the parable of the two debtors in [Luke 7:41-43](/luke/7-41-43 "Luke 7:41-43 - The Parable of the Two Debtors"), illustrating that those who are forgiven much will love much. He then directly contrasts the woman's extravagant demonstration of love and devotion with Simon's lack of basic hospitality, concluding that her many sins "are forgiven, for she loved much" ([Luke 7:47](/luke/7-47 "Luke 7:47 - Forgiveness and Love")). It is in this charged atmosphere, following Jesus' defense of the woman and His implicit claim to divine authority, that He pronounces the words of [Luke 7:50](/luke/7-50 "Luke 7:50 - Your Faith Has Saved You").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society was highly stratified, with strict social and religious boundaries. Pharisees like Simon were meticulous in their observance of the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, often avoiding contact with those deemed "sinners" to maintain ritual purity. A woman known as a "sinner" would have been an outcast, ostracized from respectable society. Hospitality was a sacred duty, but it also involved careful selection of guests. For a woman to enter a private male gathering uninvited, especially one of her reputation, was highly unconventional and scandalous. The act of anointing feet was a gesture of profound honor and humility, typically performed by a servant. The use of expensive ointment further underscored the depth of her devotion and sacrifice. Simon's silent judgment reflects the prevailing cultural mindset that equated outward piety with righteousness and viewed sinners with disdain, failing to grasp the radical nature of God's grace.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of [Luke 7:36-50](/luke/7-36-50 "Luke 7:36-50 - The Anointing of Jesus' Feet") and the culminating verse of [Luke 7:50](/luke/7-50 "Luke 7:50 - Your Faith Has Saved You") contribute to several major theological and narrative themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Forgiveness and Grace**, demonstrating Jesus' willingness and authority to extend radical forgiveness to those considered beyond redemption by society. Secondly, it highlights **Faith as the Means of Salvation**, making it clear that the woman's forgiveness was a result of her faith in Jesus, not her actions, which were an overflow of that faith. Thirdly, the passage underscores **Jesus' Authority**, particularly His unique power to forgive sins, a prerogative typically reserved for God alone, thereby asserting His divine identity. Finally, it explores the theme of **Love as a Response to Forgiveness**, showing that profound love for God is a natural and grateful response to the experience of His boundless grace and forgiveness, rather than a prerequisite for earning it.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **woman (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** This term (G1135) refers to a female, but in this context, it carries significant social weight. The woman is not named, but her identity as a "sinner" (Luke 7:37) is emphasized, indicating her public reputation, likely as a prostitute. Jesus' direct address to her, despite her social standing, underscores His radical inclusivity and compassion, contrasting sharply with Simon's judgmental attitude.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** The Greek word (G4102) signifies persuasion, credence, or moral conviction. Here, it denotes the woman's reliance upon Christ for salvation. It is not merely intellectual assent but a profound trust and surrender that leads to action. Jesus explicitly identifies this internal disposition as the active principle that "saved" her, distinguishing it from her outward acts of devotion, which were expressions of her faith and love.
* **saved (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** This verb (G4982) means to save, deliver, preserve, or make whole. In this context, it primarily refers to spiritual salvation – the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God. However, _sṓzō_ often carries a broader connotation of holistic well-being, implying not just spiritual deliverance but also emotional and psychological healing from the burden of sin, shame, and societal condemnation.
* **peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** The term (G1515) is rich with meaning, extending beyond the mere absence of conflict to encompass a state of wholeness, harmony, prosperity, and well-being. Derived from a root meaning "to join," _eirḗnē_ signifies reconciliation, particularly in one's relationship with God. For the woman, it means freedom from guilt, inner tranquility, and a restored relationship with her Creator, a direct consequence of her faith and the forgiveness she received.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said to the woman":** This opening phrase highlights Jesus' direct and personal address to the woman, a remarkable act given her social status and the public setting. It underscores His compassion and willingness to engage directly with those marginalized by society, contrasting with the silent condemnation of Simon the Pharisee. Jesus' words are not merely a pronouncement but a direct pastoral engagement, acknowledging her presence and validating her worth.
* **"Thy faith hath saved thee":** This is the core declaration. Jesus explicitly identifies the woman's "faith" (pístis) as the operative means of her salvation. This statement is crucial because it clarifies that her forgiveness was not earned by her tears, her anointing, or her costly offering, but by her internal trust and reliance on Jesus. Her actions were a powerful outward manifestation of this saving faith and the deep love that flowed from it. The verb "saved" (sōzō) here primarily denotes spiritual salvation – the forgiveness of her many sins and her reconciliation with God, but also implies a restoration of her person.
* **"go in peace":** This concluding command is a benediction of profound significance. The phrase "go in peace" (poreúomai en eirḗnē) signifies a holistic sense of well-being, tranquility, and reconciliation. It is a dismissal that carries with it the assurance of God's favor and the removal of the burden of guilt and shame. For a woman ostracized and tormented by her past, this declaration offers not just spiritual peace but also a restoration of dignity and a new beginning, free from condemnation. It is the peace that comes from being made whole in every sense.

#### Literary Devices
The passage, culminating in [Luke 7:50](/luke/7-50 "Luke 7:50 - Your Faith Has Saved You"), is rich with **Contrast**. The most prominent is the stark difference between the woman's lavish, humble devotion and Simon's cold, judgmental hospitality. This contrast highlights the spiritual blindness of the self-righteous versus the profound spiritual insight of the repentant sinner. There is also **Dramatic Irony**, as Simon silently condemns Jesus for not knowing the woman's sinful nature, while Jesus not only knows her sins but also knows her heart and faith, and possesses the authority to forgive her. The narrative also employs **Symbolism**: the woman's tears and anointing of Jesus' feet symbolize her deep repentance, humility, and extravagant love, while her broken alabaster jar of ointment symbolizes her complete surrender and sacrifice. The phrase "go in peace" serves as a powerful **Benediction**, a pronouncement of divine favor and holistic well-being, affirming the transformative power of faith and forgiveness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 7:50 stands as a foundational text affirming the New Testament's central message of salvation by grace through faith. It unequivocally states that forgiveness and reconciliation with God are not earned through human merit, ritualistic observance, or even profound acts of devotion, but are freely given to those who place their trust in Jesus Christ. The woman's story demonstrates that God's grace extends to the most marginalized and "unworthy" in society, challenging human-made distinctions of righteousness. Furthermore, Jesus' audacious declaration of forgiveness, which causes the other guests to question His authority, implicitly asserts His divine nature and unique role as the only one capable of remitting sins, foreshadowing His ultimate atoning work. The resulting "peace" is the holistic well-being that flows from a restored relationship with God, freed from the burden of guilt and shame.

* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")
* [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")
* [Mark 2:7](/mark/2-7 "Mark 2:7 - Who Can Forgive Sins but God Alone?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound encounter in Luke 7:50 offers timeless lessons for every believer. It challenges us to examine the true source of our salvation: is it our efforts, our good deeds, or our genuine, humble faith in Christ alone? The woman's story reminds us that no past sin is too great for God's forgiveness, and no person is beyond the reach of His transformative grace. Her extravagant love, flowing from the immense forgiveness she received, serves as a powerful model for our own response to God's mercy. We are called to cultivate a faith that trusts implicitly in Jesus' authority to save and to live in the peace that only He can grant, a peace that transcends external circumstances and internal turmoil. This passage also serves as a potent reminder to guard against self-righteous judgment, instead extending the same grace and compassion to others that Christ so freely extended to the woman.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on my own efforts or good deeds for acceptance, rather than on God's grace through faith?**
* **How does the woman's demonstration of love, flowing from forgiveness, challenge my own expressions of devotion to Christ?**
* **What "peace" does Jesus offer me today, and how can I more fully embrace it in my daily life?**
* **Am I prone to judging others based on their past or perceived sins, like Simon the Pharisee, rather than extending compassion and grace?**

### FAQ
**Was the woman saved by her actions or by her faith?**

Answer: The passage explicitly states, "Thy faith hath saved thee." While the woman's actions—her tears, anointing, and humility—were powerful expressions of her devotion and repentance, Jesus clearly identifies her *faith* as the means of her salvation. Her actions were an outward manifestation and overflow of the inward transformation that occurred through her trust in Jesus. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that salvation is a gift received by grace through faith, not earned by works ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")).

**What kind of "sinner" was this woman?**

Answer: The text simply identifies her as "a woman in the city who was a sinner" ([Luke 7:37](/luke/7-37 "Luke 7:37 - A Woman Who Was a Sinner")). While the New Testament does not explicitly state her profession, the cultural context and the Pharisees' reaction strongly suggest she was likely known as a prostitute. Her public reputation and Simon's disdain indicate she was a person whose lifestyle was considered morally reprehensible by society. Regardless of the specific sin, Jesus' response highlights His willingness to extend forgiveness to all who come to Him in faith, regardless of their past.

**What does "go in peace" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "go in peace" (Greek: _poreúomai en eirḗnē_) is a profound benediction. It means more than just a peaceful departure. "Peace" (_eirḗnē_) in biblical terms (derived from the Hebrew _shalom_) signifies a holistic state of well-being, wholeness, harmony, and reconciliation. For this woman, it meant freedom from the burden of guilt, shame, and condemnation; a restoration of her relationship with God; and an inner tranquility that transcended her past and societal judgment. It is the peace that comes from being fully forgiven and reconciled to God through faith in Jesus ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 7:50, while seemingly a simple declaration, profoundly points to the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is a powerful demonstration of His unique, divine authority to forgive sins, a prerogative that only God possesses. When Jesus declares, "Thy faith hath saved thee," He is not merely pronouncing a verdict but actively enacting salvation, a power that astonished the onlookers who rightly questioned, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" ([Luke 7:49](/luke/7-49 "Luke 7:49 - Who Is This Who Even Forgives Sins?")). This event foreshadows the ultimate means by which Christ would secure forgiveness for all humanity: through His atoning death and resurrection. The woman's faith, a simple trust in Jesus, becomes the channel through which the saving power of God flows, illustrating the New Covenant principle that salvation is a gift received by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ, rather than by works of the law ([Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23-26 "Romans 3:23-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). The "peace" she receives is the very peace Christ came to bring, a reconciliation between God and humanity, secured by His blood ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Thus, this encounter is a microcosm of the Gospel itself, revealing Jesus as the compassionate Savior who extends radical grace, forgives the unforgivable, and offers true peace to all who come to Him in faith.

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

Mark 5:34

And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

Luke 8:48

And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

Luke 18:42

And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.

Matthew 9:22

But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Mark 10:52

And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.