Luke 7:50

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Luke 7:50 (KJV) stands as a powerful declaration of Christ's grace and authority, marking the climax of an extraordinary encounter between Jesus, a sinful woman, and Simon the Pharisee.

Context

This verse concludes the narrative found in Luke 7:36-50. Jesus was dining at the house of a Pharisee named Simon when a woman, described as a "sinner" (likely known for prostitution), entered. In a profound act of humility and devotion, she wept over Jesus' feet, washed them with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with expensive ointment. Simon the Pharisee, observing this, silently condemned both the woman and Jesus, believing that if Jesus were truly a prophet, He would know her sinful nature and avoid her. In response, Jesus told the parable of the two debtors (Luke 7:41-43), illustrating that those forgiven much will love much. He then directly contrasted the woman's lavish devotion with Simon's lack of hospitality, concluding that her many sins were forgiven because she loved much. It is in this setting that Jesus pronounces these life-altering words to the woman.

Key Themes

  • Faith as the Means of Salvation: Jesus explicitly states, "Thy faith hath saved thee." This highlights that her forgiveness and reconciliation with God were not earned by her emotional display or costly anointing, but were a direct result of her faith in Him. Her actions were an outward expression of an inward transformation.
  • Divine Forgiveness and Peace: The woman's past sins, though numerous, were completely forgiven. The phrase "go in peace" signifies a holistic sense of well-being, tranquility, and reconciliation with God, freed from the burden of guilt and shame. This peace is a direct consequence of her faith and the forgiveness she received.
  • Jesus' Authority: The most controversial aspect for the onlookers was Jesus' declaration of forgiveness. The Pharisees understood that only God could forgive sins (Mark 2:7). By forgiving the woman, Jesus implicitly claimed divine authority, demonstrating His unique role as Savior.
  • Love as a Response to Forgiveness: While faith is the means of salvation, the woman's profound love for Jesus was a powerful demonstration and outflow of the forgiveness she had received, not a prerequisite for it.

Linguistic Insights

The word "saved" in Greek is sesōken (from sōzō), which means to save, deliver, preserve, or make whole. In this context, it refers primarily to spiritual salvation – forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God. However, sōzō often carries the connotation of being made whole, implying not just spiritual but also emotional and psychological healing from the torment of sin and societal condemnation. The term "peace" (Greek: eirēnē) is rich with meaning, extending beyond the mere absence of conflict to encompass a state of wholeness, harmony, prosperity, and well-being, particularly in one's relationship with God.

Practical Application

  • Salvation is by Faith: This passage powerfully affirms that salvation is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ, not through human merit, good works, or religious rituals. It offers hope to all, regardless of their past.
  • God's Unconditional Love: Jesus' compassionate response to the woman demonstrates God's boundless grace and willingness to forgive even the most notorious sinners when they turn to Him in faith.
  • True Peace: The promise "go in peace" reminds us that genuine, lasting peace is found only in the forgiveness of sins and a reconciled relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This peace transcends external circumstances. Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God.
  • Overcoming Judgment: The story challenges us to look beyond societal labels and human judgment, embracing God's perspective of grace and forgiveness for all who believe.
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Cross-References

  • Mark 5:34 (127 votes)

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

  • Luke 8:48 (121 votes)

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

  • Luke 18:42 (107 votes)

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

  • Matthew 9:22 (101 votes)

    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 (93 votes)

    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 (74 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 2:10 (74 votes)

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