Luke 10:38

¶ Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

Now {G1161} it came to pass {G1096}, as {G1722} they {G846} went {G4198}, that {G2532} he {G846} entered {G1525} into {G1519} a certain {G5100} village {G2968}: and {G1161} a certain {G5100} woman {G1135} named {G3686} Martha {G3136} received {G5264} him {G846} into {G1519} her {G846} house {G3624}.

On their way Yeshua and his talmidim came to a village where a woman named Marta welcomed him into her home.

As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.

Now as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

Commentary

Luke 10:38 introduces a pivotal scene in Jesus' ministry, setting the stage for one of the New Testament's most beloved stories of hospitality and spiritual priorities. This verse highlights the beginning of Jesus' encounter with Martha, a woman known for her industrious nature and welcoming spirit.

Context

This verse immediately follows the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and is part of Jesus' determined journey towards Jerusalem. The "certain village" mentioned, though unnamed here, is widely understood to be Bethany, a small town on the Mount of Olives, just east of Jerusalem. This identification is crucial as it links Martha to her sister Mary and brother Lazarus, key figures in other Gospel narratives, particularly the raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44). In ancient Near Eastern culture, extending hospitality to travelers, especially revered teachers like Jesus, was a profound social and religious duty, a practice highly valued and often expected.

Key Themes

  • Hospitality: The primary theme is Martha's act of inviting Jesus into her home. This demonstrates her immediate willingness to serve and accommodate the Lord and His disciples. Her action embodies the virtue of welcoming guests, a significant act of love and service.
  • Welcoming Jesus: Martha's open door signifies more than just physical lodging; it represents an openness to receive Jesus into one's personal space and life. This act of reception is foundational to discipleship, setting the stage for a deeper lesson on priorities that unfolds in the subsequent verses (Luke 10:39-42).
  • The Journey Continues: The phrase "as they went" reminds us that Jesus' ministry was dynamic and itinerant, characterized by constant movement and engagement with people in various settings.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "received" is hupodechomai (ὑποδέχομαι), which literally means "to receive under one's roof," "to welcome," or "to entertain." This word conveys a personal, intentional act of hospitality, emphasizing Martha's active initiative in inviting Jesus and His company into her private dwelling. It suggests a warm and genuine welcome, not merely a casual encounter.

Practical Application

Luke 10:38 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of **Christian hospitality**. It encourages believers to open their homes and lives to Christ, not just literally by welcoming others in His name, but also metaphorically by making room for His presence and teachings in our daily existence. Martha's initial act of hospitality is commendable and sets a precedent for how we should eagerly receive the Lord. This verse beautifully introduces the dynamic tension between serving and listening, preparing the reader for a crucial lesson on choosing what is "that good part" in a busy life.

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Cross-References

  • John 11:19 (12 votes)

    And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

  • John 11:20 (12 votes)

    Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat [still] in the house.

  • John 11:1 (8 votes)

    ¶ Now a certain [man] was sick, [named] Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

  • John 11:5 (8 votes)

    Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

  • John 12:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

  • John 12:3 (7 votes)

    Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

  • Luke 8:2 (7 votes)

    And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,