Luke 7:37-38

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 7:36-50

Love the proof of pardon. The generation to which Jesus had come with his social gospel thought him too "free and easy" with sinners. The Pharisees thought he had no right to associate with publicans and sinners, although he did so to save them. But the wisdom of his policy would be justified by the conduct of his converts, and here we have a justification ready to hand. One of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He accepts the invitation, and is reclining at his table, when, lo! a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 7:37

And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house. The text in the older authorities is more forcible: "a woman which was a sinner in that city." Her miserable way of life would thus be well known to Simon and other of the guests. This sad detail would serve to bring out the contrast in more vivid colours. In these Oriental feasts the houses were often left open, and uninvited strangers frequently passed in through the open... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 7:38

And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment . It had been, no doubt, with her a settled purpose for days, this presenting herself to the pitiful Master. She had been one of his listeners, without doubt, for some time previously, and that morning probably she made up her mind to approach him. He was a great public Teacher, and his movements would be well... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 7:37

In the city - What city is meant is unknown. Some have supposed it was Nain; some Capernaum; some Magdala; and some Jerusalem.Which was a sinner - Who was depraved or wicked. This woman, it seems, was known to be a sinner - perhaps an abandoned woman or a prostitute. It is certain that she had much to be forgiven, and she had probably passed her life in crime. There is no evidence that this was the woman commonly called Mary Magdalene.An alabaster-box ... - See the notes at Mark 14:3. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 7:38

Stood at his feet behind him - They reclined, at their meals, on their left side, and their feet, therefore, were extended from the table, so that persons could easily approach them. See the notes at Matthew 23:6.Began to wash his feet - The Jews wore sandals. These were taken off when they entered a house. It was an act of hospitality and kindness to wash the feet of a guest. “She” therefore began to show her love for the Saviour, and at the same time her humility and penitence, by pouring... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 7:36-38

Luke 7:36-38. And one of the Pharisees, &c. When Jesus had finished the preceding observations on the ministry of John, the obstinacy of the scribes and Pharisees, and the conduct of all the true lovers of wisdom, a Pharisee named Simon, who, it seems, was a man of a better disposition than the generality of his sect, invited him to dinner. And he went into the Pharisee’s house He accepted the invitation, and went with him; and sat down to meat Without taking any notice of the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Luke 7:36-50

51. In the house of Simon the Pharisee (Luke 7:36-50)Like most Pharisees, Simon no doubt kept the laws of holiness and thought that God was more pleased with him than with socially despised people such as tax collectors and prostitutes. He was therefore surprised that Jesus allowed a prostitute to wash his feet. In Simon’s view this showed that Jesus did not have divine knowledge, otherwise he would know the sort of person the woman was and would not allow her to touch him (Luke 7:36-39).Jesus... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Luke 7:37

a woman. Not to be identified with Mary Magdalene: it is a libel on her to do so, and quite arbitrary. Compare Matthew 21:32 . the city. That it was Magdala is a pure assumption. which = who: i.e. reference to a class. was, &c. All the texts read "which was in the city, a sinner". when she knew = having got to know. Greek. ginosko. App-132 . Jesus = He. alabaster. See Matthew 26:7 . Mark 14:3 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Luke 7:38

And. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton. App-6 . at = beside. Greek. para. App-104 . wash = bedew. did wipe = was wiping. kissed = was ardently kissing. Compare Acts 20:37 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Luke 7:37

And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner; and when she knew that he was sitting at meat in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster cruse of ointment and standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.It is hyper-ridiculous to equate this with the anointing by the devout Mary, as recorded in the other Gospels. This person was a "sinner," and her... read more

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