Luke 7:37-38
And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This woman isn't just "a sinner" in a general sense; the text implies her sinful lifestyle was publicly known and likely related to unchastity. Her bold action to approach Jesus, despite her reputation and the judgmental atmosphere, reveals a profound, perhaps desperate, faith and a deep wellspring of gratitude already at work within her.
A Pharisee named Simon has invited Jesus to dine at his home, a seemingly polite gesture that quickly becomes an opportunity for him to scrutinize Jesus' character. As Jesus reclines at the table, a woman known in the city for her sinful past hears he is there. Driven by a profound gratitude and repentance, she arrives at Simon's house with a precious alabaster flask of ointment, eager to express her devotion to Jesus.
This woman was infamous, her past a public scandal. Yet, the news of Jesus's presence sparked something new. What propelled her forward?
The text identifies her simply as "a woman of the city, who was a sinner." This wasn't a gentle suggestion; it was a descriptor, likely referring to a life of notorious unchastity. Her reputation preceded her, and it was well-known to those in the Pharisee's house, including Simon himself.
A Public Reputation
The Draw of Grace
Despite her reputation, the news that Jesus was dining with a Pharisee didn't cause her to hide. Instead, it became a powerful magnet. She learned He was there and, without hesitation, brought a costly gift. This wasn't about seeking permission or finding a convenient moment; it was an urgent response to a deeper call, driven by a love that propelled her forward.
She brought an alabaster flask of ointment. This wasn't just any perfume; it was a valuable, perhaps even sin-associated, possession repurposed for worship.
The alabaster flask of ointment is more than just an item; it's a powerful symbol within this narrative.
A Costly Possession
Understand the original words
hamartōlos · Greek Adjective
A common term for those living in habitual transgression of God's moral law. In this context, it often refers to someone whose life or profession is socially or religiously stigmatized as unclean.
alabastron · Greek Noun
A vessel made of fine stone, often used to contain expensive oils or perfumes. In biblical times, such flasks often represented a significant financial sacrifice or a vessel of honor.
myron · Greek Noun
A fragrant oil or perfume used for medical, cosmetic, or ritual purposes. Anointing was a gesture of honor, hospitality, or preparation for burial.
This event highlights the stark social and religious divisions of Jesus' day. A respected religious leader invites Jesus, but a woman ostracized for her past actions shows him the greatest honor, revealing Jesus' radical inclusivity and his mission to forgive and restore.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Galilean Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, teaching, healing, and attracting crowds of followers. His growing fame causes tension with religious leaders.
Early 1st century AD
Pharisees and Scribes Scrutinize Jesus
Religious leaders, particularly Pharisees, observe Jesus closely, questioning his teachings, his association with 'sinners,' and his respect for the Law.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus Accepts Invitation to Dine
Jesus accepts an invitation to eat at the home of a Pharisee named Simon, likely in Capernaum or a nearby Galilean town.
Early 1st century AD
Woman's Act of Devotion
A woman known in the city for her sinful past learns Jesus is dining at the Pharisee's house and comes with an alabaster flask of ointment.
This passage describes a similar anointing of Jesus with precious oil, highlighting the theme of devotion and the value of such acts, even though the context and participants differ from Luke's account.
Romans 5:8This verse powerfully states God's love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice, echoing the profound realization of forgiveness that likely motivated the woman's actions.
Matthew 11:28Jesus' invitation here to 'all who labor and are heavy laden' directly speaks to the kind of weary soul this woman likely was, finding rest and acceptance in Him.
1 Samuel 16:7This passage emphasizes God looking at the heart, contrasting with the Pharisee's outward judgment and highlighting Jesus' ability to see the woman's true repentance and faith.
Psalm 51:17The broken and contrite spirit described here is a spiritual parallel to the woman's humble and tearful devotion, showing the value God places on genuine repentance.
calvinLuke 7:36-50: "And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat."
- And one of the Pharisees requested him to take food with him; and he entered into the house of the Pharisee, and sat down at table. 37. And, lo, a woman in the city, who was a sinner, when she knew that he sat at table in the house of the Pharisee, brought an alabaster box of ointment: [236] 38. And sitting at his feet behind him, and weeping, she beg…
clarkeLuke 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, brought an alabaster box of ointment,"
A woman - which was a sinner - Many suppose that this woman had been a notorious public prostitute; but this is taking the subject by the very worst handle. My own opinion is, that she had been a mere heathen who dwelt in this city, (probably Capernaum), who, through the ministry of Christ, had been before this converted to God, a…
This woman isn't just "a sinner" in a general sense; the text implies her sinful lifestyle was publicly known and likely related to unchastity. Her bold action to approach Jesus, despite her reputation and the judgmental atmosphere, reveals a profound, perhaps desperate, faith and a deep wellspring of gratitude already at work within her.
A Pharisee named Simon has invited Jesus to dine at his home, a seemingly polite gesture that quickly becomes an opportunity for him to scrutinize Jesus' character. As Jesus reclines at the table, a woman known in the city for her sinful past hears he is there. Driven by a profound gratitude and repentance, she arrives at Simon's house with a precious alabaster flask of ointment, eager to express her devotion to Jesus.
A Pharisee named Simon has invited Jesus to dine at his home, a seemingly polite gesture that quickly becomes an opportunity for him to scrutinize Jesus' character. As Jesus reclines at the table, a woman known in the city for her sinful past hears he is there. Driven by a profound gratitude and repentance, she arrives at Simon's house with a precious alabaster flask of ointment, eager to express her devotion to Jesus.
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An Act of Worship and Gratitude
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Pronounces Forgiveness and Peace
Jesus interprets the woman's actions as a sign of great love born from forgiveness, declares her sins forgiven, and sends her away in peace.
"And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet wit…" — This woman isn't just "a sinner" in a general sense; the text implies her sinful lifestyle was publicly known and likely related to unchastity. Her bold action to approach Jesus, despite her reputati…
