Jesus doesn't just address Simon's unspoken thoughts; he uses the intimate address "Simon" to highlight that he knows Simon personally, and the phrase "I have something to say to you" emphasizes that this is a direct, personal message meant for him alone. This sets the stage for a private confrontation disguised as a public teaching, designed to confront Simon's judgmental heart directly.
And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just entered the home of a Pharisee named Simon and is reclining at a meal. A woman known in the city as a sinner arrives, weeping over Jesus' feet, anointing them with perfume, and wiping them with her hair, all while Simon silently criticizes Jesus for allowing such a person to touch him. Jesus, seeing Simon's unspoken judgment, turns to him with a direct and pointed statement, signaling that He has something to address about Simon's inner thoughts.
Simon the Pharisee is hosting Jesus, but his mind is a storm of judgment. How does Jesus know what Simon is thinking?
Jesus’ invitation to Simon, “I have something to say to you,” isn't just a polite opening. It's a direct response to Simon’s silent, critical thoughts about Him interacting with a known sinner.
Beyond the Surface
Simon is judging Jesus, but Jesus doesn't lash out. Instead, He uses a surprising method to correct him. What can we learn from Jesus' approach?
Jesus doesn't immediately accuse Simon of hypocrisy. Instead, He begins with a courteous preface, as noted by Bengel: “He does not call this Pharisee a hypocrite.” This sets the stage for a gentle, yet firm, correction.
The Parable's Purpose
Ask a follow-up
Simon’s response to Jesus, “Master, say on,” reveals something crucial about his state of mind. What does this simple phrase signify?
Simon’s reply, “Master, say on,” is more than just polite. It shows a willingness to listen and learn, even if he doesn't fully understand Jesus' identity or purpose yet.
Recognizing Authority
Understand the original words
didaskale · Greek Noun
A title of respect, often applied to Jesus, meaning "Master" or "Instructor." It denotes one who teaches the law and provides divine wisdom to his followers.
daneistēs · Greek Noun
A person who lends money, often implying a position of authority or creditor status. In biblical parables, this figure frequently represents God as the ultimate creditor to whom all humanity owes a debt of sin.
chreopheiletēs · Greek Noun
One who owes a debt, whether financial or, figuratively, a moral debt (sin) to God. The term highlights human insufficiency to meet God's righteous requirements.
dēnariōn · Greek Noun
A Roman silver coin worth about one day's wages for a laborer; used to represent the magnitude of a debt, emphasizing that some debts are impossible for humans to repay through their own efforts.
charizomai · Greek Verb
To grant a formal release from a debt or obligation; in a theological context, this mirrors God's grace in forgiving the sins of those who are spiritually bankrupt.
agapaō · Greek Verb
The Greek word 'agape' (in verb form here) refers to a deep, sacrificial, and committed love, often contrasted with mere sentimental affection. It is the love that stems from gratitude for divine forgiveness.
krinō · Greek Verb
To form an opinion or decide on the character or actions of another; in this context, it refers to a moral assessment based on the evidence of one's actions.
1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues, healing the sick, and gathering disciples. This period saw growing popularity and also increasing opposition from religious leaders.
1st century AD
Pharisaic Social Customs
Pharisees were a prominent religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions. They often hosted meals, but strict purity laws governed social interactions.
1st century AD— this verse
Jesus dining with Simon the Pharisee
Jesus accepts an invitation to dine at the house of Simon, a Pharisee, highlighting the complex interactions and varying responses Jesus encountered from different social and religious circles.
1st century AD
A woman of ill repute anoints Jesus
During the meal, a woman, known publicly as a sinner, comes and anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, an act that deeply unsettles Simon and the other guests.
1st century AD
Jesus tells the Parable of the Two Debtors
In response to Simon's unspoken judgment, Jesus shares a parable about a creditor forgiving two debtors, prompting Simon to identify the one who would love more.
1st century AD
Jesus declares the woman's sins forgiven
Jesus contrasts Simon's lack of hospitality with the woman's extravagant love, concluding that her many sins have been forgiven because of her great love, demonstrating God's grace.
This passage highlights that God sees beyond outward appearances, just as Jesus saw beyond Simon's judgment of the woman and the woman's past sins.
2 Samuel 12:1-14Similar to how Nathan confronted David with a parable, Jesus uses a parable to expose Simon's hidden thoughts and challenge his judgment.
Matthew 9:10-13This passage shows Jesus eating with sinners and tax collectors, illustrating His mission to call sinners to repentance, which directly counters Simon's assumption about Jesus' prophetic insight.
Romans 5:8This verse emphasizes God's love demonstrated while we were still sinners, echoing the theme that forgiveness and love are not earned but freely given, as shown by Jesus' interaction with the woman.
John 13:1-17Jesus washing the disciples' feet shows His humility and servant leadership, contrasting with Simon's lack of hospitality and mirroring the attentiveness and humility the woman showed Jesus.
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…
pulpitLuke 7:40: "And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on."
Verse 40. - And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. How accurately did the Master read Simon's heart. Not a real Prophet because he was in ignorance of the character and life of the woman whom he suffered without rebuke to pour the fragrant ointment over him! We almost see the half-sad smile flickering on the Tea…
Jesus doesn't just address Simon's unspoken thoughts; he uses the intimate address "Simon" to highlight that he knows Simon personally, and the phrase "I have something to say to you" emphasizes that this is a direct, personal message meant for him alone. This sets the stage for a private confrontation disguised as a public teaching, designed to confront Simon's judgmental heart directly.
Jesus has just entered the home of a Pharisee named Simon and is reclining at a meal. A woman known in the city as a sinner arrives, weeping over Jesus' feet, anointing them with perfume, and wiping them with her hair, all while Simon silently criticizes Jesus for allowing such a person to touch him. Jesus, seeing Simon's unspoken judgment, turns to him with a direct and pointed statement, signaling that He has something to address about Simon's inner thoughts.
Jesus has just entered the home of a Pharisee named Simon and is reclining at a meal. A woman known in the city as a sinner arrives, weeping over Jesus' feet, anointing them with perfume, and wiping them with her hair, all while Simon silently criticizes Jesus for allowing such a person to touch him. Jesus, seeing Simon's unspoken judgment, turns to him with a direct and pointed statement, signaling that He has something to address about Simon's inner thoughts.
"And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled…" — Jesus doesn't just address Simon's unspoken thoughts; he uses the intimate address "Simon" to highlight that he knows Simon personally, and the phrase "I have something to say to you" emphasizes th…
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Last reviewed October 2026
