Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. New Living Translation Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them. English Standard Version 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. Berean Standard Bible As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume. Berean Literal Bible and having stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with the tears, and she was wiping them with the hairs of her head, and was kissing His feet, and was anointing them with the fragrant oil. King James Bible 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. New King James Version and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. New American Standard Bible and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, and began kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. NASB 1995 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. NASB 1977 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet, and anointing them with the perfume. Legacy Standard Bible And standing behind Him at His feet, crying, she began to wet His feet with her tears. And she kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. Amplified Bible and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began wetting His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and [respectfully] kissed His feet [as an act signifying both affection and submission] and anointed them with the perfume. Christian Standard Bible and stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to wash his feet with her tears. She wiped his feet with her hair, kissing them and anointing them with the perfume. Holman Christian Standard Bible and stood behind Him at His feet, weeping, and began to wash His feet with her tears. She wiped His feet with the hair of her head, kissing them and anointing them with the fragrant oil. American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version Then she came and stood behind Jesus. She cried and started washing his feet with her tears and drying them with her hair. The woman kissed his feet and poured the perfume on them. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation and knelt at his feet. She was crying and washed his feet with her tears. Then she dried his feet with her hair, kissed them over and over again, and poured the perfume on them. Good News Translation and stood behind Jesus, by his feet, crying and wetting his feet with her tears. Then she dried his feet with her hair, kissed them, and poured the perfume on them. International Standard Version and knelt at his feet behind him. She was crying and began to wash his feet with her tears and dry them with her hair. Then she kissed his feet over and over again, anointing them constantly with the perfume. NET Bible As she stood behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. She wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfumed oil. New Heart English Bible Standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Webster's Bible Translation And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Weymouth New Testament and, standing behind close to His feet, weeping, began to wet His feet with her tears; and with her hair she wiped the tears away again, while she lovingly kissed His feet and poured the perfume over them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAs she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume. World English Bible Standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand having stood behind, beside His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with the tears, and with the hairs of her head she was wiping, and was kissing His feet, and was anointing with the ointment. Berean Literal Bible and having stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with the tears, and she was wiping them with the hairs of her head, and was kissing His feet, and was anointing them with the fragrant oil. Young's Literal Translation and having stood behind, beside his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with the tears, and with the hairs of her head she was wiping, and was kissing his feet, and was anointing with the ointment. Smith's Literal Translation And stood at his feet behind, weeping, been to wet his feet with tears, and wiped with the hairs of her head; and she kissed his feet, and anointed with the perfumed oil. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd standing behind at his feet, she began to wash his feet, with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Catholic Public Domain Version And standing behind him, beside his feet, she began to wash his feet with tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, and she kissed his feet, and she anointed them with ointment. New American Bible she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. New Revised Standard Version She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd she stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and she began to wet his feet with her tears, and to wipe them with the hair of her head, and she kissed his feet, and anointed them with perfume. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And she stood behind him at his feet, and she was weeping and she began washing his feet with her tears and wiping them with the hair of her head. And she was kissing his feet and anointing them with ointment. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentand stood behind at his feet, weeping; and she began to wash his feet with her tears; and she wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Godbey New Testament and standing behind by His feet, weeping, began to moisten His feel with tears, and she wiped them with the hairs of her head, and she continued to copiously kiss His feet, and to anoint them with the myrrh. Haweis New Testament and standing at his feet behind him, began to water his feet with her tears, and to wipe them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the perfumed balm. Mace New Testament and stood behind at his feet weeping, bath'd them with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed his feet, and poured the perfume upon them. Weymouth New Testament and, standing behind close to His feet, weeping, began to wet His feet with her tears; and with her hair she wiped the tears away again, while she lovingly kissed His feet and poured the perfume over them. Worrell New Testament and standing behind at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and wiped them off with the hair of her head; and she kept kissing His feet, and anointing them with the perfume. Worsley New Testament brought an alabaster-box of ointment, and stood at his feet behind Him, weeping, and washed his feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus…37When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. 38As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume. 39When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who this is and what kind of woman is touching Him—for she is a sinner!”… Cross References John 12:3 Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. Matthew 26:7-13 a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table. / When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste? / This perfume could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor.” ... Mark 14:3-9 While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head. / Some of those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another: “Why this waste of perfume? / It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. ... John 11:2 (Mary, whose brother Lazarus was sick, was to anoint the Lord with perfume and wipe His feet with her hair.) John 13:5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him. 1 Samuel 1:10 In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears. 1 Samuel 25:23 When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him. 2 Kings 4:27 When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she clung to his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for her soul is in deep distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.” Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 56:8 You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle—are they not in Your book? Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Jeremiah 31:9 They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.” Ezekiel 24:16 “Son of man, behold, I am about to take away the desire of your eyes with a fatal blow. But you must not mourn or weep or let your tears flow. Hosea 12:4 Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there— Joel 2:12-13 “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. Treasury of Scripture 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. weeping. Luke 6:21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Luke 22:62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. Judges 2:4,5 And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept… wash. Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: John 13:4,5 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself… and anointed. Luke 7:45,46 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet… Ecclesiastes 9:8 Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. Song of Solomon 1:3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. Jump to Previous Anointed Drops Dry Eyes Feet Flask Hair Hairs Head House Jesus Kept Kissed Kissing Learnt Notorious Ointment Pharisee's Poured Sinner Standing Stood Table Tears Wash Washed Weeping Wet Wipe Wiped WipingJump to Next Anointed Drops Dry Eyes Feet Flask Hair Hairs Head House Jesus Kept Kissed Kissing Learnt Notorious Ointment Pharisee's Poured Sinner Standing Stood Table Tears Wash Washed Weeping Wet Wipe Wiped WipingLuke 7 1. Jesus finds a greater faith in the centurion;10. heals his servant, being absent; 11. raises from death the widow's son at Nain; 18. answers John's messengers with the declaration of his miracles; 24. testifies to the people what opinion he held of John; 31. compares this generation to the children in the marketplaces, 36. and allowing his feet to be washed and anointed by a woman who was a sinner, 44. he shows how he is a friend to sinners, to forgive them their sins, upon their repentance. As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping In the cultural context of the time, it was customary for guests to recline at a table during meals, leaning on their left arm with their feet extended away from the table. This positioning allowed the woman to approach Jesus from behind. Her weeping signifies deep remorse and repentance, a common theme in biblical narratives where tears are associated with genuine contrition (Psalm 51:17). The act of standing behind Jesus also indicates humility and reverence, as she does not presume to face Him directly. she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume Persons / Places / Events 1. The WomanKnown as a sinner in the city, she demonstrates profound repentance and love for Jesus by her actions. Her identity is not specified, but her actions speak volumes about her heart's transformation. 2. Jesus The central figure in this event, Jesus is the recipient of the woman's acts of devotion. His response to her actions highlights His compassion and authority to forgive sins. 3. Simon the Pharisee The host of the gathering where this event takes place. His internal judgment of the woman and Jesus provides a contrast to the woman's humility and Jesus' grace. 4. The House of Simon The setting for this event, a place of social gathering and religious discussion, which becomes a stage for a powerful demonstration of grace and forgiveness. 5. The Perfume A costly item used by the woman to anoint Jesus' feet, symbolizing her sacrificial love and devotion. Teaching Points Repentance and HumilityThe woman's actions are a profound display of repentance and humility. Her willingness to weep and use her hair to wipe Jesus' feet shows a heart fully surrendered to God. Extravagant Worship The use of expensive perfume signifies the value of worship that costs us something. True worship often involves sacrifice and a heart fully devoted to God. Jesus' Compassion and Forgiveness Jesus' acceptance of the woman's actions and His subsequent forgiveness highlight His compassion and authority to forgive sins. This teaches us about the boundless grace available to all who come to Him in faith. Judgment vs. Grace Simon's judgmental attitude contrasts with Jesus' grace. This reminds us to examine our own hearts and attitudes towards others, especially those who are seeking redemption. The Power of a Transformed Life The woman's actions demonstrate the transformative power of encountering Jesus. Her life becomes a testimony of grace and forgiveness, encouraging us to live out our faith boldly. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Luke 7:38?2. How does Luke 7:38 demonstrate genuine repentance and humility before Christ? 3. What cultural barriers did the woman overcome to express her devotion in Luke 7:38? 4. How does Luke 7:38 connect to the theme of forgiveness in Luke 7:47? 5. In what ways can we show similar devotion to Jesus in our lives today? 6. How does the woman's act in Luke 7:38 reflect true worship and love for Jesus? 7. What does Luke 7:38 reveal about the nature of repentance and forgiveness? 8. How does the woman's act in Luke 7:38 challenge societal norms of the time? 9. What is the significance of tears in the context of Luke 7:38? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 7? 11. What is the main theme of The Alabaster Box? 12. Why did Simon doubt Jesus' acceptance of the sinful woman? 13. In Matthew 26:6-13, why does the anointing scene differ from similar accounts in other Gospels regarding the woman's identity and purpose of the act? 14. Luke 7:36-50 - How does the anointing of Jesus by a sinful woman align, or conflict, with other anointing accounts in the Gospels regarding location, timing, and participants? What Does Luke 7:38 Mean Standing behind Him at His feet weepingLuke 7:38 opens, “as she stood behind Him at His feet weeping.” • Position: Standing “behind” Jesus shows humility—she does not presume to face Him directly (cf. Luke 18:13; Luke 5:8). • Proximity: “At His feet” pictures submission; others fall at Jesus’ feet to plead for mercy (Luke 17:16; Revelation 1:17). • Emotion: Her tears flow from genuine repentance and contrition; “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit” (Psalm 51:17). God is “near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). She began to wet His feet with her tears Her sorrow becomes action: tears become water. • Repentant sorrow is not mere feeling; it produces fruit (2 Corinthians 7:10–11). • The woman’s tears confess that Jesus alone can cleanse what she cannot (Psalm 6:6; Isaiah 1:18). • Feet, the dirtiest part of a traveler, emphasize how completely she acknowledges her need. She wiped them with her hair “She… wiped them with her hair.” • A woman’s hair is called her “glory” (1 Corinthians 11:15). She lays that glory at His feet. • Letting her hair down in public risked social scorn, displaying that devotion to Jesus outweighs concern for reputation (John 12:3). • Her hair becomes the towel—personal, costly, intimate. She kissed His feet “Then she kissed His feet…” • Continuous tense (she keeps kissing) expresses unashamed affection. Similar love appears in Luke 15:20 when the father “kissed” the prodigal son. • Kissing feet was rare homage, reserved for kings or deities (Psalm 2:12). She recognizes Jesus’ royal, divine worth. • Her kisses replace the customary greeting Simon withheld (Luke 7:45). She anointed them with the perfume “…and anointed them with the perfume.” • The alabaster perfume was expensive (Mark 14:3); she gives her best. • Anointing anticipates Jesus’ burial (John 12:7) and affirms His messianic identity—Messiah means “Anointed One” (Isaiah 61:1). • The fragrance fills the room (John 12:3), symbolizing how repentant worship spreads the knowledge of Christ “like a pleasing aroma” (2 Corinthians 2:14–15). summary Luke 7:38 portrays a woman whose every movement—standing humbly behind Jesus, weeping, washing His feet with tears, wiping with her hair, kissing, and anointing—shows wholehearted repentance, adoration, and faith. She offers her glory, her resources, and her very self to the only One who can forgive. Jesus later declares, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:50). The verse invites believers to respond with the same humble, costly, and loving devotion to the Lord who graciously receives repentant sinners. (38) And stood at his feet behind him.--The common usage of the East left the court-yard of the house open while such a feast as that described was going on, and there was nothing to hinder one who had not been invited from coming even into the guest-chamber. It is possible, indeed, that the feast may have been intentionally open to all comers. Our Lord's position has to be remembered as we read the narrative.To wash his feet with tears.--Many different emotions may have mingled in the woman's soul. Shame, penitence, gratitude, joy, love, all find the same natural relief. The word for "wash" should be noted as implying a "shower" of tears. It may be noted that while the tenses for this and the "wiping" imply a momentary act, those that follow for the kissing and anointing involve the idea of continuance. The act, the sobs, the fragrance of the ointment, of course attracted notice. Verse 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 known in the city. She heard he was to be present at a feast in the house of the rich Pharisee Simon. It would be easier, she thought, to get close to him there than in the crowd in the marketplace or in the synagogue; so taking with her a flask of perfumed ointment, she passed into the courtyard with others, and so made her way unnoticed into the guest-chamber. As she stood behind him, and the sweet words of forgiveness and reconciliation, the pleading invitation to all heavy-laden, sin-burdened ones to come to him for peace, which she in the past days bad listened to so eagerly, came into her mind, unbidden tears rose into her eyes and fell on the Master's feet as he lay on his couch; and, after the manner of slaves with their masters, she wiped the tear-wet feet with her long hair, which she evidently loosed for this loving purpose, and then quietly poured the fragrant ointment on the feet where her tears had fallen. It was the perfume of the ointment which called the host's attention to this scene of sorrow and heartfelt penitence.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek [As]καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. she stood στᾶσα (stasa) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications. behind Him ὀπίσω (opisō) Adverb Strong's 3694: Behind, after; back, backwards. From the same as opisthen with enclitic of direction; to the back, i.e. Aback. at παρὰ (para) Preposition Strong's 3844: Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. feet πόδας (podas) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 4228: The foot. A primary word; a 'foot'. weeping, κλαίουσα (klaiousa) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 2799: To weep, weep for, mourn, lament. Of uncertain affinity; to sob, i.e. Wail aloud. she began ἤρξατο (ērxato) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 756: To begin. Middle voice of archo; to commence. to wet βρέχειν (brechein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active Strong's 1026: To moisten, rain, send rain. A primary verb; to moisten. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. feet πόδας (podas) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 4228: The foot. A primary word; a 'foot'. with τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. [her] τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. tears δάκρυσιν (dakrysin) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural Strong's 1144: A tear. Or dakruon dak'-roo-on; of uncertain affinity; a tear. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. wipe [them] ἐξέμασσεν (exemassen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1591: To wipe, wipe (off) thoroughly. From ek and the base of massaomai; to knead out, i.e. to wipe dry. with ταῖς (tais) Article - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. her hair. θριξὶν (thrixin) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 2359: Hair (of the head or of animals). Genitive case trichos, etc. of uncertain derivation; hair. Then καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. she kissed κατεφίλει (katephilei) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2705: To kiss affectionately. From kata and phileo; to kiss earnestly. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. feet πόδας (podas) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 4228: The foot. A primary word; a 'foot'. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. anointed [them] ἤλειφεν (ēleiphen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 218: To anoint: festivally, in homage, medicinally, or in anointing the dead. To oil. with the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. perfume. μύρῳ (myrō) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 3464: Anointing-oil, ointment. Probably of foreign origin; 'myrrh', i.e. perfumed oil. Links Luke 7:38 NIVLuke 7:38 NLT Luke 7:38 ESV Luke 7:38 NASB Luke 7:38 KJV Luke 7:38 BibleApps.com Luke 7:38 Biblia Paralela Luke 7:38 Chinese Bible Luke 7:38 French Bible Luke 7:38 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Luke 7:38 Standing behind at his feet weeping she (Luke Lu Lk) |
    |