Luke 7:39
New International Version
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

New Living Translation
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!”

English Standard Version
Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.”

Berean Standard Bible
When 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!”

Berean Literal Bible
And the Pharisee, the one having invited Him, having seen, spoke within himself, saying, "If this were a prophet, He would have known who and what the woman is who touches Him; for she is a sinner."

King James Bible
Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

New King James Version
Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”

New American Standard Bible
Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner!”

NASB 1995
Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.”

NASB 1977
Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now when the Pharisee, who had invited Him, saw this, he said to himself, saying, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.”

Amplified Bible
Now when [Simon] the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this Man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching Him, that she is a [notorious] sinner [an outcast, devoted to sin].”

Christian Standard Bible
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “This man, if he were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—she’s a sinner! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching Him—she’s a sinner!”

American Standard Version
Now when the Pharisee that had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner.

Contemporary English Version
The Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this and said to himself, "If this man really were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him! He would know that she is a sinner."

English Revised Version
Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of woman this is which touched him, that she is a sinner.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this and thought, "If this man really were a prophet, he would know what sort of woman is touching him. She's a sinner."

Good News Translation
When the Pharisee saw this, he said to himself, "If this man really were a prophet, he would know who this woman is who is touching him; he would know what kind of sinful life she lives!"

International Standard Version
Now the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this and told himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who is touching him and what kind of woman she is. She's a sinner!"

Majority Standard Bible
When 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!?

NET Bible
Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner."

New Heart English Bible
Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, "This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what kind of woman this is who touches him, that she is a sinner."

Webster's Bible Translation
Now when the Pharisee who had invited him, saw it, he spoke within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who, and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, for she is a sinner.

Weymouth New Testament
Noticing this, the Pharisee, His host, said to himself, "This man, if he were really a Prophet, would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching him--and would know that she is an immoral woman."

World English Bible
Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what kind of woman this is who touches him, that she is a sinner.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the Pharisee who called Him, having seen, spoke within himself, saying, “This One, if He were a prophet, would have known who and of what kind [is] the woman who touches Him, that she is a sinner.”

Berean Literal Bible
And the Pharisee, the one having invited Him, having seen, spoke within himself, saying, "If this were a prophet, He would have known who and what the woman is who touches Him; for she is a sinner."

Young's Literal Translation
And the Pharisee who did call him, having seen, spake within himself, saying, 'This one, if he were a prophet, would have known who and of what kind is the woman who doth touch him, that she is a sinner.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the Pharisee having called him, seeing, said within himself, This, if he were a prophet, had known who and what race of woman which had touched him: for she is sinful.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Pharisee, who had invited him, seeing it, spoke within himself, saying: This man, if he were a prophet, would know surely who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the Pharisee, who had invited him, upon seeing this, spoke within himself, saying, “This man, if he were a prophet, would certainly know who and what kind of woman is this, who is touching him: that she is a sinner.”

New American Bible
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.”

New Revised Standard Version
Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he reasoned in himself and said, If this man were a prophet, he would have known who she was and her reputation; for the woman who has touched him is a sinner.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But when that Pharisee who had invited him saw, he thought within himself and he said, “If this one were a Prophet, he would have known who she is and what her reputation is, for she is a sinner woman who touched him.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But when the Pharisee who had invited him, saw it, he said within himself: This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who, and what sort of woman this is that touches him; for she is a sinner.

Godbey New Testament
And the Pharisee, having invited Him, seeing, spoke within himself, saying, If He were a prophet, He would know who and what kind the woman is, who touches Him, because she is a sinner.

Haweis New Testament
And when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said within himself, If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what kind of a woman this is that toucheth him; for she is a notorious sinner.

Mace New Testament
which the Pharisee, who had invited him, observing, he thus argued with himself, if this man were a prophet, he could not but know that the woman, who is so busy with him, is a person of a loose character.

Weymouth New Testament
Noticing this, the Pharisee, His host, said to himself, "This man, if he were really a Prophet, would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching him--and would know that she is an immoral woman."

Worrell New Testament
But, seeing it, the Pharisee who invited Him, spake in himself, saying, "This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what sort of woman this is that is touching Him, because she is a sinner."

Worsley New Testament
But when the pharisee that invited Him saw it, he said within himself, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what sort of a woman this is that toucheth Him; for she is a notorious sinner.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus
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!” 40But Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, Teacher,” he said.…

Cross References
Matthew 9:11
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

Mark 2:16
When the scribes who were Pharisees saw Jesus eating with these people, they asked His disciples, “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

John 4:9
“You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

John 8:3-11
The scribes and Pharisees, however, brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before them / and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. / In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?” ...

Matthew 11:19
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.”

Luke 15:2
So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Acts 10:28
He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.

Romans 2:1
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

1 Corinthians 5:9-11
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. / I was not including the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. / But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

Galatians 2:15
We who are Jews by birth and not Gentile “sinners”

Isaiah 65:5
They say, ‘Keep to yourself; do not come near me, for I am holier than you!’ Such people are smoke in My nostrils, a fire that burns all day long.

Proverbs 21:2
All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.

Isaiah 64:6
Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.

Hosea 6:6
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

Micah 6:6-8
With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? / Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? / He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?


Treasury of Scripture

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spoke within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that touches him: for she is a sinner.

he spake.

Luke 3:8
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Luke 12:17
And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

Luke 16:3
Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.

This man.

Luke 7:16
And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

John 7:12,40,41,47-52
And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people…

John 9:24
Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.

would.

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, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

Luke 15:2,28-30
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them…

Luke 18:9-11
And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: …

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Luke 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.














When the Pharisee
The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in first-century Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions. The Greek word for Pharisee, "Pharisaios," is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "separated." This separation was both physical and spiritual, as they sought to maintain purity by avoiding anything considered unclean. In this context, the Pharisee represents a mindset focused on external righteousness and judgment, often missing the heart of God's law, which is love and mercy.

who had invited Him
The act of inviting Jesus into one's home was significant in the ancient Near Eastern culture, symbolizing a gesture of hospitality and respect. However, the Pharisee's invitation may have been motivated by curiosity or a desire to scrutinize Jesus rather than genuine hospitality. This reflects a common theme in the Gospels where Jesus is often invited into spaces where He is not fully welcomed or understood, yet He enters willingly, offering grace and truth.

saw this
The Greek word "eidō" implies more than just physical sight; it suggests perception and understanding. The Pharisee's observation of the event is not just about witnessing an action but interpreting it through his own lens of legalism and self-righteousness. This highlights the contrast between human judgment and divine insight, as Jesus sees beyond appearances into the heart.

he said to himself
This phrase indicates an internal dialogue, revealing the Pharisee's thoughts and attitudes. In biblical narratives, such internal monologues often expose the true nature of a character's heart. The Pharisee's self-talk is a window into his spiritual blindness and inability to recognize Jesus' identity and mission.

If this man were a prophet
The Pharisee questions Jesus' prophetic status, which in Jewish tradition, was associated with being a spokesperson for God, possessing insight into divine truths. The Greek word "prophētēs" denotes one who speaks forth by divine inspiration. The Pharisee's doubt reflects a misunderstanding of Jesus' role and authority, as he fails to see that Jesus embodies the ultimate revelation of God.

He would know
The expectation here is that a true prophet would have supernatural knowledge. The Pharisee assumes that Jesus' lack of immediate rebuke or distancing from the woman indicates ignorance. This assumption reveals a limited understanding of divine knowledge, which is not just about awareness of sin but also about the capacity for compassion and forgiveness.

what kind of woman
The phrase "what kind of" suggests a categorization based on moral and social status. In the cultural context, women of questionable reputation were often marginalized and judged harshly. The Pharisee's focus on the woman's past and social standing contrasts with Jesus' focus on her faith and repentance, illustrating the transformative power of grace.

she is
The present tense "is" emphasizes the Pharisee's fixation on the woman's current state, ignoring the possibility of change or redemption. This reflects a broader theme in the Gospels where Jesus challenges societal norms by offering new identities to those who come to Him in faith.

for she is a sinner
The label "sinner" was commonly used to describe those who did not adhere to the Pharisaic interpretation of the law. The Greek word "hamartōlos" means one who has missed the mark, a term that encompasses all humanity. The Pharisee's judgment fails to recognize that all are in need of God's grace, and it is precisely for sinners that Jesus came. This moment sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His mission of forgiveness and restoration, challenging the self-righteousness of the Pharisee and inviting all to experience the depth of God's love.

(39) This man, if he were a prophet.--The words show that the Pharisee had had a half-feeling of respect for our Lord as a teacher, that he at least knew that He was looked upon by the people as a prophet. There is traceable in what he says a tone of satisfaction at having detected what seemed to him inconsistent with the conception of a prophet's character. It is noticeable that he, like the woman of Samaria (John 4:19), sees that character manifested, not merely in prediction, but in the power to read the secrets of men's lives and hearts. (Comp. 1Corinthians 14:24-25.) He knew what the woman was, and the so-called prophet did not.

Verse 39. - Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This Man, if he were a Prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him. It is clear that it was no mere curiosity which prompted his asking the Master to be his Guest. Respect and love for the Galilaean Teacher alternated with dread of what the Pharisee order to which he belonged would think of his conduct. As we have said, he compromised the matter with his heart, by inviting Jesus publicly, but then only receiving him with the coldest formality. He seems half-glad of this incident, for it seemed in some measure to excuse his haughty unfriendly reception of One from whom he had undoubtedly received rich spiritual benefit, as we shall see further on. "Hardly a great Prophet, then, after all, else he would have known all about her." This was what at once occurred to Simon. For she is a sinner. Yes, in Simon's mind, and in the world's estimation, but before the throne of God she was differently viewed. She had heard the Master's loving call to repentance, and a new life and a change had taken place in her whole being since she had listened to his voice.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
When
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Pharisee
Φαρισαῖος (Pharisaios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5330: Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.

who
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

had invited
καλέσας (kalesas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2564: (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.

[Jesus]
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 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.

saw [this],
Ἰδὼν (Idōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

he said
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

to
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

himself,
ἑαυτῷ (heautō)
Reflexive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

“If
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

this [man]
Οὗτος (Houtos)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

were
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

a prophet,
προφήτης (prophētēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4396: From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.

He would know
ἐγίνωσκεν (eginōsken)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

who [this is]
τίς (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

what kind
ποταπὴ (potapē)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4217: Of what kind, of what manner. Apparently from pote and the base of pou; interrogatively, whatever, i.e. Of what possible sort.

of
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

woman
γυνὴ (gynē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1135: A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.

is touching
ἅπτεται (haptetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 680: Prop: I fasten to; I lay hold of, touch, know carnally. Reflexive of hapto; properly, to attach oneself to, i.e. To touch.

Him?
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.

for
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

she is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

a sinner!?
ἁμαρτωλός (hamartōlos)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 268: Sinning, sinful, depraved, detestable. From hamartano; sinful, i.e. A sinner.


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