You did not anoint My head with oil
In biblical times, anointing with oil was a common practice for hospitality, signifying honor and respect. It was customary for a host to anoint the head of a guest with oil as a sign of welcome and blessing. This practice is seen in Psalm 23:5, where David speaks of God anointing his head with oil, symbolizing abundance and favor. The absence of this gesture by the Pharisee, Simon, highlights a lack of respect and recognition of Jesus' status. Anointing also had religious significance, often associated with consecration and the Holy Spirit, as seen in the anointing of kings and priests (1 Samuel 16:13).

but she has anointed My feet with perfume
The act of anointing Jesus' feet with perfume by the woman, traditionally identified as a sinner, is a profound demonstration of humility and devotion. Perfume, or ointment, was costly and often used sparingly, indicating the woman's sacrificial love and repentance. This act contrasts sharply with Simon's neglect and serves as a powerful symbol of worship and recognition of Jesus' divine authority. The use of perfume on Jesus' feet echoes the anointing of kings and foreshadows His burial, as seen in John 12:3-7, where Mary anoints Jesus' feet with nard. This act fulfills the prophetic imagery of Isaiah 61:1, where the Messiah is anointed to bring good news, highlighting Jesus as the anointed one, the Christ.

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is at a Pharisee's house, teaching through His actions and words.

2. The Pharisee (Simon)
A religious leader who invited Jesus to his home, yet failed to show customary hospitality.

3. The Sinful Woman
An unnamed woman known for her sinful life, who anoints Jesus' feet with perfume as an act of repentance and worship.

4. The House of Simon
The setting of this event, a place where social and religious norms are challenged by Jesus' actions and teachings.

5. The Anointing
A significant act of devotion and humility, contrasting the Pharisee's lack of hospitality.Hospitality and Honor
The Pharisee's failure to anoint Jesus' head reflects a lack of true hospitality and honor. As Christians, we are called to honor Christ in our lives and extend genuine hospitality to others.

Repentance and Worship
The woman's act of anointing Jesus' feet with perfume is a profound expression of repentance and worship. True repentance involves humility and a willingness to honor Christ above societal norms.

Value of Devotion
The costly perfume signifies the value of wholehearted devotion to Jesus. Our worship should be extravagant and sacrificial, reflecting the worth of Christ in our lives.

Judgment vs. Grace
The Pharisee judged the woman for her past, while Jesus extended grace and forgiveness. We are called to follow Jesus' example, offering grace rather than judgment to those seeking Him.

Recognition of Jesus' Identity
The woman's actions demonstrate her recognition of Jesus as Lord. Our lives should reflect a deep understanding and acknowledgment of who Jesus is.(46) My head with oil thou didst not anoint.--This also, though not so common as the kiss and the washing of the feet, was yet a mark of courtesy due to an honoured guest. For one who had journeyed to a feast under the burning sun of Syria, it brought with it a sense of comfort and refreshment which made it a, fit type of spiritual realities. For the usage, see Psalm 23:5; Psalm 45:7; Ecclesiastes 9:8. Partly because the use of oil or chrism became more directly symbolic in the ritual of the Christian Church--as in baptism, confirmation, extreme unction, the coronation of kings--partly because in other climates its necessity was not felt, the practice, as belonging to common life, has dropped into disuse. Note the contrast between the olive "oil," which was commonly used, and the more costly "ointment."

Verse 46. - My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. "It never entered thy thoughts to pay me the homage - and yet I had helped thee, too, a little - of pouring oil on my head" (this was by no means an unusual mark of respect in the case of an honoured guest; to one who, under the burning sun of Palestine, had walked, perhaps, some distance, this pouring oil over the head was a great comfort and refreshment); "but she hath anointed, not my head, she shrank, poor soul! from doing this; but my feet. And, too, it was no common oil which she used, but precious, fragrant ointment. A cold, loveless welcome, indeed, my Pharisee friend, was thine! Thou thinkest it honour enough the mere admitting the carpenter's Son to thy table; no need of these special tokens of friendship for thy Guest - the water for the feet, the kiss for the face, the oil for the head. It were a pity, surely, for the great world at Jerusalem to look on thee as the friend of the Nazareth Teacher, as on the one Pharisee who loved to honour the Galilaean Reformer."

Parallel Commentaries ...


You did not anoint
ἤλειψας (ēleipsas)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 218: To anoint: festivally, in homage, medicinally, or in anointing the dead. To oil.

My
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

head
κεφαλήν (kephalēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2776: From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.

with oil,
ἐλαίῳ (elaiō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1637: Olive oil, oil. Neuter of the same as elaia; olive oil.

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

she
αὕτη (hautē)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

has anointed
ἤλειψεν (ēleipsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 218: To anoint: festivally, in homage, medicinally, or in anointing the dead. To oil.

My
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

feet
πόδας (podas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4228: The foot. A primary word; a 'foot'.

with perfume.
μύρῳ (myrō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3464: Anointing-oil, ointment. Probably of foreign origin; 'myrrh', i.e. perfumed oil.


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NT Gospels: Luke 7:46 You didn't anoint my head with oil (Luke Lu Lk)