Luke Chapter 7 · Verse 36
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.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαίου
of the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαίου
of the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
6 of 18
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶκὶαν
house
G3614
οἶκὶαν
house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Greco-Roman and Jewish dinner customs involved reclining on left side, right hand free for eating. Multiple guests shared couches arranged around table. The semi-public nature meant servants, students, and curious onlookers might observe. Pharisaic meals included ritual hand-washing, blessing prayers, and careful food selection to maintain purity. Jesus's later omission of washing (Luke 11:38) scandalized His hosts. For early church, Jesus's example of engaging hostile audiences while maintaining truth provided model for witness in hostile contexts.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus's willingness to enter potentially hostile environments teach about missional engagement?
- How do we balance accepting others' hospitality with maintaining convictional boundaries?
- When does entering others' spaces for witness become compromise versus appropriate contextualization?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus enters the Pharisee's house: 'And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat' (Greek 'eiselthōn eis ton oikon tou Pharisaiou kateklithē'). The verb 'kateklithē' (reclined) indicates formal meal customs—guests reclined on couches rather than sitting in chairs. This posture (feet extending away from table) explains how the woman in coming narrative could approach Jesus's feet. Jesus's presence in Pharisee's home demonstrates His missional accessibility. He didn't insulate Himself from potential critics or uncomfortable settings. Reformed theology recognizes incarnational ministry requires entering others' spaces, accepting their hospitality, speaking truth in their contexts. Isolation prevents witness; engagement creates opportunities.