Luke Chapter 7 · Verse 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,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλει
the city
G4172
πόλει
the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
6 of 20
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
ἐπιγνοῦσα
when she knew
G1921
ἐπιγνοῦσα
when she knew
Strong's:
G1921
Word #:
10 of 20
to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκίᾳ
house
G3614
οἰκίᾳ
house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
15 of 20
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 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαίου
the Pharisee's
G5330
Φαρισαίου
the Pharisee's
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
17 of 20
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
κομίσασα
brought
G2865
κομίσασα
brought
Strong's:
G2865
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, to provide for, i.e., (by implication) to carry off (as if from harm; genitive case obtain)
Cross References
1 Timothy 1:9Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,Luke 5:32I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.Luke 18:13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.Matthew 21:31Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.1 Peter 4:18And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?Romans 5:8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.John 11:2(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)Luke 5:30But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
Historical Context
Alabaster boxes held expensive perfumes—nard, myrrh, or spikenard. Breaking the sealed neck released fragrance for one-time use. Perfumes represented significant financial investment, sometimes a woman's dowry or life savings. This woman's use of expensive perfume demonstrates the costliness of genuine worship. Ancient Jewish culture strictly separated men and women; a woman of ill repute approaching men at dinner violated multiple social norms. Her boldness testified to desperation and faith. Early church welcomed converted prostitutes, showing gospel's transforming power.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the woman's disregard for social barriers teach about genuine repentance?
- How does her costly gift demonstrate authentic worship versus token religiosity?
- Why are those who recognize their great sin often more passionate worshipers than the 'respectable'?
Analysis & Commentary
A woman appears: 'And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner' (Greek 'gunē hētis ēn en tē polei hamartōlos'). The designation 'sinner' indicates notorious reputation—likely prostitute or adulteress. Her presence at a Pharisee's dinner was shocking—ritually unclean person in pure environment. That she knew where Jesus dined suggests His accessibility was known. She brought 'an alabaster box of ointment' (Greek 'alabastron murou')—expensive perfume in sealed stone container. Her preparation indicates planned action, not spontaneous impulse. Reformed theology sees here repentance's nature—genuine contrition drives to Christ regardless of social barriers. The woman's desperation overcame shame, propriety, and fear of rejection. Luke 15:2 records critics' complaint that Jesus 'receiveth sinners,' to which Jesus responds with parables of God's joy over repentant sinners.