Luke Chapter 7 · Verse 40
And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀποκριθεὶς
answering
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
answering
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
2 of 17
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
6 of 17
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 17
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
ἔχω
I have
G2192
ἔχω
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
9 of 17
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φησίν
he saith
G5346
φησίν
he saith
Strong's:
G5346
Word #:
15 of 17
to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern courtesy required indirect communication, especially when addressing error. Direct confrontation brought shame; parables enabled learning without public humiliation. Rabbis frequently taught through questions and stories. Jesus's method—asking permission, using parable—follows these norms while subverting assumptions. The name 'Simon' without honorific contrasts with the woman's honor-bringing actions. Early church adopted Jesus's model—speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), correcting opponents with gentleness (2 Timothy 2:25).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's respectful yet firm approach to Simon model appropriate correction of error?
- What is the value of using parables or illustrations rather than direct confrontation when addressing error?
- How can we develop wisdom to know when direct rebuke versus gentle illustration is appropriate?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus addresses unspoken criticism: 'And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee' (Greek 'Simon, echō soi ti eipein'). Though Simon spoke only mentally, Jesus responds, demonstrating prophetic knowledge the Pharisee doubted. The formal address 'Simon' and courteous request permission to speak show respect despite addressing criticism. Simon's reply 'Master, say on' (Greek 'Didaskale, eipe') grants permission. The title 'Didaskale' (teacher) acknowledges Jesus's authority while maintaining distance—not personal discipleship language. Reformed theology observes Jesus's method—gentle confrontation through parable rather than direct accusation. Proverbs 15:1 states 'A soft answer turneth away wrath.' Jesus's wisdom appears in how He addresses error—firmly yet graciously, using illustration to enable self-discovery of truth.