Luke 7:40

Authorized King James Version

PDF

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
εἰπέ said G2036
εἰπέ said
Strong's: G2036
Word #: 5 of 17
to speak or say (by word or writing)
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
Σίμων Simon G4613
Σίμων Simon
Strong's: G4613
Word #: 8 of 17
simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites
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
σοί unto thee G4671
σοί unto thee
Strong's: G4671
Word #: 10 of 17
to thee
τι somewhat G5100
τι somewhat
Strong's: G5100
Word #: 11 of 17
some or any person or object
εἰπέ said G2036
εἰπέ said
Strong's: G2036
Word #: 12 of 17
to speak or say (by word or writing)
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δέ And G1161
δέ And
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 14 of 17
but, and, etc
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
Διδάσκαλε Master G1320
Διδάσκαλε Master
Strong's: G1320
Word #: 16 of 17
an instructor (genitive case or specially)
εἰπέ said G2036
εἰπέ said
Strong's: G2036
Word #: 17 of 17
to speak or say (by word or writing)

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.

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Bible Stories