Luke 7:41
There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὤφειλεν
owed
G3784
ὤφειλεν
owed
Strong's:
G3784
Word #:
8 of 14
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 7:47Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.Romans 5:20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:Matthew 18:28But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.Matthew 6:12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.Romans 3:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;Luke 11:4And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Historical Context
Debt was common in ancient economy. Creditors could demand repayment, imprison debtors, or sell family members into slavery to recover losses. Jesus's parables frequently use economic imagery familiar to audiences (talents, laborers in vineyard, unjust steward). The 10:1 ratio makes the point clear without being so extreme as to be implausible. For Luke's readers, the parable illustrated a spiritual principle through understandable economic reality.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognition of our great debt of sin affect our love for Christ?
- Why do some Christians love Christ more passionately than others?
- What prevents us from recognizing the magnitude of our sin debt?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus tells parable: 'There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty' (Greek 'duo chreopileitai ēsan daneistē tini: ho heis ōpheilen dēnaria pentakosia, ho de heteros pentēkonta'). The ratio—10:1—represents vast difference in debt magnitude. Both debts are unpayable by debtors' means (hence needing forgiveness), but one owes vastly more. The denarius (dēnarion) was day's wage for laborer; 500 denarii equals nearly two years' wages. Reformed theology applies this to sin—all are debtors unable to pay, but awareness of debt varies. Some recognize enormous guilt; others minimize it. The parable prepares Simon to understand the woman's extravagant devotion.