Luke Chapter 7 · Verse 43
Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
Original Language Analysis
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 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)
Ὑπολαμβάνω
I suppose
G5274
Ὑπολαμβάνω
I suppose
Strong's:
G5274
Word #:
6 of 17
to take from below, i.e., carry upward; figuratively, to take up, i.e., continue a discourse or topic; mentally, to assume (presume)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ᾧ
he to whom
G3739
ᾧ
he to whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλεῖον
most
G4119
πλεῖον
most
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
10 of 17
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
ἐχαρίσατο
he forgave
G5483
ἐχαρίσατο
he forgave
Strong's:
G5483
Word #:
11 of 17
to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 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
Historical Context
Jesus's pedagogical method—asking question, receiving answer, applying principle—follows rabbinic tradition. By making Simon state the principle, Jesus enabled self-awareness rather than imposing external judgment. Ancient honor culture made this approach face-saving while still making the point. For early church, this principle explained varied passion levels among believers—those who grasped their great forgiveness (like Paul, 'chief of sinners,' 1 Timothy 1:15) loved Christ intensely. Modern application includes deepening awareness of sin's magnitude to increase gratitude for grace.
Questions for Reflection
- How does increased awareness of our forgiveness increase our love for Christ?
- Why do some believers love Christ passionately while others seem lukewarm?
- What practices help us grasp the magnitude of grace we've received?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus's question: 'Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?' (Greek 'tis oun autōn pleion agapēsei auton'). The answer is obvious—greater forgiveness produces greater love. Simon responds correctly: 'I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most' (Greek 'hupolambanō hoti hō to pleion echarisato'). The tentative 'I suppose' (hupolambanō) suggests Simon senses the trap. Jesus confirms: 'Thou hast rightly judged' (Greek 'orthōs ekrinas'). The principle: love corresponds to recognized forgiveness. Those aware of great forgiveness love greatly; those minimizing their sin love minimally. First John 4:19 states 'We love him, because he first loved us.' Our love responds to His grace. Reformed theology recognizes that sanctification (growing in love for God) increases as we grasp justification (our complete forgiveness).