Luke Chapter 7 · Verse 45
Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
Original Language Analysis
ἔδωκας·
Thou gavest
G1325
ἔδωκας·
Thou gavest
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
4 of 15
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὕτη
G846
αὕτη
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 15
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
ἀφ'
since
G575
ἀφ'
since
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
7 of 15
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἧς
the time
G3739
ἧς
the time
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
2 Samuel 15:5And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.Romans 16:16Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.2 Samuel 19:39And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.
Historical Context
Ancient Mediterranean greeting kiss signified friendship and respect. Men kissed male friends; family kissed family. The absence of greeting kiss from Simon suggested cool reception. Judas's betrayal kiss (Luke 22:48) perverted this custom. The woman's foot-kissing exceeded normal practice, demonstrating extravagant humility. Early Christians greeted with 'holy kiss' (Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20), maintaining the custom with sacred significance. The contrast between Simon's absent kiss and the woman's continuous kisses illustrated different love levels.
Questions for Reflection
- How do cultural expressions of honor and affection translate into worship practices?
- What does sustained, continuous worship (not just momentary emotion) reveal about love's depth?
- How might we neglect 'greeting' Jesus appropriately through prayer, worship, or obedience?
Analysis & Commentary
Second contrast: 'Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet' (Greek 'philēma moi ouk edōkas: hautē de aph' hēs eisēlthon ou dielipen kataphilousa mou tous podas'). Greeting kiss was customary among friends—typically cheek-to-cheek. Simon's omission showed coldness. The woman's continuous kissing (present participle—kept kissing) of Jesus's feet (far more humble than cheek kiss) demonstrated passionate devotion. The verb 'kataphilousa' intensifies simple 'phileo'—fervently kissing. Her love manifested in sustained, humble, self-forgetting worship. Reformed theology sees here that genuine conversion produces observable transformation—from self-centered living to Christ-centered devotion.