Luke 7:47
Wherefore 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.
Original Language Analysis
ᾧ
Wherefore
G3739
ᾧ
Wherefore
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἀφίεται
are forgiven
G863
ἀφίεται
are forgiven
Strong's:
G863
Word #:
5 of 19
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
αἱ
which
G3588
αἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῆς
Her
G846
αὐτῆς
Her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 19
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
αἱ
which
G3588
αἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πολύ·
are many
G4183
πολύ·
are many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
10 of 19
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πολύ·
are many
G4183
πολύ·
are many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
13 of 19
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ᾧ
Wherefore
G3739
ᾧ
Wherefore
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὀλίγον
little
G3641
ὀλίγον
little
Strong's:
G3641
Word #:
16 of 19
puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat
ἀφίεται
are forgiven
G863
ἀφίεται
are forgiven
Strong's:
G863
Word #:
17 of 19
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
Cross References
1 John 4:19We love him, because he first loved us.1 John 3:18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.Isaiah 1:18Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.Romans 5:20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:Galatians 5:6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.Ephesians 6:24Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.Isaiah 55:7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.1 John 5:3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.Acts 5:31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.1 Timothy 1:14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Historical Context
Set in a Pharisee's house during Jesus' Galilean ministry, this account features a woman 'who was a sinner'—likely a euphemism for a prostitute. Her extravagant act of anointing Jesus' feet with expensive ointment and her tears scandalized the Pharisees but revealed her profound gratitude for forgiveness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your awareness of your own sin and need for forgiveness affect the depth of your love for Christ?
- In what ways might you be like Simon the Pharisee, minimizing your need for forgiveness and thereby limiting your love?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse presents the profound paradox that forgiveness produces love, not vice versa. The Greek perfect tense 'aphēōntai' (are forgiven) indicates a completed action with ongoing results, showing that the woman's love flowed from her realization of forgiveness already received. Jesus corrects Simon the Pharisee's assumption that love earns forgiveness, instead teaching that awareness of one's great sin and great forgiveness produces great love. This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine that justification (forgiveness) precedes sanctification (love), and that those who think they need little forgiveness will produce little love.