Luke 7:49
And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
In Jewish theology, only God could forgive sins against God. Humans could forgive personal offenses against themselves, but sin as rebellion against God's law and holiness required divine absolution. The temple sacrificial system provided atonement, but the priest merely administered the ritual—God granted forgiveness. Jesus' direct pronouncement "Thy sins are forgiven" without sacrifice, without priestly mediation, and without temple involvement, constituted either blasphemy or divine authority. The parallel account in Mark 2:7 makes the charge explicit: "Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies?" This accusation would eventually form part of the case against Jesus at His trial (Mark 14:64).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' authority to forgive sins demonstrate His divine nature and equality with the Father?
- Why is the forgiveness of sins exclusively a divine prerogative, and what does this teach about the seriousness of sin?
- How should the reality that Jesus freely forgives sins affect our approach to Him and our assurance of salvation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? This question follows Jesus' declaration to the sinful woman, "Thy sins are forgiven" (v. 48). The phrase "sat at meat" (συνανακείμενοι, synanakeimenoi, "reclining together") indicates the dinner guests at Simon the Pharisee's house. Their internal questioning—"within themselves" (ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, en heautois)—mirrors the scribes' and Pharisees' earlier response to Jesus forgiving the paralytic: "Who can forgive sins, but God alone?" (5:21). The present participle "forgiveth" (ἀφίησιν, aphiēsin) emphasizes Jesus' ongoing authority to forgive, not a one-time aberration.
The question "Who is this?" (Τίς οὗτός ἐστιν, Tis houtos estin) strikes at the heart of Christology. The dinner guests correctly recognize that forgiving sins is divine prerogative (Exodus 34:6-7, Isaiah 43:25, Psalm 103:3). Their question implicitly acknowledges only two options: either Jesus blasphemes by claiming divine authority, or He possesses that authority because He is God incarnate. There is no middle ground. Jesus' forgiveness of sins—coupled with His miracles, authoritative teaching, and claims to fulfill Scripture—constitutes cumulative evidence of His deity. The guests' skeptical question inadvertently testifies to the magnitude of Jesus' claim.