Luke 10:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 10:38
38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
Chapter Context
Luke 10 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, love, wisdom. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-42: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 10:38
38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
Analysis
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. The phrase en tō poreuesthai autous (ἐν τῷ πορεύεσθαι αὐτούς, "as they went") places this event during Jesus' journey toward Jerusalem and crucifixion (9:51). The village is Bethany (John 11:1), about two miles from Jerusalem, home of siblings Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.
The name Martha (Μάρθα, from Aramaic מַרְתָּא, "lady" or "mistress") indicates her position as household head—possibly the eldest or a widow managing the family property. The verb hypedexato (ὑπεδέξατο, "received") means to welcome as a guest, showing deliberate hospitality. Martha takes initiative, opening her home to Jesus and His disciples—a costly, risky act of devotion requiring substantial food preparation and accommodation for potentially thirteen men.
Martha's hospitality is commendable; Jesus doesn't condemn service but corrects misplaced priorities (vv. 41-42). The contrast between Martha and Mary illustrates the tension between doing and being, between active service and contemplative worship. Both are necessary, but worship must take precedence. This account balances the Good Samaritan parable (vv. 25-37), which emphasized active love. Together they teach: love God supremely (Mary's choice), then serve neighbor actively (the Samaritan's example). Reversed priorities—service without intimate relationship with Christ—lead to burnout, resentment, and joyless religion.
Historical Context
First-century Middle Eastern hospitality was sacred duty and cultural expectation. Receiving traveling teachers (rabbis) was considered meritorious, providing opportunity to hear teaching while fulfilling covenant obligations to care for God's servants. Women typically managed household affairs including food preparation, though public teaching of women by rabbis was unusual. Martha's receiving Jesus into her home demonstrated both faith (recognizing Him as worthy teacher) and courage (risking Pharisaic criticism for associating with this controversial rabbi).
Reflection
- How does Martha's initiative in welcoming Jesus demonstrate genuine faith and devotion despite her later distraction?
- What does this passage teach about the relationship between active service and contemplative worship in the Christian life?
- In what ways might our service for Jesus become a distraction from intimacy with Jesus?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Acts 16:15