Luke 10:39
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 10:39
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
Chapter Context
Luke 10 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, mercy, holiness. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 10:39
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
Analysis
And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. The name Mary (Μαριάμ/Μαρία, from Hebrew מִרְיָם, Miriam) was common in first-century Judaism. This Mary is distinguished from others (Magdalene, Jesus' mother) by her relationship to Martha and Lazarus. The phrase kai parakathestheisa pros tous podas tou kyriou (καὶ παρακαθεσθεῖσα πρὸς τοὺς πόδας τοῦ κυρίου, "sat at the feet of the Lord") describes the classic posture of a disciple receiving instruction from a rabbi (Acts 22:3, Paul "at the feet of Gamaliel").
Mary's action was culturally radical. Rabbinic teaching was typically reserved for men; women were excluded from formal Torah study. The Mishnah records Rabbi Eliezer saying, "Whoever teaches his daughter Torah teaches her lasciviousness" (Sotah 3:4). Yet Mary assumes the disciple's position, and Jesus not only permits but commends her choice (v. 42). This validates women as worthy recipients of spiritual teaching and challenges cultural restrictions that limit women's access to God's Word.
The verb ēkouen (ἤκουεν, "heard") is imperfect tense—she kept on hearing, continuously listening. His word (ton logon autou, τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ) emphasizes content: not mere conversation but authoritative teaching, divine revelation. Mary prioritizes eternal truth over temporal tasks. Her choice anticipates Jesus' teaching that man lives not by bread alone but by every word from God's mouth (Matthew 4:4). Later, this same Mary anoints Jesus for burial (John 12:1-8), suggesting her attentive listening prepared her to understand His approaching death when the Twelve still couldn't grasp it.
Historical Context
First-century Jewish society sharply restricted women's roles in religious education and public life. Women attended synagogue but sat separately; they were not counted in the minyan (quorum for prayer); they were generally not taught Torah beyond basic commandments. Rabbis typically refused female disciples. Jesus' acceptance of women followers, His teaching of women, and His commendation of Mary's choice to learn theology was countercultural and controversial, reflecting the gospel's transformation of all human relationships (Galatians 3:28).
Reflection
- How does Mary's choice to sit at Jesus' feet challenge cultural expectations and demonstrate the gospel's radical inclusivity?
- What does Jesus' affirmation of Mary teach about the priority of spiritual formation over cultural conformity?
- In what ways does contemplative listening to God's Word prepare us for faithful action, as Mary's listening prepared her to anoint Jesus?
Word Studies
- Word: λόγος (Logos) G3056 - Word, reason, message
Cross-References
- References Jesus: Luke 8:35, John 12:3
- Word: Deuteronomy 33:3, Acts 22:3
- Parallel theme: Luke 2:46, Proverbs 8:34