Luke 7:46
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 7:46
46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
Chapter Context
Luke 7 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, discipleship, salvation. 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 21-50: 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 7:46
46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
Analysis
Third contrast: 'My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment' (Greek 'elaio tēn kephalēn mou ouk ēleipsas: hautē de murō ēleipsen tous podas mou'). Olive oil anointing of guest's head was standard hospitality—refreshing and honoring. Simon omitted this. The woman used expensive perfume (muron—precious ointment) on Jesus's feet (the lowly part rather than the honored head). Her action combined costliness with humility—expensive gift applied humbly. The three contrasts (water/tears, kiss/kisses, oil/ointment) progressively show how the woman exceeded what Simon neglected. Reformed theology recognizes that worship involves both elements: costly sacrifice and humble service. Romans 12:1 calls for presenting bodies as 'living sacrifice... your reasonable service.'
Historical Context
Olive oil anointing was common refreshment—cooling, cleansing, pleasant-smelling. Hosts anointed honored guests' heads. Expensive perfumes like nard, myrrh, or spikenard were luxury items, sometimes worth a year's wages. The woman's use of precious ointment on feet combined extravagance with humility. Early church wrestling with appropriate worship balance—costly churches versus simple meetings, liturgical vestments versus plain dress—could look to this account. True worship combines costly devotion with humble service.
Reflection
- How does combining costly sacrifice with humble service characterize authentic worship?
- What 'basic courtesies' in our relationship with Christ have we neglected through familiarity?
- How can we cultivate the woman's passionate devotion rather than Simon's cool propriety?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Ruth 3:3, 2 Samuel 14:2, Psalms 23:5, 104:15, Ecclesiastes 9:8, Daniel 10:3