Luke 7:48
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 7:48
48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
Chapter Context
Luke 7 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, love, judgment. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 7:48
48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
Analysis
Jesus tells the forgiven woman: 'Thy sins are forgiven.' The Greek 'aphēōntai' (ἀφέωνται, are forgiven, perfect passive) indicates completed action with ongoing state—her sins have been and remain forgiven. Jesus publicly pronounces what her faith already received. This forgiveness claim sparked controversy ('Who is this that forgiveth sins also?' v. 49) because only God forgives sin. Jesus' claim to forgive asserted His divine authority. The woman's faith and love response (washing Jesus' feet with tears, anointing with perfume) demonstrated genuine repentance resulting in forgiveness.
Historical Context
The incident occurred in a Pharisee's house during dinner. A 'woman in the city, which was a sinner' (likely a prostitute) entered uninvited, washed Jesus' feet with tears, dried them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with costly ointment (vv. 37-38). The Pharisee Simon criticized Jesus for allowing a sinful woman to touch Him (v. 39). Jesus responded with a parable about two debtors (vv. 41-43), showing that those forgiven much love much. The woman's extravagant love demonstrated she understood her great forgiveness. Jesus' public forgiveness of this notorious sinner scandalized religious leaders but demonstrated the gospel's power to forgive and transform anyone.
Reflection
- What does Jesus' claim to forgive sins reveal about His divine identity and authority?
- How does the woman's extravagant love demonstrate the proper response to understanding how much we've been forgiven?
Word Studies
- Forgive: ἀφίημι (Aphiemi) G863 - To send away, forgive, release
Cross-References
- Sin: Matthew 9:2, Mark 2:5