King James Version

What Does Luke 10:40 Mean?

Luke 10:40 in the King James Version says “But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.”

Luke 10:40 · KJV

Context

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.

39

And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

40

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

41

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

42

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. The verb periespāto (περιεσπᾶτο, "was cumbered") literally means "to be dragged around" or "distracted"—Martha is pulled in multiple directions, fragmented by many tasks. The phrase much serving (pollēn diakonian, πολλὴν διακονίαν) describes legitimate ministry—diakonia (διακονία) is honorable Christian service—but here it becomes burden rather than blessing.

Martha's complaint reveals her heart: dost thou not care (ou melei soi, οὐ μέλει σοι) questions Jesus' concern and compassion. She feels unseen, unappreciated, abandoned—emotions common to those serving without rest or refreshment from God's presence. Her demand bid her therefore that she help me (eipe oun autē hina moi synantilabētai, εἰπὲ οὖν αὐτῇ ἵνα μοι συναντιλάβηται) attempts to enlist Jesus as enforcer of her agenda, commanding Mary back to kitchen duty.

Jesus' response (vv. 41-42) is tender but corrective: "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part." Martha's problem isn't service itself but anxious, distracted service that crowds out communion with Christ. Ministry flows from intimacy; when reversed, it produces anxiety, resentment, and spiritual exhaustion. The danger for activists and servants is substituting work for God for relationship with God. Jesus didn't need elaborate meals—He needed Martha's heart. Mary understood priority: worship first, service flows from worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century hospitality required extensive preparation, especially when hosting a rabbi and disciples. Meals were communal, lengthy affairs requiring significant food preparation, water for washing, proper seating arrangements. Martha's burden was real—hosting thirteen-plus men would require hours of labor. Cultural expectations placed this responsibility squarely on women of the household. Martha's frustration is understandable from a cultural perspective, making Jesus' response even more striking—He prioritizes Mary's spiritual formation over cultural hospitality norms.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Martha's distraction reveal the danger of allowing good activities to crowd out the best priority—intimacy with Jesus?
  2. What does Jesus' gentle correction teach about distinguishing between faithful service flowing from worship and anxious activity substituting for relationship?
  3. In what areas of your life might you be serving with Martha's anxiety rather than Mary's restful devotion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ἡ1 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 28

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

Μάρθα3 of 28

“Martha”

G3136

martha, a christian woman

περιεσπᾶτο4 of 28

“was cumbered”

G4049

to drag all around, i.e., (figuratively) to distract (with care)

περὶ5 of 28

“about”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

πολλὴν6 of 28

“much”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

διακονίαν·7 of 28

“serving”

G1248

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

ἐπιστᾶσα8 of 28

“came to him”

G2186

to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)

δὲ9 of 28

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἰπὲ10 of 28

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Κύριε11 of 28

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

οὐ12 of 28

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μέλει13 of 28

“care”

G3199

to be of interest to, i.e., to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters)

σοι14 of 28

“thou”

G4671

to thee

ὅτι15 of 28

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἡ16 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφή17 of 28

“sister”

G79

a sister (naturally or ecclesiastically)

μου18 of 28

“my”

G3450

of me

μόνην19 of 28

“alone”

G3441

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

με20 of 28

“me”

G3165

me

κατέλιπεν21 of 28

“hath left”

G2641

to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining

διακονεῖν22 of 28

“to serve”

G1247

to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon

εἰπὲ23 of 28

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

οὖν24 of 28

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

αὐτῇ25 of 28

“her”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἵνα26 of 28

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μοι27 of 28

“me”

G3427

to me

συναντιλάβηται28 of 28

“she help”

G4878

to take hold of opposite together, i.e., co-operate (assist)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 10:40 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 10:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 6:27Luke 12:29Matthew 14:15Matthew 16:22Jonah 4:1-4Mark 3:21

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