King James Version

What Does Luke 7:35 Mean?

Luke 7:35 in the King James Version says “But wisdom is justified of all her children. — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But wisdom is justified of all her children.

Luke 7:35 · KJV


Context

33

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

34

The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!

35

But wisdom is justified of all her children.

36

And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.

37

And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A Pharisee invites Jesus to dinner: 'And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him' (Greek 'ērota auton hina phagē met' autou'). Despite earlier opposition, this Pharisee extends hospitality. Motivations unclear—genuine curiosity, social obligation, or trap. Jesus accepts, demonstrating accessibility even to critics. His presence provides opportunity for teaching and witness. The subsequent account (Luke 7:36-50) shows Jesus using dinner setting for profound lesson about forgiveness and love. Reformed theology affirms that Christians should engage even hostile audiences when opportunity for witness exists. Paul's Mars Hill address (Acts 17:22-31) exemplifies this—respecting audience while proclaiming truth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pharisaic dinner invitations tested guests through careful observation of ritual washing, prayers, food selection. The coming narrative shows the Pharisee judging Jesus for allowing a sinful woman's touch. Ancient Near Eastern meals involved reclining on couches, feet extended away from table, making the woman's approach possible. Dinner conversations were semi-public—neighbors and students might observe. For Luke's readers, Jesus's willingness to dine with critics while maintaining truth demonstrated appropriate engagement strategy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's acceptance of the Pharisee's invitation model engagement with critics?
  2. When should Christians accept invitations from hostile audiences, and when decline?
  3. How can dinner table hospitality create opportunities for gospel witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
καὶ1 of 9

But

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐδικαιώθη2 of 9

is justified

G1344

to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent

3 of 9
G3588

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

σοφία4 of 9

wisdom

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

ἀπὸ5 of 9

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν6 of 9
G3588

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

τέκνων7 of 9

children

G5043

a child (as produced)

αὐτῆς8 of 9
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

πάντων9 of 9

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole


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 7:35 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 7:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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