King James Version

What Does Luke 7:37 Mean?

Luke 7:37 in the King James Version says “And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brou...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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,”

Luke 7:37 · KJV

Context

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,

38

And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

39

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A woman appears: 'And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner' (Greek 'gunē hētis ēn en tē polei hamartōlos'). The designation 'sinner' indicates notorious reputation—likely prostitute or adulteress. Her presence at a Pharisee's dinner was shocking—ritually unclean person in pure environment. That she knew where Jesus dined suggests His accessibility was known. She brought 'an alabaster box of ointment' (Greek 'alabastron murou')—expensive perfume in sealed stone container. Her preparation indicates planned action, not spontaneous impulse. Reformed theology sees here repentance's nature—genuine contrition drives to Christ regardless of social barriers. The woman's desperation overcame shame, propriety, and fear of rejection. Luke 15:2 records critics' complaint that Jesus 'receiveth sinners,' to which Jesus responds with parables of God's joy over repentant sinners.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Alabaster boxes held expensive perfumes—nard, myrrh, or spikenard. Breaking the sealed neck released fragrance for one-time use. Perfumes represented significant financial investment, sometimes a woman's dowry or life savings. This woman's use of expensive perfume demonstrates the costliness of genuine worship. Ancient Jewish culture strictly separated men and women; a woman of ill repute approaching men at dinner violated multiple social norms. Her boldness testified to desperation and faith. Early church welcomed converted prostitutes, showing gospel's transforming power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the woman's disregard for social barriers teach about genuine repentance?
  2. How does her costly gift demonstrate authentic worship versus token religiosity?
  3. Why are those who recognize their great sin often more passionate worshipers than the 'respectable'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

“And”

G2532

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

ἰδού,2 of 20

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

γυνὴ3 of 20

“a woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἐν4 of 20

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ5 of 20
G3588

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

πόλει6 of 20

“the city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

ἥτις7 of 20

“which”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἦν8 of 20

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἁμαρτωλός9 of 20

“a sinner”

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner

ἐπιγνοῦσα10 of 20

“when she knew”

G1921

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

ὅτι11 of 20

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀνάκειται12 of 20

“Jesus sat at meat”

G345

to recline (as a corpse or at a meal)

ἐν13 of 20

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ14 of 20
G3588

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

οἰκίᾳ15 of 20

“house”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

τοῦ16 of 20
G3588

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

Φαρισαίου17 of 20

“the Pharisee's”

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

κομίσασα18 of 20

“brought”

G2865

properly, to provide for, i.e., (by implication) to carry off (as if from harm; genitive case obtain)

ἀλάβαστρον19 of 20

“an alabaster box”

G211

properly, an "alabaster" box, i.e., (by extension) a perfume vase (of any material)

μύρου20 of 20

“of ointment”

G3464

"myrrh", i.e., (by implication) perfumed oil

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 7:37 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 7:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 14:3-9Matthew 26:6-13Luke 5:30Luke 7:37-39Matthew 21:31Luke 18:13

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