King James Version

What Does Luke 7:38 Mean?

Luke 7:38 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Luke 7:38 · KJV

Context

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.

40

And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

Read Luke 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The woman's actions: 'And stood at his feet behind him weeping' (Greek 'kai stasa para tous podas autou opisō klaiousa'). Her position—standing behind at His feet—shows humility and reverence. The weeping (klaiousa—sobbing, lamenting) evidences deep contrition. Her tears 'began to wash his feet' (Greek 'ērxato brēchein tous podas autou tois dakrusin')—copious tears requiring wiping. She 'wiped them with the hairs of her head' (Greek 'tais thrixin tēs kephalēs autēs exemassen')—letting down hair in public (shameful for women) demonstrates desperation trumping propriety. She 'kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment' (Greek 'katefilei tous podas autou kai ēleiphen tō murō'). The continuous action (imperfect tenses—kept kissing, kept anointing) shows prolonged worship. Reformed theology recognizes this as genuine repentance's fruit—broken contrition, self-humbling, costly devotion. True conversion produces dramatic transformation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Foot-washing was servant's task—Jewish servants generally exempt, left to Gentile slaves. Hosts provided foot-washing for guests; the Pharisee's omission (Luke 7:44) showed disrespect to Jesus. The woman assumed servant's role, then exceeded it with tears, hair, kisses, perfume. Her extravagant devotion contrasted with host's minimal courtesy. Early church adopted foot-washing as humility symbol (John 13:1-17, 1 Timothy 5:10). The woman's action demonstrated love proportional to forgiveness received. Great sinners forgiven become great lovers of Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the woman's extravagant devotion illustrate that great forgiveness produces great love?
  2. What would our lives look like if our worship matched our gratitude for forgiveness received?
  3. Why do 'respectable' people often worship less passionately than forgiven 'great sinners'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
καὶ1 of 31

“And”

G2532

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

στᾶσα2 of 31

“stood”

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

παρὰ3 of 31

“at”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τοὺς4 of 31
G3588

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

πόδας5 of 31

“feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

αὐτοῦ6 of 31

“his”

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

ὀπίσω7 of 31

“behind”

G3694

to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)

κλαίουσα8 of 31

“him weeping”

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

ἤρξατο9 of 31

“and began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

βρέχειν10 of 31

“to wash”

G1026

to moisten (especially by a shower)

τοὺς11 of 31
G3588

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

πόδας12 of 31

“feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

αὐτοῦ13 of 31

“his”

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

τοῖς14 of 31
G3588

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

δάκρυσιν15 of 31

“with tears”

G1144

a tear

καὶ16 of 31

“And”

G2532

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

ταῖς17 of 31
G3588

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

θριξὶν18 of 31

“them with the hairs”

G2359

of uncertain derivation; hair

τῆς19 of 31
G3588

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

κεφαλῆς20 of 31

“head”

G2776

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

αὐτοῦ21 of 31

“his”

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

ἐξέμασσεν22 of 31

“did wipe”

G1591

to knead out, i.e., (by analogy) to wipe dry

καὶ23 of 31

“And”

G2532

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

κατεφίλει24 of 31

“kissed”

G2705

to kiss earnestly

τοὺς25 of 31
G3588

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

πόδας26 of 31

“feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

αὐτοῦ27 of 31

“his”

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

καὶ28 of 31

“And”

G2532

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

ἤλειφεν29 of 31

“anointed”

G218

to oil (with perfume)

τῷ30 of 31
G3588

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

μύρῳ31 of 31

“them with the 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 7:38 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 7:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 126:5-6Psalms 51:17Genesis 18:4Luke 7:44-46Ecclesiastes 9:8Isaiah 61:3

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