King James Version

What Does Luke 7:43 Mean?

Luke 7:43 in the King James Version says “Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.”

Luke 7:43 · KJV

Context

41

There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

42

And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

43

Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

44

And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

45

Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus's question: 'Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?' (Greek 'tis oun autōn pleion agapēsei auton'). The answer is obvious—greater forgiveness produces greater love. Simon responds correctly: 'I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most' (Greek 'hupolambanō hoti hō to pleion echarisato'). The tentative 'I suppose' (hupolambanō) suggests Simon senses the trap. Jesus confirms: 'Thou hast rightly judged' (Greek 'orthōs ekrinas'). The principle: love corresponds to recognized forgiveness. Those aware of great forgiveness love greatly; those minimizing their sin love minimally. First John 4:19 states 'We love him, because he first loved us.' Our love responds to His grace. Reformed theology recognizes that sanctification (growing in love for God) increases as we grasp justification (our complete forgiveness).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus's pedagogical method—asking question, receiving answer, applying principle—follows rabbinic tradition. By making Simon state the principle, Jesus enabled self-awareness rather than imposing external judgment. Ancient honor culture made this approach face-saving while still making the point. For early church, this principle explained varied passion levels among believers—those who grasped their great forgiveness (like Paul, 'chief of sinners,' 1 Timothy 1:15) loved Christ intensely. Modern application includes deepening awareness of sin's magnitude to increase gratitude for grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does increased awareness of our forgiveness increase our love for Christ?
  2. Why do some believers love Christ passionately while others seem lukewarm?
  3. What practices help us grasp the magnitude of grace we've received?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἀποκριθεὶς1 of 17

“answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

δὲ2 of 17

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 17
G3588

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

Σίμων4 of 17

“Simon”

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

εἶπεν5 of 17

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ὑπολαμβάνω6 of 17

“I suppose”

G5274

to take from below, i.e., carry upward; figuratively, to take up, i.e., continue a discourse or topic; mentally, to assume (presume)

ὅτι7 of 17

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ᾧ8 of 17

“he to whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τὸ9 of 17
G3588

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

πλεῖον10 of 17

“most”

G4119

more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion

ἐχαρίσατο11 of 17

“he forgave”

G5483

to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue

ὁ12 of 17
G3588

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

δὲ13 of 17

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν14 of 17

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ15 of 17

“unto him”

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

Ὀρθῶς16 of 17

“rightly”

G3723

in a straight manner, i.e., (figuratively) correctly (also morally)

ἔκρινας17 of 17

“Thou hast”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

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 7:43 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 7:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 116:16-18Mark 12:342 Corinthians 5:14-151 Timothy 1:13-161 Corinthians 15:9-10Luke 7:47

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