King James Version

What Does Luke 7:46 Mean?

Luke 7:46 in the King James Version says “My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.”

Luke 7:46 · KJV

Context

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.

46

My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

47

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

48

And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Third contrast: 'My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment' (Greek 'elaio tēn kephalēn mou ouk ēleipsas: hautē de murō ēleipsen tous podas mou'). Olive oil anointing of guest's head was standard hospitality—refreshing and honoring. Simon omitted this. The woman used expensive perfume (muron—precious ointment) on Jesus's feet (the lowly part rather than the honored head). Her action combined costliness with humility—expensive gift applied humbly. The three contrasts (water/tears, kiss/kisses, oil/ointment) progressively show how the woman exceeded what Simon neglected. Reformed theology recognizes that worship involves both elements: costly sacrifice and humble service. Romans 12:1 calls for presenting bodies as 'living sacrifice... your reasonable service.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

Olive oil anointing was common refreshment—cooling, cleansing, pleasant-smelling. Hosts anointed honored guests' heads. Expensive perfumes like nard, myrrh, or spikenard were luxury items, sometimes worth a year's wages. The woman's use of precious ointment on feet combined extravagance with humility. Early church wrestling with appropriate worship balance—costly churches versus simple meetings, liturgical vestments versus plain dress—could look to this account. True worship combines costly devotion with humble service.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does combining costly sacrifice with humble service characterize authentic worship?
  2. What 'basic courtesies' in our relationship with Christ have we neglected through familiarity?
  3. How can we cultivate the woman's passionate devotion rather than Simon's cool propriety?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἐλαίῳ1 of 13

“with oil”

G1637

olive oil

τὴν2 of 13
G3588

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

κεφαλήν3 of 13

“head”

G2776

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

μου4 of 13

“My”

G3450

of me

οὐκ5 of 13

“not”

G3756

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

ἤλειψεν6 of 13

“anoint”

G218

to oil (with perfume)

αὕτη7 of 13
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

δὲ8 of 13

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

μύρῳ9 of 13

“with ointment”

G3464

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

ἤλειψεν10 of 13

“anoint”

G218

to oil (with perfume)

μου11 of 13

“My”

G3450

of me

τοὺς12 of 13
G3588

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

πόδας13 of 13

“feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

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 7:46 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 7:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 23:5Ecclesiastes 9:8Matthew 6:17Ruth 3:3Psalms 104:152 Samuel 14:2

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