King James Version

What Does Luke 7:47 Mean?

Luke 7:47 in the King James Version says “Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, t...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Luke 7:47 · KJV

ForgivenessLove

Context

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.

49

And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents the profound paradox that forgiveness produces love, not vice versa. The Greek perfect tense 'aphēōntai' (are forgiven) indicates a completed action with ongoing results, showing that the woman's love flowed from her realization of forgiveness already received. Jesus corrects Simon the Pharisee's assumption that love earns forgiveness, instead teaching that awareness of one's great sin and great forgiveness produces great love. This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine that justification (forgiveness) precedes sanctification (love), and that those who think they need little forgiveness will produce little love.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Set in a Pharisee's house during Jesus' Galilean ministry, this account features a woman 'who was a sinner'—likely a euphemism for a prostitute. Her extravagant act of anointing Jesus' feet with expensive ointment and her tears scandalized the Pharisees but revealed her profound gratitude for forgiveness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your awareness of your own sin and need for forgiveness affect the depth of your love for Christ?
  2. In what ways might you be like Simon the Pharisee, minimizing your need for forgiveness and thereby limiting your love?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ᾧ1 of 19

“Wherefore”

G3739

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

χάριν2 of 19
G5484

through favor of, i.e., on account of

λέγω3 of 19

“I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

σοι4 of 19

“unto thee”

G4671

to thee

ἀφίεται5 of 19

“are forgiven”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

αἱ6 of 19

“which”

G3588

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

ἁμαρτίαι7 of 19

“sins”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

αὐτῆς8 of 19

“Her”

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

αἱ9 of 19

“which”

G3588

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

πολύ·10 of 19

“are many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ὅτι11 of 19

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀγαπᾷ12 of 19

“she loved”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

πολύ·13 of 19

“are many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ᾧ14 of 19

“Wherefore”

G3739

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

δὲ15 of 19

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὀλίγον16 of 19

“little”

G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

ἀφίεται17 of 19

“are forgiven”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

ὀλίγον18 of 19

“little”

G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

ἀγαπᾷ19 of 19

“she loved”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

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 7:47 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 7:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 4:191 John 3:18Romans 5:20Galatians 5:6Isaiah 1:18John 21:15-17

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