King James Version

What Does Luke 7:48 Mean?

Luke 7:48 in the King James Version says “And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.”

Luke 7:48 · KJV

Forgiveness

Context

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?

50

And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus tells the forgiven woman: 'Thy sins are forgiven.' The Greek 'aphēōntai' (ἀφέωνται, are forgiven, perfect passive) indicates completed action with ongoing state—her sins have been and remain forgiven. Jesus publicly pronounces what her faith already received. This forgiveness claim sparked controversy ('Who is this that forgiveth sins also?' v. 49) because only God forgives sin. Jesus' claim to forgive asserted His divine authority. The woman's faith and love response (washing Jesus' feet with tears, anointing with perfume) demonstrated genuine repentance resulting in forgiveness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The incident occurred in a Pharisee's house during dinner. A 'woman in the city, which was a sinner' (likely a prostitute) entered uninvited, washed Jesus' feet with tears, dried them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with costly ointment (vv. 37-38). The Pharisee Simon criticized Jesus for allowing a sinful woman to touch Him (v. 39). Jesus responded with a parable about two debtors (vv. 41-43), showing that those forgiven much love much. The woman's extravagant love demonstrated she understood her great forgiveness. Jesus' public forgiveness of this notorious sinner scandalized religious leaders but demonstrated the gospel's power to forgive and transform anyone.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' claim to forgive sins reveal about His divine identity and authority?
  2. How does the woman's extravagant love demonstrate the proper response to understanding how much we've been forgiven?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
εἶπεν1 of 7

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 7

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτῇ3 of 7

“unto 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

Ἀφέωνταί4 of 7

“are forgiven”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

σου5 of 7

“Thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

αἱ6 of 7
G3588

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

ἁμαρτίαι7 of 7

“sins”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

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 7:48 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 7:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 9:2Mark 2:5Luke 5:20

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