King James Version

What Does Luke 7:49 Mean?

Luke 7:49 in the King James Version says “And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 7:49 · KJV

Context

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
And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? This question follows Jesus' declaration to the sinful woman, "Thy sins are forgiven" (v. 48). The phrase "sat at meat" (συνανακείμενοι, synanakeimenoi, "reclining together") indicates the dinner guests at Simon the Pharisee's house. Their internal questioning—"within themselves" (ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, en heautois)—mirrors the scribes' and Pharisees' earlier response to Jesus forgiving the paralytic: "Who can forgive sins, but God alone?" (5:21). The present participle "forgiveth" (ἀφίησιν, aphiēsin) emphasizes Jesus' ongoing authority to forgive, not a one-time aberration.

The question "Who is this?" (Τίς οὗτός ἐστιν, Tis houtos estin) strikes at the heart of Christology. The dinner guests correctly recognize that forgiving sins is divine prerogative (Exodus 34:6-7, Isaiah 43:25, Psalm 103:3). Their question implicitly acknowledges only two options: either Jesus blasphemes by claiming divine authority, or He possesses that authority because He is God incarnate. There is no middle ground. Jesus' forgiveness of sins—coupled with His miracles, authoritative teaching, and claims to fulfill Scripture—constitutes cumulative evidence of His deity. The guests' skeptical question inadvertently testifies to the magnitude of Jesus' claim.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Jewish theology, only God could forgive sins against God. Humans could forgive personal offenses against themselves, but sin as rebellion against God's law and holiness required divine absolution. The temple sacrificial system provided atonement, but the priest merely administered the ritual—God granted forgiveness. Jesus' direct pronouncement "Thy sins are forgiven" without sacrifice, without priestly mediation, and without temple involvement, constituted either blasphemy or divine authority. The parallel account in Mark 2:7 makes the charge explicit: "Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies?" This accusation would eventually form part of the case against Jesus at His trial (Mark 14:64).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' authority to forgive sins demonstrate His divine nature and equality with the Father?
  2. Why is the forgiveness of sins exclusively a divine prerogative, and what does this teach about the seriousness of sin?
  3. How should the reality that Jesus freely forgives sins affect our approach to Him and our assurance of salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἤρξαντο2 of 14

“began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

οἱ3 of 14
G3588

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

συνανακείμενοι4 of 14

“they that sat at meat with him”

G4873

to recline in company with (at a meal)

λέγειν5 of 14

“to 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

ἐν6 of 14

“within”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἑαυτοῖς7 of 14

“themselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Τίς8 of 14

“Who”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὗτός9 of 14

“this”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστιν10 of 14

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὃς11 of 14

“that”

G3739

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

καὶ12 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἁμαρτίας13 of 14

“sins”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ἀφίησιν14 of 14

“forgiveth”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

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 7:49 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 7:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 5:20-21Mark 2:7Matthew 9:3

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