King James Version

What Does Luke 7:50 Mean?

Luke 7:50 in the King James Version says “And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 7:50 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus concludes: 'Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.' The Greek 'pistis' (πίστις, faith) and 'sesōken' (σέσωκέν, has saved, perfect tense) indicate faith as the means and completed salvation as the result. Faith saved her, not her works (though works evidenced faith). The command 'go in peace' (Greek 'poreuou eis eirēnēn,' πορεύου εἰς εἰρήνην) sends her into a state of peace—reconciliation with God, freedom from guilt, wholeness. Faith receives forgiveness and produces peace. This statement to a notorious sinner demonstrates grace's reach—faith alone saves, regardless of past sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This declaration contrasts dramatically with Pharisaic religion that judged sinners as beyond redemption without extensive penance and reform. Jesus' immediate forgiveness based on faith alone revolutionized salvation understanding. The perfect tense 'has saved' indicates completed salvation, not gradual process through works. Early Christian preaching emphasized faith as salvation's means (Acts 16:31, Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:8-9). The woman's case became paradigmatic—notorious sinners who believe receive immediate, complete forgiveness and peace. Her faith wasn't mere intellectual assent but trust demonstrated through action (coming to Jesus, washing His feet, worship).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'thy faith hath saved thee' teach about faith as the sole means of salvation versus works-based righteousness?
  2. How does Jesus' pronouncement of peace illustrate salvation's result—reconciliation with God and freedom from guilt?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
εἶπεν1 of 13

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 13

And

G1161

but, and, etc

πρὸς3 of 13

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὴν4 of 13
G3588

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

γυναῖκα5 of 13

the woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

6 of 13
G3588

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

πίστις7 of 13

faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

σου8 of 13

Thy

G4675

of thee, thy

σέσωκέν9 of 13

hath saved

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

σε·10 of 13

thee

G4571

thee

πορεύου11 of 13

go

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

εἰς12 of 13

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

εἰρήνην13 of 13

peace

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity


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 7:50 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 7:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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