Luke 7:50 - A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus
And Jesus told the woman
This phrase highlights the direct communication between Jesus and the woman, emphasizing His personal attention and compassion. In the context of Luke 7, this woman is identified as a sinner, likely a prostitute, who anointed Jesus' feet with perfume. Jesus' willingness to speak to her directly breaks social norms of the time, where a rabbi would typically avoid interaction with a woman of her reputation. This reflects Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, as seen in Luke 19:10.
Your faith has saved you
Here, Jesus attributes the woman's salvation to her faith, not her actions or status. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that faith, rather than works, is the means of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). The woman's faith is demonstrated through her actions of love and repentance, paralleling the faith of Abraham, who believed God and was counted as righteous (Genesis 15:6). This statement underscores the transformative power of faith in Christ, a central theme in the New Testament.
go in peace
The phrase "go in peace" is a common Jewish farewell, but here it carries a deeper spiritual significance. It signifies the woman's restored relationship with God and the inner peace that comes from forgiveness and salvation. This peace is a fulfillment of the messianic prophecy in Isaiah 9:6, where the Messiah is called the "Prince of Peace." Jesus' declaration of peace is not just a dismissal but an assurance of her new standing before God, echoing the peace that surpasses all understanding mentioned in Philippians 4:7.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who offers forgiveness and salvation.
2. The Woman
A sinful woman who anointed Jesus' feet with perfume, demonstrating her repentance and faith.
3. Simon the Pharisee
The host of the dinner where this event takes place, who questions Jesus' acceptance of the woman's actions.
4. The Dinner
A gathering at Simon the Pharisee's house where Jesus is teaching and interacting with guests.
5. The Act of Anointing
The woman anoints Jesus' feet, an act of humility and worship, signifying her repentance and faith.
Teaching Points
Faith as the Means of Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God, received through faith. The woman's faith, not her actions, is what Jesus acknowledges as the means of her salvation.
The Transformative Power of Faith
True faith leads to transformation and action. The woman's faith moved her to anoint Jesus' feet, demonstrating her repentance and love.
Peace as a Result of Faith
Jesus' command to "go in peace" signifies the inner peace and reconciliation with God that comes through faith. Believers can experience this peace in their own lives.
The Inclusivity of the Gospel
Jesus' acceptance of the woman, despite her past, highlights the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Salvation is available to all who believe, regardless of their history.
Judgment vs. Grace
Simon the Pharisee's judgmental attitude contrasts with Jesus' grace. Believers are called to extend grace and forgiveness, following Jesus' example.
(50) Thy faith hath saved thee.--From the merely controversial point of view these words have a value in ascribing the justification or salvation of the woman to faith, and not to love. Those who go deeper than controversy will find in them the further lesson that love pre-supposes faith. We cannot love any one--not even God--unless we first trust Him as being worthy of our love. She trusted that the Prophet of Nazareth would not scorn or reject her, and therefore she loved Him, and showed her love in acts, and, in loving Him, she loved, consciously or unconsciously, the Father that had sent Him.
Go in peace.--The Greek form is somewhat more expressive than the English. Our idiom hardly allows us to say "Go into peace" and yet that is the exact meaning of the original "Peace" is as a new home to which the penitent is bidden to turn as to a place of refuge.
Verse 50. - And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. Then, with just one solemn word reminding the people assembled in that guest-chamber of faith, that firm trust in the goodness and mercy of God upon which her forgiveness rested, he dismissed the woman, rousing her at once from her dreamy ecstasy, sending her from his presence back again into the ordinary life of the busy world, but bearing along with her now his mighty priceless gift of a peace which passeth understanding.
Greek
And
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.
[Jesus] told
Εἶπεν (Eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.
the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
woman,
γυναῖκα (gynaika)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1135: A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.
“Your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
faith
πίστις (pistis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.
has saved
σέσωκέν (sesōken)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4982: To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.
you;
σε (se)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
go
πορεύου (poreuou)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4198: To travel, journey, go, die.
in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.
peace.”
εἰρήνην (eirēnēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1515: Probably from a primary verb eiro; peace; by implication, prosperity.
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