New Testament
Luke 10:38
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As Jesus and his disciples continued their journey, he came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.
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Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
What Luke 10:38 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Jesus traveling with his disciples and arriving at a village where a woman named Martha lives. Martha welcomes Jesus into her home, showing hospitality and kindness. This moment highlights the importance of being open and welcoming to others, especially to those who bring a message of hope and love. Martha's actions set the stage for a deeper interaction with Jesus, which will unfold in the following verses. The act of receiving Jesus into her home symbolizes the acceptance of his teachings and presence in one's life. This verse serves as a reminder of the significance of hospitality in our relationships and the importance of being receptive to spiritual teachings. It also sets the tone for the contrasting priorities that will be explored later in the chapter, particularly between Martha's busyness and her sister Mary's focus on Jesus' words.
How to apply Luke 10:38 to your life
We can learn from Martha's example of hospitality by being open and welcoming to others in our lives. This can mean inviting friends or family into our homes or being receptive to new ideas and teachings. Embracing a spirit of hospitality can strengthen our relationships and deepen our understanding of faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38–42)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 10:38
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 10:38 mean?
Luke 10:38 describes Jesus arriving at a village and being welcomed into the home of a woman named Martha. This verse emphasizes the importance of hospitality and openness to Jesus and his teachings.
What is the significance of Martha in Luke 10:38?
Martha's role in Luke 10:38 highlights the act of welcoming Jesus into her home, symbolizing acceptance of his message. Her hospitality sets the stage for deeper interactions with Jesus that follow.
How does Luke 10:38 relate to hospitality?
Luke 10:38 illustrates the theme of hospitality through Martha's actions as she welcomes Jesus. It serves as a reminder of the importance of being open and kind to others, especially those who bring hope.
What themes are present in Luke 10:38?
Key themes in Luke 10:38 include hospitality, welcoming Jesus, discipleship, community, and the significance of spiritual presence in our lives.
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