New Testament
Luke 10:40
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Martha is busy preparing and serving, feeling overwhelmed by the tasks at hand.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
But Martha was overwhelmed with all the preparations. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come help me!"
But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Martha is busy preparing and serving, feeling overwhelmed by the tasks at hand. She approaches Jesus, expressing her frustration that her sister Mary is not helping her. Martha's complaint highlights the tension between service and spiritual focus. While she is concerned about the practical needs of hospitality, Mary chooses to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to his teaching. This moment illustrates the struggle many face between being active in service and taking time for spiritual growth and connection with God. Martha's plea to Jesus reveals her desire for support and recognition of her hard work, but it also invites reflection on priorities in life. Jesus later responds gently, emphasizing that Mary has chosen the better part by prioritizing spiritual nourishment over mere busyness. Explore related values.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 10:40 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate our own lives and the balance between our responsibilities and our spiritual needs. It reminds us to prioritize time with God, ensuring that our service does not overshadow our relationship with Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 10:40 mean?
In Luke 10:40, Martha expresses her frustration to Jesus about her sister Mary not helping her with the preparations. This verse highlights the conflict between being busy with tasks and taking time for spiritual growth.
What is the meaning of 'cumbered about much serving' in Luke 10:40?
The phrase 'cumbered about much serving' means that Martha was burdened and overwhelmed by the many tasks she had to complete. It reflects her struggle to balance hospitality with her spiritual needs.
How does Jesus respond to Martha in Luke 10:40?
Although Luke 10:40 does not include Jesus' response, he later emphasizes that Mary has chosen the better part by prioritizing spiritual nourishment over the busyness of serving.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 10:40?
Luke 10:40 teaches us to evaluate our lives and find a balance between our responsibilities and our spiritual needs, reminding us to prioritize time with God.
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