New Testament
Luke 10:40
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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!"
Compare translations
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.
What Luke 10:40 means
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.
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
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 10:40
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 10:40
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 10:40 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.