New Testament
Luke 10:41
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, Jesus addresses Martha, who is overwhelmed with the responsibilities of hosting and serving.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
"Martha, Martha," Jesus answered, "you're worried and stressed about so many things.
And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses Martha, who is overwhelmed with the responsibilities of hosting and serving. By repeating her name, He emphasizes His concern for her well-being. Martha is anxious and distracted by many tasks, which reflects a common struggle of prioritizing duties over spiritual connection. Jesus gently reminds her that while her efforts are appreciated, they should not overshadow the importance of being present and listening to Him. This moment highlights the tension between service and spiritual focus, encouraging believers to find balance in their lives. Jesus points out that there is a better choice—focusing on Him and His teachings, which brings peace and fulfillment. This interaction serves as a reminder that amidst our busy lives, we should not lose sight of what truly matters: our relationship with God and the peace that comes from it. Explore related anxiety.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 10:41 to your life
When feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities, take a moment to pause and reflect on your priorities. Consider spending time in prayer or reading scripture to reconnect with God. Remember that your relationship with Him is more important than any task.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 10:41 mean?
In Luke 10:41, Jesus addresses Martha's anxiety and distraction caused by her many responsibilities. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual connection over busyness, reminding her to focus on Him.
What is the meaning of 'careful and troubled' in Luke 10:41?
The phrase 'careful and troubled' in Luke 10:41 describes Martha's state of being anxious and overwhelmed by her tasks. Jesus points out that her worries are taking her away from what truly matters—being present with Him.
How can I apply Luke 10:41 to my life?
To apply Luke 10:41, take time to pause and reflect on your priorities when feeling overwhelmed. Spend moments in prayer or scripture reading to reconnect with God and remember that your relationship with Him is more important than any task.
What lesson can we learn from Martha in Luke 10:41?
The lesson from Martha in Luke 10:41 is about finding balance between our responsibilities and our spiritual life. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God and to seek peace amidst our busy lives.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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