New Testament
Luke 11:37
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When Jesus finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat at his house. So Jesus went in and took his place at the table.
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And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.
What Luke 11:37 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Jesus being invited to dine with a Pharisee, a member of a religious group known for strict adherence to the law. This invitation occurs right after Jesus has been teaching, indicating that his words have caught the attention of the Pharisee. By accepting the invitation, Jesus demonstrates his willingness to engage with people from different backgrounds, including those who may have differing beliefs. The act of dining together signifies a level of fellowship and openness. It also sets the stage for further interactions where Jesus will challenge the Pharisee's understanding of righteousness and the law. This moment highlights the importance of relationships and dialogue in sharing spiritual truths, as well as Jesus' mission to reach all people, regardless of their social or religious status.
How to apply Luke 11:37 to your life
This verse encourages us to be open to engaging with people from different backgrounds and beliefs. By sharing meals and conversations, we can build relationships that allow for meaningful discussions about faith and values, just as Jesus did.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Plain Meaning
While Jesus was still speaking, a Pharisee invited Him to eat a meal at his house. Jesus accepted and went in and sat down. In the KJV, "sat down to meat" means He took his place at the table to eat — "meat" here means food of any kind, not only animal flesh.
Read It in Context
This verse opens a new scene. What follows is a sharp exchange: the Pharisee is surprised that Jesus did not perform a ritual washing before eating, and Jesus responds with a series of strong rebukes aimed at the Pharisees and lawyers.
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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 11:37 teach about Jesus' interactions with Pharisees?
Luke 11:37 illustrates Jesus' willingness to engage with Pharisees, who were known for their strict adherence to the law. By accepting the invitation to dine, Jesus shows that he values relationships and dialogue, even with those who may hold differing beliefs. This moment sets the stage for deeper discussions about righteousness and challenges the Pharisee's understanding of the law.
Why is dining significant in Luke 11:37?
Dining together in Luke 11:37 signifies fellowship and openness. In the cultural context of Jesus' time, sharing a meal was a way to build relationships and establish trust. By dining with the Pharisee, Jesus not only accepts the invitation but also creates an opportunity for meaningful conversation about faith and values, highlighting the importance of community and dialogue.
How can we apply Luke 11:37 in our lives today?
Luke 11:37 encourages us to engage with people from various backgrounds and beliefs. By being open to sharing meals and having conversations, we can foster relationships that allow for meaningful discussions about faith. This approach can help break down barriers and promote understanding, just as Jesus did with the Pharisees.
What does this verse reveal about Jesus' mission?
This verse reveals that Jesus' mission includes reaching out to all people, regardless of their social or religious status. By dining with a Pharisee, Jesus demonstrates his commitment to engaging with individuals from different backgrounds, emphasizing that spiritual truths can be shared through relationships and dialogue.
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