New Testament
Luke 7:34
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The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'
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The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
What Luke 7:34 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus refers to Himself as the 'Son of Man' and highlights how people criticize Him for His lifestyle. He is accused of being a glutton and a drunkard because He eats and drinks with those considered sinners, like tax collectors. This criticism reflects the judgmental attitudes of the religious leaders of the time, who expected the Messiah to adhere to strict social and religious norms. Instead, Jesus embraces those marginalized by society, showing that His mission is to reach out to the lost and broken. This verse illustrates the contrast between Jesus' inclusive approach and the exclusivity of the religious elite, emphasizing that His purpose is to bring salvation to all, regardless of their past or social status.
How to apply Luke 7:34 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes towards others. Are we quick to judge those who are different from us? Jesus' example teaches us to embrace and love everyone, regardless of their background or choices, and to reach out to those in need of compassion.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from John the Baptist's story: John's Question from Prison (Luke 7:18–35)
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John the Baptist
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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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 7:34 mean?
In Luke 7:34, Jesus refers to Himself as the 'Son of Man' and highlights how He is criticized for associating with sinners and outcasts. This verse illustrates the contrast between His inclusive mission and the judgmental attitudes of the religious leaders.
What does the phrase 'friend of tax collectors and sinners' mean?
The phrase 'friend of tax collectors and sinners' indicates that Jesus was willing to associate with those deemed socially unacceptable. This friendship highlights His purpose of offering grace and salvation to all, regardless of their past.
How does Luke 7:34 relate to social norms of the time?
Luke 7:34 reveals how Jesus challenged the social norms of His time, which dictated that the Messiah should avoid sinners. By embracing those on the fringes of society, Jesus redefined what it meant to be righteous and loving.
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