New Testament
Luke 7:37
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, we see a woman known for her sinful life who learns that Jesus is dining at a Pharisee's house.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
A woman in that town who had lived a sinful life found out that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house. She brought an alabaster jar of perfumed ointment
And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a woman known for her sinful life who learns that Jesus is dining at a Pharisee's house. Despite her reputation, she bravely approaches Him, bringing an alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. This act signifies her deep respect and love for Jesus, as she seeks to honor Him in a powerful way. The alabaster jar represents something precious, indicating that she is willing to offer her best to Jesus, despite her past. This moment highlights the theme of redemption and the transformative power of encountering Christ. It shows that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace, and that true repentance can lead to a profound relationship with Him. The woman's actions challenge societal norms, demonstrating that love and devotion to Jesus can overcome shame and fear. Her willingness to approach Jesus in humility serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing our need for forgiveness and the beauty of coming to Him just as we are.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 7:37 to your life
This verse encourages us to approach Jesus with our burdens and past mistakes, no matter how heavy they may feel. It reminds us that true repentance and love can lead to a transformative relationship with Him. We should not let our past define us.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 7:37 mean?
Luke 7:37 describes a woman known for her sinful life who approaches Jesus while He is dining at a Pharisee's house. She brings an alabaster jar of perfume, symbolizing her deep respect and desire to honor Him despite her past.
What is the significance of the alabaster jar in Luke 7:37?
The alabaster jar in Luke 7:37 represents something precious and valuable. By bringing it to Jesus, the woman shows her willingness to offer her best as an act of devotion and love, highlighting the theme of redemption.
How does Luke 7:37 relate to themes of forgiveness?
Luke 7:37 relates to forgiveness by showcasing a woman's act of repentance and love towards Jesus, despite her sinful background. It highlights that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace and that true repentance can lead to a meaningful relationship with Him.
What can we learn from the woman in Luke 7:37?
The woman in Luke 7:37 teaches us about courage and humility in seeking forgiveness. Her actions remind us that we should not let our past mistakes hold us back from approaching Jesus and that true devotion can lead to transformation.

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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