New Testament
Luke 7:38
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
and stood behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them with her hair, kissing his feet over and over and pouring the ointment on them.
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And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
What Luke 7:38 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a woman approaches Jesus while he is dining and expresses her deep sorrow and love for him. She stands behind him, weeping, and her tears fall on his feet. Instead of using a towel, she wipes his feet with her hair, showing her humility and devotion. She kisses his feet repeatedly, a sign of reverence, and pours expensive ointment on them, which signifies her gratitude and recognition of Jesus' worth. This act of love and worship contrasts with the indifference of the Pharisee who hosted Jesus. The woman's actions demonstrate a profound understanding of forgiveness and grace, highlighting the importance of humility and repentance in approaching God. Her willingness to publicly display her emotions and devotion serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love and faith.
How to apply Luke 7:38 to your life
This verse encourages us to express our love and gratitude to God openly. We can reflect on our own lives and consider how we show humility and devotion in our relationship with Him. Acts of kindness and worship can deepen our faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
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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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Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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Keep studying Luke 7:38
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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 7:38 mean?
Luke 7:38 describes a woman who shows deep love and humility towards Jesus by weeping at his feet, wiping them with her hair, and anointing them with ointment. This act symbolizes her repentance and recognition of Jesus' worth, contrasting with the indifference of the Pharisee.
What is the significance of the woman's actions in Luke 7:38?
The woman's actions in Luke 7:38 highlight her humility, devotion, and understanding of forgiveness. By publicly expressing her emotions and worship, she demonstrates the transformative power of love and faith in her relationship with Jesus.
What does the ointment represent in Luke 7:38?
In Luke 7:38, the ointment represents the woman's gratitude and recognition of Jesus' significance. It signifies her willingness to offer something valuable as an expression of her love and devotion.
Why did the woman wipe Jesus' feet with her hair in Luke 7:38?
The woman wiped Jesus' feet with her hair in Luke 7:38 as a sign of humility and deep reverence. This act illustrates her willingness to lower herself in service and devotion to Jesus.
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