New Testament
Luke 7:44
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? When I came into your house, you didn't offer me water to wash my feet. But she has washed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair.
Compare translations
And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
What Luke 7:44 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus highlights the contrast between the hospitality shown by Simon, a Pharisee, and the deep love and humility of a woman who anointed His feet. When Jesus entered Simon's house, he did not provide the customary water for washing feet, which was a sign of respect and hospitality. In contrast, the woman, who was known for her sinful past, demonstrated her love for Jesus by washing His feet with her tears and drying them with her hair. This act of devotion signifies her repentance and recognition of Jesus' forgiveness. Jesus uses this moment to teach Simon about the importance of love and humility, showing that those who are forgiven much, love much. The woman's actions reflect a heart transformed by grace, while Simon's lack of hospitality reveals a heart that is indifferent to Jesus' presence and message.
How to apply Luke 7:44 to your life
This verse encourages us to show genuine love and humility in our interactions with others. It reminds us that true devotion is expressed through our actions, especially towards those we may overlook. We should strive to be more like the woman, recognizing our need for grace and extending love to others.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 7:44
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 7:44
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 7:44 mean?
Luke 7:44 illustrates the contrast between Simon's lack of hospitality and the woman's deep love for Jesus. While Simon did not offer water for Jesus' feet, the woman washed them with her tears, showing her repentance and recognition of Jesus' forgiveness.
What is the significance of washing feet in Luke 7:44?
Washing feet in Luke 7:44 symbolizes hospitality and respect in the culture of the time. The woman's act of washing Jesus' feet with her tears highlights her humility and love, contrasting sharply with Simon's indifference.
What does the woman’s action in Luke 7:44 represent?
The woman's action in Luke 7:44 represents her repentance and deep love for Jesus. By washing His feet with her tears and drying them with her hair, she demonstrates a heart transformed by grace.
How does Luke 7:44 relate to forgiveness?
Luke 7:44 relates to forgiveness by showing that those who recognize their need for forgiveness often express greater love and devotion. The woman's actions reflect her understanding of Jesus' mercy, while Simon's lack of hospitality reveals his indifference.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.