New Testament
Luke 7:44
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, 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.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
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.
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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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