Luke 7:38

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.

Luke 7:38 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of a larger account in which Jesus dines at the house of Simon the Pharisee (Luke 7:36-50). A woman described as “a sinner” in the city learns that Jesus is eating there and brings an alabaster jar of ointment (Luke 7:37). In the ancient world, guests reclined on couches with their feet extended away from the table, so it was possible for someone to approach Jesus’ feet from behind. The woman’s actions—standing behind Him, weeping, washing His feet with her tears, wiping them with her hair, kissing His feet, and anointing them with ointment—go far beyond the customary hospitality of providing water for dusty feet and oil for the head.

Meaning

The woman’s posture and tears reveal deep humility and contrition. She acknowledges her sinfulness and her need for forgiveness. Her use of her hair, which was considered a woman’s glory, and her costly ointment show that she held nothing back in her devotion to Jesus. Her actions are not merely cultural gestures; they are expressions of genuine love, worship, and adoration. She recognizes Jesus as worthy of honor and reverence, and she approaches Him with hope and trust in His ability to forgive sins.

Biblical connections

Jesus later contrasts the woman’s actions with Simon’s lack of hospitality: Simon gave no water for Jesus’ feet, no kiss, and no oil for His head, while the woman washed His feet with tears, kissed His feet, and anointed them with ointment (Luke 7:44-46). Jesus explains that her many sins are forgiven because she loved much, and He declares her sins forgiven (Luke 7:47-48). This contrast highlights the difference between self-righteousness and humble faith. Simon’s internal objection—that if Jesus were a prophet, He would know the woman is a sinner (Luke 7:39)—sets up Jesus’ parable of the two debtors (Luke 7:40-43), which teaches that those who are forgiven much love much.

Application

This verse reminds us that Jesus welcomes those who come to Him in humility and repentance. He does not reject or condemn the woman but accepts her actions and forgives her sins. Her example challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we recognize our need for forgiveness? Do we approach Jesus with the same depth of love and devotion? The woman’s story encourages us to come to Jesus just as we are, with contrite hearts, trusting in His mercy and grace.

Reflection

Luke 7:38 presents a powerful example of humility, worship, forgiveness, and the transformative power of encountering Jesus. It reminds us of the unconditional love and grace that Jesus offers to all who come to Him with a contrite heart and seek forgiveness for their sins. The woman’s actions speak louder than words, demonstrating that true faith is expressed through love and devotion.