Luke 7:39

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

Luke 7:39 (KJV)

Context

Jesus is dining in the home of Simon the Pharisee when a woman known in the city as a sinner enters and stands behind Him, weeping. Her tears fall on His feet; she wipes them with her hair, kisses them, and anoints them with ointment (Luke 7:37-38). Simon watches all this and speaks “within himself,” meaning he does not voice his thoughts aloud. His silent reasoning is conditional: “This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.“

Meaning

Simon’s words reveal his assumption that a true prophet would possess supernatural discernment and would therefore reject the touch of a sinful woman. Because Jesus allows her approach, Simon doubts His prophetic identity. Yet the irony is immediate: Jesus knows exactly who the woman is and what her past holds, and He also knows Simon’s unspoken thoughts. The Pharisee’s understanding of holiness is one of separation—righteousness kept by keeping sinners at a distance. But Jesus’ holiness is not compromised by the approach of a broken sinner; His grace cleanses and restores the repentant heart.

Biblical connections

Simon’s expectation of prophetic discernment echoes the Jewish hope that the Messiah would have extraordinary insight, as suggested in Isaiah 11:3, where the Messiah is described as having quick understanding to judge righteously. In the following verses, Jesus demonstrates that He is more than a prophet by telling Simon a parable and revealing Simon’s own thoughts (Luke 7:40-47). He then affirms the woman’s faith and forgives her sins (Luke 7:48-50).

Application

This verse serves as a mirror for our own spiritual lives. It is possible to be in close proximity to Jesus, as Simon was while hosting Him, yet remain distant from Him in spirit. Religious pride and a judgmental spirit blind us to our own need for forgiveness. True spiritual sight begins with humility. When we recognize our own spiritual bankruptcy, we, like the woman, can respond to Christ with love and gratitude, knowing that grace is extended not to those who consider themselves righteous, but to those who humbly acknowledge their need for a Savior.

Reflection

Simon judged by outward appearance and missed the work of God before his eyes. The woman, though aware of her sin, came to Jesus in faith and received what Simon never asked for: forgiveness and peace. May we learn to see others as Jesus does—not as categories of sinners, but as people whom His grace can transform.