Luke 7:43

Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

Luke 7:43 (KJV)

Context

Simon, a Pharisee, had invited Jesus to his house. While they were at dinner, a woman known in the city as a sinner came and anointed Jesus’ feet with ointment and her tears. Simon said to himself that if Jesus were a prophet, He would know who and what sort of woman this is and would not let her touch Him. Jesus, knowing Simon’s thoughts, told him a parable about a creditor who forgave two debtors—one owing five hundred pence and the other fifty. He asked Simon which debtor would love the creditor more.

Meaning

Simon answered, “I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most.” Jesus replied, “Thou hast rightly judged.” Simon’s answer was correct, but he did not yet see that the parable applied to him. Jesus used Simon’s own judgment to expose a spiritual principle: the one who is forgiven more loves more. The woman’s many sins were forgiven, and so she loved much; Simon, who saw little need for forgiveness, loved little. This verse shows that forgiveness is the cause and love is the effect.

Biblical connections

Jesus’ teaching here connects to the broader truth that those who recognise the greatness of their forgiveness respond with greater love and gratitude. The parable also points forward to Jesus’ authority to forgive sins, which He declares in the following verses.

Application

This passage calls us to humility. Instead of focusing on the shortcomings of others, we are to recognise our own need for forgiveness. When we truly grasp how much we have been forgiven, our hearts overflow with love and gratitude toward God and others. It also encourages us to extend forgiveness to others, just as we have received it.

Reflection

Simon answered rightly, yet his heart remained distant. We are invited to do more than answer correctly—to let the awareness of our own forgiven sin shape how we love. The boundless mercy of God, received in repentance, transforms a proud heart into a grateful one.