36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. 37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 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. 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.
40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. 44 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.
45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? 50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.(Luke 7:36-50 KJV)
A Sinful Woman Forgiven
When and where this event took place is not stated. This Gospel does not always follow chronological order like the others do. It appears here in connection with Jesus being criticized for associating with publicans and sinners, to show that his purpose in doing so was to bring them to repentance. Those he welcomed were either already reformed or moving in that direction.
The identity of the woman who showed such deep affection for Jesus is not stated. Though often thought to be Mary Magdalene, Scripture does not support this identification (see Luke 8:2; Mark 16:9). She is described elsewhere as having had seven demons cast out of her, but that detail isn’t mentioned here, making it likely this woman is someone else.
A Pharisee invited Jesus to eat with him (Luke 7:36). Whether it was to gain social prestige or simply out of curiosity, Jesus accepted the invitation. Though the Pharisee did not truly believe Jesus was a prophet (Luke 7:39), Christ still dined in his home. Jesus was as willing to eat with Pharisees as with publicans, always hoping to do them spiritual good. Those with wisdom and grace may rightly enter into conversation with skeptics, as Jesus did.
While Jesus was at the table, a woman known in the city as a sinner—likely a Gentile or prostitute—came into the house. She had been transformed by Christ’s teaching and wanted to express her gratitude. With no other way to show it, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, stood behind him, and began to weep. She washed his feet with her tears, dried them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfume. Because they reclined at tables in those days, it was easy for her to access his feet without facing him.
Her actions reveal her deep repentance. Her tears showed sorrow for sin; her hair, once a symbol of vanity, was now used in humble service. Her sorrow was fresh in Christ’s presence. Her love for Jesus was sincere and strong—he noted she “loved much” (Luke 7:42, 47). Her acts of service—washing his feet, kissing them, and anointing them—demonstrated her devotion and her acknowledgment that he was the Messiah. All true penitents love Jesus deeply.
The Pharisee, however, was offended by her presence (Luke 7:39). He doubted Jesus’ prophetic authority, thinking a true prophet would never allow such a woman near. But Jesus, knowing his thoughts, addressed him directly: “Simon, I have something to say to you” (Luke 7:40). Though Simon called him “Master,” he didn’t believe in him. Jesus then explained the woman’s actions through a parable.
In the parable, a creditor forgave two debtors—one who owed much, another who owed little. Jesus asked which one would love the creditor more. Simon rightly answered: the one who was forgiven more (Luke 7:41-43). Jesus applied this to the woman: her great love showed the depth of her forgiveness, while Simon’s minimal gestures revealed his lack of love.
Jesus pointed out the contrast: Simon had not offered water for his feet, a kiss of greeting, or oil for his head, but this woman had washed his feet with tears, kissed them continually, and anointed them with precious ointment (Luke 7:44-46). Her actions went far beyond Simon’s hospitality.
Jesus continued: “Her many sins are forgiven—therefore she loved much” (Luke 7:47). Her love was the result of her forgiveness, not the cause. Meanwhile, Simon’s little love suggested he had little sense of forgiveness, if any. Instead of envying the mercy shown to great sinners, we should examine whether we ourselves are truly forgiven and love Christ.
To encourage the woman, Jesus said, “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48). Her visible sorrow and love were evidence of a changed heart and assurance of forgiveness. Though others questioned Jesus’ authority to forgive sins (Luke 7:49; cf. Matthew 9:3), he stood by his words. He delighted in showing mercy and made it clear: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:50). Her faith produced her repentance and love, and it brought her salvation. Those who know they are saved by faith can live in peace and joy.