Luke 7:47

In Luke 7:47 of the New King James Version (NKJV), we find Jesus teaching a profound lesson on forgiveness and love. This passage reads: “Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” This verse is part of a broader narrative in which a sinful woman anoints Jesus’ feet with her tears and expensive perfume, demonstrating profound repentance and love.

Context and Exegesis

Luke 7:36–50 provides the context for this passage. Jesus is dining at the house of Simon the Pharisee when a woman of the city, known to be a sinner, approaches Him. Her act of washing Jesus’ feet with her tears and anointing them with fragrant oil is a significant gesture of repentance and worship.

Simon the Pharisee internally criticises Jesus for allowing a sinful woman to touch Him. Jesus responds with a parable about a creditor who forgives two debtors, one who owed a significant amount and another who owed a smaller amount. Jesus asks Simon which debtor will love the creditor more, to which Simon correctly answers that the one forgiven the larger debt will love more. Jesus then explains that the woman’s many sins have been forgiven, which is evident in her great love.

Theological Significance

Several key theological teachings emerge from this passage:

The Depth of Forgiveness:

The passage highlights the magnitude of God’s forgiveness. The woman’s many sins being forgiven underscores that no sin is too great for God’s mercy. This aligns with God’s sovereign grace and the assurance that salvation is not based on human merit but on God’s grace alone (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Repentance and Love:

The woman’s actions are a demonstration of true repentance and love. Her love and devotion to Jesus are the fruits of her forgiven state. This underscores the teaching that genuine faith produces good works and a transformed life (James 2:17).

Contrast of Attitudes:

Simon the Pharisee’s lack of love and his judgemental attitude highlight the danger of self-righteousness. This reflects the doctrine of total depravity, which teaches that all humans are inherently sinful and in need of God’s grace (Romans 3:23).

Christ’s Authority to Forgive:

Jesus’ declaration that the woman’s sins are forgiven demonstrates His divine authority. This reinforces the belief in the deity of Christ and His role as the mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

Application to Modern Christian Living

For modern believers, Luke 7:47 teaches several practical lessons:

Embrace God’s Forgiveness:

Believers are encouraged to accept God’s forgiveness and recognise that it is available to all, regardless of the magnitude of their past sins.

Demonstrate Love and Gratitude:

Just as the forgiven woman showed her love through her actions, Christians are called to demonstrate their gratitude for God’s grace through acts of love, service, and worship.

Avoid Self-Righteousness:

Believers should guard against a judgemental attitude and remember that everyone is in need of God’s grace. Humility and compassion should characterise their interactions with others.

Acknowledge Christ’s Authority:

Recognising Jesus’ authority to forgive sins is central to the Christian faith. This acknowledgement leads to a deeper understanding of His divine nature and His redemptive work.

Through this lens, Luke 7:47 continues to speak to the hearts of believers, encouraging them to embrace God’s forgiveness, love deeply, and live humbly.