Luke 7:37

Translations

Modern

When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume.

Traditional

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,

Literal

And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner. And having known that He is reclining in the house of the Pharisee, having taken an alabaster flask of fragrant oil,

Latin

Et ecce mulier, quæ erat in civitate peccatrix, ut cognovit quod accubuisset in domo pharisæi, attulit alabastrum unguenti:

Original

Greek

English

When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume.

Notes

Luke 7:37

a sinful woman: This suggests she was known in the community as a person with a bad moral reputation. Some people think she may have been a prostitute, but the passage does not state this explicitly.
Alabaster is a soft stone, often white, yellow, or red. People used it to make costly containers, such as this beautiful jar.

Luke 7:36–50

What Jesus said in 7:35 is shown in this story by one of “wisdom’s children” (see study note on 7:35). She is a repentant sinner (a person who turns away from sin). She shows deep gratitude for the forgiveness she has received.

Theme notes and profiles

The Pharisees Eating Together Following Jesus The Messianic Banquet

Events

Anointed by a Sinner Womanc. AD 28

Related verses

Mark 14:3–9
While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head.
Matthew 26:6–13
While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper,
Luke 5:30
But the Pharisees and their scribes complained to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Matthew 21:31
Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.
Luke 7:37–39
When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume.
Luke 18:13
But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’
John 12:1–8
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the hometown of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.
1 Timothy 1:9
We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers,
Luke 5:32
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Romans 5:8
But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
1 Peter 4:18
And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
John 11:2
(Mary, whose brother Lazarus was sick, was to anoint the Lord with perfume and wipe His feet with her hair.)

Parallels

Matthew 26:6–13 Mark 14:3–9 John 12:1–8

People

Pharisee: A strict Jewish sect known for legalism and hypocrisy

Glossary

Alabaster Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Cosmetics Jesus Christ Justification, Justified Luke, Gospel of Meaning of Meals in the Bible Ointment Perfume Prophecy Simon Sin

Topics

Alabaster: Vessels Made of Anointing of Jesus, As a Token of Love Beds used for Reclining on at Meals Box: Made of Alabaster Eating: Reclining on Couches Entertainments: Often Given in The Court of the House Faith: Faith in Christ: The Woman Who Anointed Jesus' Feet Jesus, the Christ: Anointed by a Sinful Woman (At Capernaum) Repentance: The Woman Who Anointed Jesus with Oil Self-Righteousness: General Scriptures Concerning Simon: A Pharisee: Jesus Dines With

Luke 7:37

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Translations

Original

Notes

Events

Related verses

Parallels

Glossary

Topics