Devine Scripture

Luke 10:40

What does Luke 10:40 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 10:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 10:40 means

Martha, distracted by all the serving, approaches Jesus and asks whether he does not care that Mary left her to serve alone, and she requests Jesus to tell Mary to help her. Martha’s complaint reveals frustration and a sense of unfair burden. Her passion for service becomes anxiety and resentment. The verse shows how good work can be distorted by worry and a desire for control, prompting a teachable moment about the proper ordering of service and devotion in the life of discipleship.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Martha was cumbered about much serving; and she came up to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Martha was cumbered about much serving; and she came up to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Martha had her hands full of the work of the house, and she came to him and said, Lord, is it nothing to you that my sister has let me do all the work? Say to her that she is to give me some help.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Martha was distracted about much serving, and having stood by him, she said, `Sir, dost thou not care that my sister left me alone to serve? say then to her, that she may partake along with me.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Martha was busy about much serving. Who stood and said: Lord, hast thou no care that my sister hath left me alone to serve? Speak to her therefore, that she help me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now Martha was distracted with much serving, and coming up she said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Speak to her therefore that she may help me.

Context

This complaint follows the contrast between the sisters. Martha’s reaction provides a human and relatable conflict: the pull of duty versus the call to listen. Jesus will respond gently, diagnosing her anxiety and affirming Mary’s choice, thus teaching about priorities between active service and attentive reception of Christ’s word.

v.39And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet, and heard his word.

v.40This passage

v.41But the Lord answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 12:29

    And seek not ye what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

  • Luke 9:55

    But he turned, and rebuked them.

  • Jonah 4:1

    But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry.

  • Matthew 14:15

    And when even was come, the disciples came to him, saying, The place is desert, and the time is already past; send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.

  • Mark 3:21

    And when his friends heard it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.

  • Matthew 16:22

    And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall never be unto thee.

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