Devine Scripture

Luke 10:41

What does Luke 10:41 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 10:41 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 10:41 means

Jesus addresses Martha twice—'Martha, Martha'—and tells her she is anxious and troubled about many things. He identifies the real issue: her agitation and worry rather than the service itself. The repetition underscores compassion and emphasis. Jesus does not rebuke her for serving but for the anxious spirit that fractures her priorities. The diagnosis calls her to serenity and perspective, reminding readers that inner peace and dependence on Jesus must shape active service.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the Lord, answering, said to her, Martha, Martha, you are full of care and troubled about such a number of things:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus answering said to her, `Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and disquieted about many things,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the Lord answering, said to her: Martha, Martha, thou art careful and art troubled about many things:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus answering said to her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things;

Context

This verse begins Jesus’ correction of Martha and follows her complaint. He names the deeper problem—anxiety—rather than merely condemning her efforts. The closing verse will contrast Martha’s troubled many concerns with Mary’s single, chosen 'good part,' completing the lesson about what is needful in discipleship.

v.40But 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.

v.41This passage

v.42but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Cross references

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

  • Ecclesiastes 6:11

    Seeing there are many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?

  • 1 Corinthians 7:32

    But I would have you to be free from cares. He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

  • Luke 21:34

    But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare:

  • Matthew 6:25

    Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment?

  • Philippians 4:6

    In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

  • Luke 8:14

    And that which fell among the thorns, these are they that have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

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