Luke 7:42
What does Luke 7:42 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 7:42 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 7:42 means
Since neither debtor had the means to repay their loans, the lender mercifully 'forgave them both.' Jesus then posed a direct question to Simon: 'Which of them therefore will love him most?' This question aims to elicit an obvious answer, leading Simon to acknowledge the principle that greater forgiveness naturally leads to greater love, preparing him to understand the woman's extravagant display of affection.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000When they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901When they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949When they were unable to make payment, he made the two of them free of their debts. Which of them, now, will have the greater love for him?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they not having <FI>wherewith<Fi> to give back, he forgave both; which then of them, say thou, will love him more?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And whereas they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which therefore of the two loveth him most?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but as they had nothing to pay, he forgave both of them [their debt]: [say,] which of them therefore will love him most?
Context
This verse develops the parable by introducing the lender's forgiveness and directly posing a question to Simon. It immediately follows the introduction of the two debtors, compelling Simon to reason through the implications of varied levels of indebtedness and forgiveness, which is crucial for understanding Jesus' subsequent application of the parable.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 32:1
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.
- Acts 13:38
Be it known unto you therefore, brethren, that through this man is proclaimed unto you remission of sins:
- Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
- Daniel 9:18
O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies’ sake.
- Colossians 3:13
forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye:
- Jeremiah 31:33
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 7
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 7.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Compassion
The Bible reveals God’s deep compassion for humanity and calls believers to extend similar mercy and understanding to others, reflecting His love.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.