Luke 7:46
What does Luke 7:46 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 7:46 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 7:46 means
Finally, Jesus pointed out Simon's third failure in hospitality: 'My head with oil thou didst not anoint.' It was customary to anoint a guest's head with common oil. But the woman, with an act of generous worship, 'hath anointed my feet with ointment,' using precious, costly perfume. This final contrast vividly illustrates that her reverence, gratitude, and love far surpassed Simon's casual or condescending welcome, revealing the depth of her devotion.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but she hath anointed my feet with ointment.
KJV
King James Version · 1611My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but she hath anointed my feet with ointment.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You put no oil on my head: but she has put perfume on my feet.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862with oil my head thou didst not anoint, but this woman with ointment did anoint my feet;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752My head with oil thou didst not anoint. But she with ointment hath anointed my feet.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890My head with oil thou didst not anoint, but she has anointed my feet with myrrh.
Context
This verse provides the final point of contrast between Simon's negligence and the woman's devotion, addressing the anointing of Jesus. It directly follows the discussion of the kiss, completing Jesus' vivid comparison and setting the stage for His explicit declaration regarding the woman's forgiveness and the profound spiritual lesson for Simon.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Micah 6:15
Thou shalt sow, but shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but shalt not anoint thee with oil; and the vintage, but shalt not drink the wine.
- 2 Samuel 14:2
And Joab sent to Tekoa, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on mourning apparel, I pray thee, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that hath a long time mourned for the dead:
- Psalms 23:5
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over.
- Amos 6:6
that drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief oils; but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
- Ecclesiastes 9:8
Let thy garments be always white; and let not thy head lack oil.
- Daniel 10:3
I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
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