New Testament · Gospel

Luke 7:40

The Faith of an Outsider

But Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” Luke 7:40 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Luke 7:40, in plain English

Jesus turned to him and said, 'Simon, I have something to tell you.' Simon replied, 'Go ahead, Teacher.'

Why it's here

Jesus knew exactly what Simon was thinking. The very thing Simon doubted — Jesus' prophetic insight — was about to be demonstrated on Simon himself.

Who's speaking

Jesus initiates a conversation that will expose Simon's own heart.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus always has something to say to us — especially when we're judging others. He speaks gently, but His words have a way of cutting right to the truth.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus responds to Simon's unspoken thoughts (demonstrating the very prophetic knowledge Simon doubted) with echō soi ti eipein ("I have something to say to you"). Simon's respectful address didaskale ("Teacher") acknowledges Jesus' authority.

Language and setting

Jesus' response to unspoken thoughts is itself an answer to Simon's doubt about His prophetic ability — He knows not only the woman's sin but also Simon's private judgment.

Voice

Jesus addresses Simon by name, and Simon invites Him to speak.

Significance

The dramatic irony deepens: Simon doubted Jesus' prophetic knowledge, but Jesus' address proves He knows Simon's very thoughts. The teacher is about to become the student.

In context

Luke 7:38–42

38As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume.

39When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who this is and what kind of woman is touching Him—for she is a sinner!”

40But Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

41“Two men were debtors to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.

42When they were unable to repay him, he forgave both of them. Which one, then, will love him more?”

Read all of Luke 7 — A Roman centurion's faith astonishes Jesus, a widow's dead son is raised, and a sinful woman's tears become an act of worship.

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