Luke 7:43

Luke 7:43, in plain English

Simon said, 'I suppose the one who was forgiven more.' Jesus said, 'You're right.'

Why it's here

Simon answered correctly without realizing he was about to be measured by his own answer.

Who's speaking

Simon gives the right answer, and Jesus affirms it — then applies it.

Where it sits in the story

We can often see spiritual truths clearly when they're about other people. The challenge is when Jesus turns the mirror toward us.

The scholarly reading

Simon's answer hypolambanō ("I suppose") reveals reluctant but correct judgment: ho to pleion echarisato ("the one who was forgiven more"). Jesus confirms: orthōs ekrinas ("you have judged correctly").

Language and setting

Simon has unknowingly pronounced his own indictment. By correctly answering the parable, he has acknowledged the principle that will expose his own deficiency of love.

Voice

Simon answers the parable correctly, and Jesus confirms his judgment.

Significance

Simon's correct answer becomes the standard against which his own behavior will be measured. His intellectual understanding of grace has not translated into experiential love.

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?”

43“I suppose the one who was forgiven more,” Simon replied.

44And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.

45You did not greet Me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing My feet since I arrived.

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.