Luke 7:45

Luke 7:45, in plain English

He went on: 'You didn't greet Me with a kiss, but she hasn't stopped kissing My feet since I walked in.'

Why it's here

A greeting kiss was standard courtesy. Simon couldn't even manage that. Meanwhile, the woman's love was nonstop and unashamed.

Who's speaking

Jesus continues the devastating comparison between host and uninvited guest.

Where it sits in the story

It's the contrast between going through the motions and truly meaning it. Religion can make you polite. Encountering grace makes you passionate.

The scholarly reading

Second contrast: Simon offered no philēma ("kiss of greeting"), a standard social custom, while the woman ou dieleipen kataphilousa ("has not ceased kissing") Jesus' feet since He arrived.

Language and setting

The greeting kiss was a common social convention among social equals. Its absence may indicate Simon viewed Jesus as a social inferior or was maintaining careful distance.

Voice

Jesus continues the point-by-point comparison between Simon and the woman.

Significance

Each contrast heightens the indictment: Simon's propriety looks increasingly cold when placed beside the woman's passionate devotion. Conventional religion pales beside transformative gratitude.

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.

46You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume.

47Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, for she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”

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.