New Testament · Gospel

Luke 7:46

The Faith of an Outsider

You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume. Luke 7:46 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Luke 7:46, in plain English

And finally: 'You didn't anoint My head with oil, but she has poured expensive perfume on My feet.'

Why it's here

Three contrasts, three failures by Simon, three acts of love by the woman. The verdict is clear without Jesus even saying it directly.

Who's speaking

Jesus delivers the final comparison, completing the case.

Where it sits in the story

She gave her best to Jesus' lowest point; Simon couldn't even give the minimum to His highest. When you truly understand grace, your response isn't measured — it's lavish.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Third contrast: Simon did not anoint (aleiphō) Jesus' head with elaion ("olive oil," common and inexpensive), while the woman anointed His feet with myron ("perfume/ointment," costly). She gave more to a lesser body part than Simon gave to the greater.

Language and setting

Anointing a guest's head with olive oil was an optional but common expression of honor. The woman's use of expensive perfume on the feet — the lowest body part — represents extravagant devotion.

Voice

Jesus completes the three-point comparison with the anointing contrast.

Significance

The final contrast is the most striking: the woman lavished costly perfume on Jesus' feet while Simon withheld even cheap oil for His head. The disproportion reveals the depths of their respective hearts.

In context

Luke 7:44–48

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.”

48Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

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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