Net English TranslationLuke 7 =
Healing the Centurion’s Slave
7

1 After Jesus1 had finished teaching all this to the people,2 he entered Capernaum.3 2 A centurion4 there5 had a slave6 who was highly regarded,7 but who was sick and at the point of death. 3 When the centurion8 heard9 about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders10 to him, asking him to come11 and heal his slave. 4 When12 they came13 to Jesus, they urged14 him earnestly,15 “He is worthy16 to have you do this for him, 5 because he loves our nation,17 and even18 built our synagogue.”19 6 So20 Jesus went with them. When21 he was not far from the house, the centurion22 sent friends to say to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself,23 for I am not worthy24 to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why25 I did not presume26 to come to you. Instead, say the word, and my servant must be healed.27 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me.28 I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes,29 and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”30 9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed31 at him. He turned and said to the crowd that followed him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith!”32 10 So33 when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave34 well.

Raising a Widow’s Son

11 Soon35 afterward36 Jesus37 went to a town38 called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. 12 As he approached the town gate, a man39 who had died was being carried out,40 the only son of his mother (who41 was a widow42), and a large crowd from the town43 was with her. 13 When44 the Lord saw her, he had compassion45 for her and said to her, “Do not weep.”46 14 Then47 he came up48 and touched49 the bier,50 and those who carried it stood still. He51 said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 So52 the dead man53 sat up and began to speak, and Jesus54 gave him back55 to his mother. 16 Fear56 seized them all, and they began to glorify57 God, saying, “A great prophet58 has appeared59 among us!” and “God has come to help60 his people!” 17 This61 report62 about Jesus63 circulated64 throughout65 Judea and all the surrounding country.

Jesus and John the Baptist

18 John’s66 disciples informed him about all these things. So67 John called68 two of his disciples 19 and sent them to Jesus69 to ask,70 “Are you the one who is to come,71 or should we look for another?” 20 When72 the men came to Jesus,73 they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask,74 ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?’”75 21 At that very time76 Jesus77 cured many people of diseases, sicknesses,78 and evil spirits, and granted79 sight to many who were blind. 22 So80 he answered them,81 “Go tell82 John what you have seen and heard:83 The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the84 deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news proclaimed to them. 23 Blessed is anyone85 who takes no offense at me.”

24 When86 John’s messengers had gone, Jesus87 began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness88 to see? A reed shaken by the wind?89 25 What90 did you go out to see? A man dressed in fancy91 clothes?92 Look, those who wear fancy clothes and live in luxury93 are in kings’ courts!94 26 What did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more95 than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,96 who will prepare your way before you.’97 28 I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater98 than John.99 Yet the one who is least100 in the kingdom of God101 is greater than he is.” 29 (Now102 all the people who heard this, even the tax collectors,103 acknowledged104 God’s justice, because they had been baptized105 with John’s baptism. 30 However, the Pharisees106 and the experts in religious law107 rejected God’s purpose108 for themselves, because they had not been baptized109 by John.110)111

31 “To what then should I compare the people112 of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to one another,113

‘We played the flute for you, yet you did not dance;114
we wailed in mourning,115 yet you did not weep.’

33 For John the Baptist has come116 eating no bread and drinking no wine,117 and you say, ‘He has a demon!’118 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him,119 a glutton and a drunk, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’120 35 But wisdom is vindicated121 by all her children.”122

Jesus’ Anointing

36 Now one of the Pharisees123 asked Jesus124 to have dinner with him, so125 he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table.126 37 Then127 when a woman of that town, who was a sinner, learned that Jesus128 was dining129 at the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar130 of perfumed oil.131 38 As132 she stood133 behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. She134 wiped them with her hair,135 kissed136 them,137 and anointed138 them with the perfumed oil. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this,139 he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet,140 he would know who and what kind of woman141 this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.” 40 So142 Jesus answered him,143 “Simon, I have something to say to you.” He replied,144 “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A certain creditor145 had two debtors; one owed him146 five hundred silver coins,147 and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he canceled148 the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered,149 “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.”150 Jesus151 said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then,152 turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house. You gave me no water for my feet,153 but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss of greeting,154 but from the time I entered she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet155 with perfumed oil. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which were many, are forgiven, thus she loved much;156 but the one who is forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then157 Jesus158 said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”159 49 But160 those who were at the table161 with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 He162 said to the woman, “Your faith163 has saved you;164 go in peace.”

1tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 2tn Grk “After he had completed all his sayings in the hearing of the people.” 3sn Capernaum was a town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, 680 ft (204 m) below sea level. It was a major trade and economic center in the North Galilean region.map For location see Map1-D2; Map2-C3; Map3-B2. 4sn A centurion was a noncommissioned officer in the Roman army or one of the auxiliary territorial armies, commanding a centuria of (nominally) 100 men. The responsibilities of centurions were broadly similar to modern junior officers, but there was a wide gap in social status between them and officers, and relatively few were promoted beyond the rank of senior centurion. The Roman troops stationed in Judea were auxiliaries, who would normally be rewarded with Roman citizenship after 25 years of service. Some of the centurions may have served originally in the Roman legions (regular army) and thus gained their citizenship at enlistment. Others may have inherited it, like Paul. 5tn The word “there” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. 6tn Though δοῦλος (doulos) is normally translated “servant,” the word does not bear the connotation of a free individual serving another. BDAG notes that “‘servant’ for ‘slave’ is largely confined to Biblical transl. and early American times… in normal usage at the present time the two words are carefully distinguished” (BDAG 260 s.v. 1). The most accurate translation is “bondservant” (sometimes found in the ASV for δοῦλος) in that it often indicates one who sells himself into slavery to another. But as this is archaic, few today understand its force. In addition, the parallel passage in Matt 8:6 uses the Greek term παῖς (pais), to refer to the centurion’s slave. This was a term often used of a slave who was regarded with some degree of affection, possibly a personal servant. 7tn The term ἔντιμος (entimos) could mean “highly valued,” but this sounds too much like the slave was seen as an asset, while the text suggests a genuine care for the person. More archaically, it could be said the centurion was fond of this slave. 8tn Grk “he”; the referent (the centurion) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 9tn The participle ἀκούσας (akousas) has been taken temporally. 10sn Why some Jewish elders are sent as emissaries is not entirely clear, but the centurion was probably respecting ethnic boundaries, which were important in ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish culture. The parallel account in Matt 8:5-13 does not mention the emissaries. 11tn The participle ἐλθών (elqwn) has been translated as an infinitive in parallel with διασώσῃ (diaswsh) due to requirements of contemporary English style. 12tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated. 13tn Although the participle παραγενόμενοι (paragenomenoi) is preceded by the Greek article (οἱ, Joi) which would normally cause it to be regarded as an adjectival or substantival participle, most modern translations, probably as a result of the necessities of contemporary English style, render it as a temporal participle (“when they came”). 14tn Or “implored.” 15tn Grk “urged him earnestly, saying”; the participle λέγοντες (legontes) is pleonastic (redundant) and has not been translated. 16tn Grk “Worthy is he to have you do this”; the term “worthy” comes first in the direct discourse and is emphatic. 17tn Or “people.” The use of ἔθνος (eqnos, “nation”) here instead of “God” probably meant the man was not a full proselyte, but that he had simply been supportive of the Jews and their culture. He could have been a God-fearer. The Romans saw a stable religious community as politically helpful and often supported it (Josephus, Ant. 16.6.2 [16.162-165], 19.6.3 [19.300-311]). 18tn In the Greek text, the pronoun αὐτός (autos) is included, making this emphatic. Naturally the force of this statement is causative, meaning the centurion either had the synagogue built or donated the cost of its construction. 19sn See the note on synagogues in 4:15. 20tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate the resultative action. 21tn The participle ἀπέχοντος (apeconto") has been taken temporally. 22sn See the note on the word centurion in 7:2. 23tn Or “do not be bothered.” 24sn Note the humility in the centurion’s statement I am not worthy in light of what others think (as v. 4 notes). See Luke 5:8 for a similar example of humility. 25tn Or “roof; therefore.” 26tn Grk “I did not consider myself worthy to come to you.” See BDAG 94 s.v. ἀξιόω 1. “Presume” assumes this and expresses the idea in terms of offense. 27tc The aorist imperative ἰαθήτω (iaqhtw, “must be healed”) is found in Ì75vid B L 1241 sa. Most mss (א A C D W Θ Ψ Ë1,13 33 Ï latt bo) have instead a future indicative, ἰαθήσεται (iaqhsetai, “will be healed”). This is most likely an assimilation to Matt 8:8, and thus, as a motivated reading, should be considered secondary. The meaning either way is essentially the same.tn The aorist imperative may be translated as an imperative of command (“must be healed” or, more periphrastically, “command [my servant] to be healed”) or as a permissive imperative (“let my servant be healed”), which lessens the force of the imperative somewhat in English. 28tn Grk “having soldiers under me.” 29sn I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes. The illustrations highlight the view of authority the soldier sees in the word of one who has authority. Since the centurion was a commander of a hundred soldiers, he understood what it was both to command others and to be obeyed. 30tn The word “it” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context. 31tn Or “pleased with him and amazed.” The expanded translation brings out both Jesus’ sense of wonder at the deep insight of the soldier and the pleasure he had that he could present the man as an example of faith. 32sn There are two elements to the faith that Jesus commended: The man’s humility and his sense of Jesus’ authority which recognized that only Jesus’ word, not his physical presence, were required. 33tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the summarization at the end of the account. 34tc Most mss, especially later ones (A C [D] Θ Ψ Ë13 33 Ï), have “the sick slave” here instead of “the slave.” This brings out the contrast of the healing more clearly, but this reading looks secondary both internally (scribes tended toward clarification) and externally (the shorter reading is well supported by a variety of witnesses: Ì75 א B L W Ë1 579 700 892* 1241 2542 it co). 35tn Grk “And it happened that soon.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. 36tc Several variants to ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ (egeneto en tw) are found before the adverb ἑξῆς (Jexh"), all of them clarifying by the use of the feminine article that the next day is meant (τῇ [th] in D; ἐγένετο τῇ in W; ἐγένετο ἐν τῇ in א* C K 565 892 1424 pm). But these readings are decidedly secondary, for they are more specific than Luke usually is, and involve an unparalleled construction (viz., article + ἡμέρα [Jhmera] + ἑξῆς; elsewhere, when Luke uses this adverb, the noun it modifies is either implied or after the adverb [cf. Luke 9:37; Acts 21:1; 25:17; 27:18)]. The reading adopted for the translation is a more general time indicator; the article τῷ modifies an implied χρόνῳ (cronw), with the general sense of “soon afterward.” 37tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 38tn The term πόλις (polis) can refer to a small town, which is what Nain was. It was about six miles southeast of Nazareth. 39tn Grk “behold.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1). 40tn That is, carried out for burial. This was a funeral procession. 41tn Grk “and she.” The clause introduced by καί (kai) has been translated as a relative clause for the sake of English style. 42sn The description of the woman as a widow would mean that she was now socially alone and without protection in 1st century Jewish culture. 43tn Or “city.” 44tn Grk “And seeing her, the Lord.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. The participle ἰδών (idwn) has been taken temporally. 45sn He had compassion. It is unusual for Luke to note such emotion by Jesus, though the other Synoptics tend to mention it (Matt 14:14; Mark 6:34; Matt 15:32; Mark 8:2). 46tn The verb κλαίω (klaiw) denotes the loud wailing or lamenting typical of 1st century Jewish mourning. 47tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative. 48tn Grk “coming up, he touched.” The participle προσελθών (proselqwn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 49sn The act of having touched the bier would have rendered Jesus ceremonially unclean, but it did not matter to him, since he was expressing his personal concern (Num 19:11, 16). 50sn Although sometimes translated “coffin,” the bier was actually a stretcher or wooden plank on which the corpse was transported to the place of burial. See L&N 6.109. 51tn Grk “And he.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. 52tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of Jesus’ command. 53tn Or “the deceased.” 54tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 55tn In the context, the verb δίδωμι (didwmi) has been translated “gave back” rather than simply “gave.” 56tn Or “Awe.” Grk “fear,” but the context and the following remark show that it is mixed with wonder; see L&N 53.59. This is a reaction to God’s work; see Luke 5:9. 57tn This imperfect verb has been translated as an ingressive imperfect. 58sn That Jesus was a great prophet was a natural conclusion for the crowd to make, given the healing; but Jesus is more than this. See Luke 9:8, 19-20. 59tn Grk “arisen.” 60tn Grk “visited,” but this conveys a different impression to a modern reader. L&N 85.11 renders the verb, “to be present, with the implication of concern – ‘to be present to help, to be on hand to aid.’ … ‘God has come to help his people’ Lk 7:16.” The language recalls Luke 1:68, 78. 61tn Grk “And this.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. 62sn See Luke 4:14 for a similar report. 63tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 64tn Grk “went out.” 65tn Grk “through the whole of.” 66tn Grk “And John’s.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. This is a reference to John the Baptist as the following context makes clear. 67tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate that John’s action was a result of the report he had heard. 68tn Grk “And calling two of his disciples, John sent.” The participle προσκαλεσάμενος (proskalesameno") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 69tc ‡ Although most mss (א A W Θ Ψ Ë1 Ï it sy bo) read πρὸς τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν (pro" ton Ihsoun, “to Jesus”), other important witnesses (B L Ξ Ë13 33 pc sa) read πρὸς τὸν κύριον (pro" ton kurion, “to the Lord”). A decision is difficult in this instance, as there are good witnesses on both sides. In light of this, that “Jesus” is more widespread than “the Lord” with almost equally important witnesses argues for its authenticity. 70tn Grk “to Jesus, saying,” but since this takes the form of a question, it is preferable to use the phrase “to ask” in English. 71sn Aspects of Jesus’ ministry may have led John to question whether Jesus was the promised stronger and greater one who is to come that he had preached about in Luke 3:15-17. 72tn Grk “And when.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. 73tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 74tn Grk “to you, saying,” but since this takes the form of a question, it is preferable to use the phrase “to ask” in English. 75tn This question is repeated word for word from v. 19. 76tn Grk “In that hour.” 77tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 78tn Grk “and sicknesses,” but καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more. 79tn Or “and bestowed (sight) on.” 80tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the relationship to Jesus’ miraculous cures in the preceding sentence. 81tn Grk “answering, he said to them.” This is redundant in English and has been simplified in the translation to “he answered them.” 82sn The same verb has been translated “inform” in 7:18. 83sn What you have seen and heard. The following activities all paraphrase various OT descriptions of the time of promised salvation: Isa 35:5-6; 26:19; 29:18-19; 61:1. Jesus is answering not by acknowledging a title, but by pointing to the nature of his works, thus indicating the nature of the time. 84tn Grk “and the,” but καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more. 85tn Grk “whoever.” 86tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated. 87tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 88tn Or “desert.” 89tn There is a debate as to whether one should read this figuratively (“to see someone who is easily blown over?”) or literally (Grk “to see the wilderness vegetation?…No, to see a prophet”). Either view makes good sense, but the following examples suggest the question should be read literally and understood to point to the fact that a prophet drew them to the desert. 90tn Grk “But what.” Here ἀλλά (alla, a strong contrastive in Greek) produces a somewhat awkward sense in English, and has not been translated. The same situation occurs at the beginning of v. 26. 91tn Or “soft”; see L&N 79.100. 92sn The reference to fancy clothes makes the point that John was not rich or powerful, in that he did not come from the wealthy classes. 93tn See L&N 88.253, “to revel, to carouse, to live a life of luxury.” 94tn Or “palaces.” 95tn John the Baptist is “more” because he introduces the one (Jesus) who brings the new era. The term is neuter, but may be understood as masculine in this context (BDAG 806 s.v. περισσότερος b.). 96tn Grk “before your face” (an idiom). 97sn The quotation is primarily from Mal 3:1 with pronouns from Exod 23:20. Here is the forerunner who points the way to the arrival of God’s salvation. His job is to prepare and guide the people, as the cloud did for Israel in the desert. 98sn In the Greek text greater is at the beginning of the clause in the emphatic position. John the Baptist was the greatest man of the old era. 99tc The earliest and best mss read simply ᾿Ιωάννου (Iwannou, “John”) here (Ì75 א B L W Ξ Ë1 579 pc). Others turn this into “John the Baptist” (K 33 565 al it), “the prophet John the Baptist” (A [D] Θ Ë13 Ï lat), or “the prophet John” (Ψ 700 [892 1241] pc). “It appears that προφήτης was inserted by pedantic copyists who wished thereby to exclude Christ from the comparison, while others added τοῦ βαπτιστοῦ, assimilating the text to Mt 11.11” (TCGNT 119). 100sn After John comes a shift of eras. The new era is so great that the lowest member of it (the one who is least in the kingdom of God) is greater than the greatest one of the previous era. 101sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus’ proclamation. It is a realm in which Jesus rules and to which those who trust him belong. See Luke 6:20; 11:20; 17:20-21. It is not strictly future, though its full manifestation is yet to come. That is why membership in it starts right after John the Baptist. 102tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the parenthetical nature of the comment by the author. 103sn See the note on tax collectors in 3:12. 104tn Or “vindicated God”; Grk “justified God.” This could be expanded to “vindicated and responded to God.” The point is that God’s goodness and grace as evidenced in the invitation to John was justified and responded to by the group one might least expect, tax collector and sinners. They had more spiritual sensitivity than others. The contrastive response is clear from v. 30. 105tn The participle βαπτισθέντες (baptisqente") has been translated as a causal adverbial participle. 106sn See the note on Pharisees in 5:17. 107tn That is, the experts in the interpretation of the Mosaic law (see also Luke 5:17, although the Greek term is not identical there, and Luke 10:25, where it is the same). 108tn Or “plan.” 109tn The participle βαπτισθέντες (baptisqente") has been translated as a causal adverbial participle; it could also be translated as means (“for themselves, by not having been baptized”). This is similar to the translation found in the NRSV. 110tn Grk “by him”; the referent (John the Baptist) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 111sn Luke 7:29-30 forms something of an aside by the author. To indicate this, they have been placed in parentheses. 112tn Grk “men,” but this is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anqrwpo"). The comparison that follows in vv. 32-34 describes “this generation,” not Jesus and John. 113tn Grk “They are like children sitting…and calling out…who say.” 114sn ‘We played the flute for you, yet you did not dance…’ The children of this generation were making the complaint (see vv. 33-34) that others were not playing the game according to the way they played the music. John and Jesus did not follow “their tune.” Jesus’ complaint was that this generation wanted things their way, not God’s. 115tn The verb ἐθρηνήσαμεν (eqrhnhsamen) refers to the loud wailing and lamenting used to mourn the dead in public in 1st century Jewish culture. 116tn The perfect tenses in both this verse and the next do more than mere aorists would. They not only summarize, but suggest the characteristics of each ministry were still in existence at the time of speaking. 117tn Grk “neither eating bread nor drinking wine,” but this is somewhat awkward in contemporary English. 118sn John the Baptist was too separatist and ascetic for some, and so he was accused of not being directed by God, but by a demon. 119tn Grk “Behold a man.” 120sn Neither were they happy with Jesus (the Son of Man), even though he was the opposite of John and associated freely with people like tax collectors and sinners. Either way, God’s messengers were subject to complaint. 121tn Or “shown to be right.” This is the same verb translated “acknowledged… justice” in v. 29, with a similar sense – including the notion of response. Wisdom’s children are those who respond to God through John and Jesus. 122tn Or “by all those who follow her” (cf. CEV, NLT). Note that the parallel in Matt 11:19 reads “by her deeds.” 123sn See the note on Pharisees in 5:17. 124tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 125tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate that Jesus’ action was the result of the Pharisee’s invitation. 126tn Grk “and reclined at table,” as 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away. 127tn Grk “And behold.” Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative. The Greek word ἰδού (idou) at the beginning of this statement has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1). 128tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 129tn Grk “was reclining at table.” 130sn A jar made of alabaster stone was normally used for very precious substances like perfumes. It normally had a long neck which was sealed and had to be broken off so the contents could be used. 131tn Μύρον (muron) was usually made of myrrh (from which the English word is derived) but here it is used in the sense of ointment or perfumed oil (L&N 6.205). The same phrase occurs at the end of v. 38 and in v. 46.sn Nard or spikenard is a fragrant oil from the root and spike of the nard plant of northern India. This perfumed oil, if made of something like nard, would have been extremely expensive, costing up to a year’s pay for an average laborer. 132tn Grk “And standing.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation. 133tn Grk “standing”; the participle στᾶσα (stasa) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 134tn Grk “tears, and she.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation. 135tn Grk “with the hair of her head.” 136tn Grk “and kissed,” but καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more. 137tn Grk “kissed his feet,” but this has been replaced by the pronoun “them” in keeping with contemporary English style. 138sn The series of verbs in this verse detail the woman’s every move, much as if the onlookers were watching her every step. That she attended the meal is not so surprising, as teachers often ate an open meal where listeners were welcome, but for her to approach Jesus was unusual and took great nerve, especially given her reputation. 139tn The word “this” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context. 140tn This is a good example of a second class (contrary to fact) Greek conditional sentence. The Pharisee said, in effect, “If this man were a prophet (but he is not)…” 141sn The Pharisees believed in a form of separationism that would have prevented them from any kind of association with such a sinful woman. 142tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the connection with the preceding statement recording the Pharisee’s thoughts. 143tn Grk “answering, said to him.” This is redundant in contemporary English and has been simplified to “answered him.”sn Jesus answered him. Note that as the Pharisee is denying to himself that Jesus is a prophet, Jesus is reading his thoughts. 144tn Grk “he said.” 145sn A creditor was a moneylender, whose business was to lend money to others at a fixed rate of interest. 146tn The word “him” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. 147tn Grk “five hundred denarii.”sn The silver coins were denarii. The denarius was worth about a day’s wage for a laborer; this would be an amount worth not quite two years’ pay. The debts were significant: They represented two months’ pay and one and three quarter years’ pay (20 months) based on a six day work week. 148tn The verb ἐχαρίσατο (ecarisato) could be translated as “forgave.” Of course this pictures the forgiveness of God’s grace, which is not earned but bestowed with faith (see v. 49). 149tn Grk “answering, said.” This is redundant in contemporary English and has been simplified to “answered.” 150tn Grk “the one to whom he forgave more” (see v. 42). 151tn Grk “He”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. Here δέ (de) has not been translated. 152tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative. 153sn It is discussed whether these acts in vv. 44-46 were required by the host. Most think they were not, but this makes the woman’s acts of respect all the more amazing. 154tn Grk “no kiss.” This refers to a formalized kiss of greeting, standard in that culture. To convey this to the modern reader, the words “of greeting” have been supplied to qualify what kind of kiss is meant. 155sn This event is not equivalent to the anointing of Jesus that takes place in the last week of his life (Matt 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8). That woman was not a sinner, and Jesus was eating in the home of Simon the leper, who, as a leper, could never be a Pharisee. 156tn Grk “for she loved much.” The connection between this statement and the preceding probably involves an ellipsis, to the effect that the ὅτι clause gives the evidence of forgiveness, not the ground. For similar examples of an “evidentiary” ὅτι, cf. Luke 1:22; 6:21; 13:2. See discussion in D. L. Bock, Luke [BECNT], 1:703-5. Further evidence that this is the case here is the final statement: “the one who is forgiven little loves little” means that the one who is forgiven little is thus not able to love much. The REB renders this verse: “her great love proves that her many sins have been forgiven; where little has been forgiven, little love is shown.”sn She loved much. Jesus’ point is that the person who realizes how great a gift forgiveness is (because they have a deep sense of sin) has a great love for the one who forgives, that is, God. The woman’s acts of reverence to Jesus honored him as the one who brought God’s message of grace. 157tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative. 158tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 159sn Jesus showed his authority to forgive sins, something that was quite controversial. See Luke 5:17-26 and the next verse. 160tn Grk “And”; here καί (kai) has been translated as an adversative (contrastive). 161tn Grk “were reclining at table.” 162tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated. 163sn On faith see Luke 5:20; 7:9; 8:25; 12:28; 17:6; 18:8; 22:32. 164sn The questioning did not stop Jesus. He declared authoritatively that the woman was forgiven by God (your faith has saved you). This event is a concrete example of Luke 5:31-32.
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