Luke 7:47
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For she loved much - Or, Therefore she loved much. It appears to have been a consciousness of God's forgiving love that brought her at this time to the Pharisee's house. In the common translation her forgiveness is represented to be the consequence of her loving much, which is causing the tree to produce the root, and not the root the tree. I have considered ὁτι here as having the sense of διοτι, therefore; because, to make this sentence suit with the foregoing parable, Luk 7:42, Luk 7:43, and with what immediately follows here, but he to whom little is forgiven loveth little, we must suppose her love was the effect of her being pardoned, not the cause of it. Ὁτι seems to have the sense of therefore in Mat 13:13; Joh 8:44; Co1 10:17; and in the Septuagint, in Deuteronomy 33:52; Isaiah 49:19; Hosea 9:15; and Ecc 5:6. Both these particles are often interchanged in the New Testament. Loved much - loveth little - That is, A man's love to God will be in proportion to the obligations he feels himself under to the bounty of his Maker.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Her sins which are many--"Those many sins of hers," our Lord, who admitted how much more she owed than the Pharisee, now proclaims in naked terms the forgiveness of her guilt. for--not because, as if love were the cause of forgiveness, but "inasmuch as," or "in proof of which." The latter clause of the verse, and the whole structure of the parable, plainly show this to be the meaning. little forgiven . . . loveth little--delicately ironical intimation of no love and no forgiveness in the present case.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:47 so she has shown me much love: This is a better translation than the traditional “because she loved much.” It was not that her great love for Jesus caused him to forgive her, but that the forgiveness she had already received from Jesus prompted her love.
Luke 7:47
A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus
46You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume.47Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Jug of Water
By Richard Wurmbrand12K35:08Jesus ChristECC 1:2MAT 11:28MAT 19:14LUK 7:47LUK 23:34LUK 23:42JHN 4:14In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a man who had forgotten his purpose in life and became consumed by worldly desires. The man had a happy life with a wealthy wife and children, but tragedy struck when a flood destroyed everything he had. This event served as a wake-up call for the man to realize the emptiness of worldly pursuits and the importance of seeking God's love. The preacher also shares his personal journey of how he, as a Jewish person, came to know Christ.
A Living Sacrifice - Part 1
By Paul Washer8.0K45:49SacrificeMAT 6:33LUK 7:47ROM 8:28ROM 12:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding one's mind and thoughts. He shares a story about a famous violinist who dedicated his life to his craft, highlighting the commitment required to excel in any area. The speaker also discusses the negative influence of worldly media and urges listeners to be mindful of what they allow into their minds. He encourages young people to offer themselves to God and live in a way that glorifies Him. The sermon emphasizes the need for regeneration and the importance of meditating on the Word of God.
Changed From Glory to Glory
By Richard Wurmbrand1.8K56:02GloryMAT 9:2LUK 7:47JHN 1:29ACT 13:38ROM 5:8HEB 10:181JN 1:9In this sermon, the pastor shares a personal experience of visiting a saloon with his wife. The owner of the saloon is grateful to the pastor for saving his life and offers them free drinks. The pastor takes this opportunity to share the story of Jesus Christ, his birth, life, crucifixion, resurrection, and his promise to return for those who love him. He then tells a symbolic story of a boy who is rejected by a girl but returns years later and is accepted. The pastor relates this story to the narrow gate of heaven and emphasizes the importance of being able to answer when asked, "Who is there?" by saying that we have been changed into the likeness of Christ and have become one with him.
The Continuing Decline of Modesty
By David Cooper1.4K1:34:57ModestyEXO 20:121KI 18:46MAT 6:33LUK 7:47ACT 17:11HEB 12:14In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging the unexpected challenges he faced while preparing his sermon. He warns against finding glory in physical appearances and cautions against the temptation of seeking attention through clothing choices. The preacher emphasizes the importance of loving much, drawing inspiration from the verse in the Bible that states "to him that's forgiven much he loves much." He also references the story of Elijah and the practice of girding up the loins to highlight the need for readiness and freedom to serve God. The sermon concludes with a reminder to not boast or seek attention, as love does not boast.
Forgiven Much or Little
By Roy Hession1.3K23:01ForgivenessNUM 14:19MAT 18:21LUK 4:25LUK 7:36LUK 7:47EPH 4:32In this sermon, Jesus tells a parable to Simon about a creditor who had two debtors. One debtor owed five hundred pence, while the other owed fifty. When they both couldn't pay, the creditor forgave them both. Jesus then asks Simon which debtor would love the creditor more, and Simon correctly answers that it would be the one who was forgiven more. Jesus then points out the actions of a woman who had washed his feet with her tears and hair, contrasting it with Simon's lack of hospitality. The sermon emphasizes the division between those who have been forgiven little and those who have been forgiven much, and suggests that God's grace leads us from being forgiven little to being forgiven much. The sermon also highlights the importance of recognizing our need for forgiveness and expressing love and gratitude towards Jesus.
The Missing Note in Present-Day Preaching
By Henry Mahan1.2K41:27ApostasyJOB 42:1MAT 7:21MAT 23:37LUK 7:47LUK 18:9JHN 5:40JHN 10:10In this sermon, the preacher highlights the importance of preaching in shaping our beliefs and attitudes towards ourselves and others. He emphasizes that our faith and knowledge of God are dependent on the preaching we have heard. However, he points out that there is something missing in present-day preaching - the conviction that some individuals have never truly been lost and in need of salvation. The preacher criticizes the practice of rushing people through baptism and making them church members without ensuring they have truly received new life in Christ. He also highlights the prevalence of empty churches, unread Bibles, and superficial moral reformation, emphasizing the need for genuine spiritual transformation.
The Lost Gospel by Paul Washer (Compilation)
By Compilations90710:30CompilationDEU 27:26MRK 12:30LUK 7:47ROM 3:23ROM 8:12CO 5:21GAL 3:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of speaking about sin in order to understand the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. He argues that without acknowledging our sinful nature, we cannot fully appreciate the forgiveness and love of God. The preacher highlights the concept of imputed guilt, explaining that Jesus took on the sins of his people and was treated as guilty by God the Father. He emphasizes the radical depravity of the human heart and the need for redemption through Christ, who bore the curse of the law on the cross.
Loving Christ Supremely
By Zac Poonen89058:28PSA 73:25MAT 10:37MRK 12:30LUK 7:472CO 11:31TI 1:15HEB 3:131JN 4:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of developing a deep and pure devotion to Jesus Christ, focusing on the need to love Him fervently and to understand the depth of His forgiveness towards us. It challenges listeners to prioritize worshiping God above all else, to seek a genuine relationship with Him, and to be aware of both conscious and unconscious sins in their lives. The message encourages a humble and repentant heart, acknowledging the need for God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and grow spiritually.
Love Is the Greatest
By Zac Poonen80759:26MAT 5:44LUK 7:47LUK 18:13ROM 5:82CO 5:14EPH 5:2COL 3:141PE 3:71JN 4:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a deep love for Jesus by understanding the depth of His sacrifice on the cross and the significance of forgiveness. It highlights the need to prioritize fellowship with God above all else and to love others as Christ loved us, focusing on genuine, sacrificial love that reflects God's mercy and grace.
Then I Would Be Happy
By Basilea Schlink57204:35Radio ShowMAT 11:28MAT 22:37MRK 1:15LUK 5:32LUK 7:47LUK 15:71JN 4:19In this sermon, Basilia Schlink discusses the kingdom of heaven and its characteristics. She emphasizes that the first characteristic of the kingdom is joy, which can only be experienced through contrition and repentance. Repentance is necessary for forgiveness, and where there is forgiveness, there is salvation and joy. The kingdom of heaven is also characterized by love, as Jesus loves and forgives repentant sinners. The sermon highlights the example of Mary Magdalene, who came to Jesus with a repentant heart and left transformed by His love. The message encourages listeners to embrace repentance as the way to experience overflowing love for Jesus and enter the kingdom of heaven.
Nothing to Pay
By Robin McKeown50126:21Christian LifeMAT 6:33MAT 11:28MAT 22:11LUK 7:42LUK 7:47JHN 19:302TI 1:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the precious blood of Jesus shed on the cross for the redemption of rebels and sinners. The believer is reminded that the price for their salvation has been fully paid by Jesus. The preacher also highlights the story from Matthew 22 about a man who was found without a wedding garment at a wedding feast. This man was speechless when confronted by the king and was cast into outer darkness. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that when it comes to salvation, there is nothing we can do or say to earn it, as it is a free gift from God.
God Makes a Wrong Turn Right
By Shane Idleman2755:49RedemptionHope in ChristPSA 34:18ISA 41:10LUK 7:47JHN 14:6ROM 5:8ROM 8:281CO 1:262CO 5:17EPH 2:8PHP 3:13Shane Idleman shares his powerful testimony of transformation, emphasizing how God can turn a life of rebellion and wrong turns into one of redemption and purpose. He reflects on his past struggles with addiction, pride, and broken relationships, illustrating how God's grace and the persistent prayers of his mother led him back to faith. Shane encourages listeners to recognize that no matter how far one strays, God can make things right if they are willing to repent and turn back to Him. He highlights the importance of humility, the power of pain to produce passion for God, and the necessity of surrendering fully to Christ. Ultimately, Shane's message is one of hope, reminding everyone that with God, failure is not final.
The Ministry of Forgiveness
By Harris Franklin Rall0MAT 5:3MAT 9:12MAT 22:9MAT 25:40LUK 5:31LUK 7:47LUK 14:13LUK 18:14LUK 19:10Harris Franklin Rall preaches about Jesus' compassionate ministry towards sinners, including tax collectors and immoral individuals, who were often marginalized and despised by society. Jesus' focus was on forgiveness, healing, and restoring hope to those who were considered outcasts. He challenged the religious leaders of the time by showing that God's love extends to all, regardless of their past disobedience or societal status. Jesus' ministry to the poor and suffering laid the foundation for Christian education, philanthropy, and missions, emphasizing the importance of serving others with humility and compassion.
Out of Gratitude
By C.H. Spurgeon0GratitudeLove for GodPSA 100:4MAT 22:37LUK 7:47ROM 12:12CO 5:14GAL 5:13EPH 2:8COL 3:23HEB 12:281JN 4:19C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that true love and gratitude towards God stem from recognizing the depth of forgiveness one has received. He argues that actions motivated by selfish desires for reward are fundamentally flawed, as they are rooted in self-preservation rather than genuine love for God. The truly virtuous person acts out of love for God, not for personal gain, demonstrating a higher moral standard that transcends selfishness. This gratitude becomes a powerful force for holy living, enabling individuals to rise above their base instincts and live righteously. Spurgeon's message calls believers to reflect on their motivations and to cultivate a love for God that inspires their actions.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
By Charles Ewing Brown0MAT 9:2LUK 7:47JHN 1:11JHN 14:16JHN 15:3ACT 2:3ACT 8:17ACT 9:17ACT 10:44ACT 19:6ROM 8:1Charles Ewing Brown preaches on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the experiences of believers in the ancient church who were baptized and received the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands. The sermon delves into various instances in the New Testament where believers were baptized with the Holy Spirit, highlighting the evidence of their prior conversion and regeneration. Brown discusses the significance of the disciples' journey towards sanctification and the need for believers to experience the second crisis of Spirit baptism for a deeper connection with God.
Pride Cannot Live Beneath the Cross!
By C.H. Spurgeon0Sacrifice of ChristHumilityISA 53:5MAT 23:12LUK 7:47JHN 13:5ROM 5:8GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 2:8HEB 12:21PE 5:6C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound humility of Jesus, who exemplified servanthood by washing His disciples' feet and ultimately sacrificing Himself on the cross. He urges believers to reflect on Christ's suffering and the depths of His love, which should lead to a humbling realization of our own need for grace. Spurgeon challenges followers of Christ to abandon pride and embrace humility, recognizing that true understanding of Jesus compels us to bow before Him. The sermon highlights that pride cannot coexist with the awareness of Christ's sacrifice and love. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a transformation in our hearts, encouraging us to live out the humility we learn at the foot of the cross.
Beyond Your Faults
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 37:8LUK 7:471CO 13:4EPH 6:102TI 2:3Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of not fretting or being anxious, as it leads to evil-doing. She encourages the congregation to focus on prayer instead of worrying, as God gives all to those who pray. Tileston reminds believers to love without ceasing, knowing that much will be forgiven through love. She urges them to fight like good soldiers, taking strength in God's grace when they fall, and to never give up the fight against sin and temptation.
How Shall I Know That the Lord Loves Me?
By Thomas Shepard0PSA 23:3PRO 18:10LUK 7:47ROM 3:19ROM 5:202CO 12:9PHP 2:9Thomas Shepard delves into the question of how one can know that the Lord loves them despite their sin. He emphasizes that if the Lord loves someone for His name's sake, it will draw them into fellowship with Him, seeking all they lack from Him. Shepard highlights the importance of holding up Christ before God, resting in His grace and mercy, and finding assurance in the unmatchable love of God for His own sake. He explains that every passage of providence from God is meant to bring glory to His name, even using sins to humble and draw individuals closer to Him.
The Life of Elizabeth Ashbridge
By Elizabeth Ashbridge0PSA 139:23MAT 11:28LUK 7:47JHN 14:12CO 4:17GAL 5:9HEB 12:11Elizabeth Ashbridge, a woman of strong faith and perseverance, shares her life story of trials and tribulations, including her journey from being a disobedient wife to a devoted Quaker minister. Despite facing many challenges, such as a tumultuous marriage, financial debts, and spiritual doubts, she remained steadfast in her commitment to God and the Quaker faith. Her experiences of suffering, repentance, and redemption serve as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of faith and the enduring grace of God.
Do You Love Me? - 2
By Anton Bosch0ISA 6:1MAT 25:40MRK 14:29LUK 7:47JHN 21:15ACT 9:5Anton Bosch preaches on Jesus' interaction with Peter after his denial, emphasizing Peter's journey from overconfidence to humility and the importance of genuine love for Jesus in ministry. Jesus' repeated question to Peter challenges him to acknowledge his human weakness and rely on God's strength. Peter's shift from claiming divine love to admitting brotherly love signifies a deep spiritual transformation in his heart. The sermon urges listeners to prioritize their love for Jesus above all else, emphasizing that ministry should flow from a sincere love for the Lord.
Glory of God
By Zac Poonen0Living for OthersThe Nature of God's LovePSA 51:6ISA 50:4MAT 8:10MRK 8:36LUK 7:47LUK 23:34JHN 7:38ACT 10:38EPH 4:151JN 4:8Zac Poonen emphasizes that God is the essence of love, as demonstrated through Jesus Christ, who embodied this love in His actions and words. He explains that true love originates from the inner man and is reflected in our thoughts and attitudes, which must be selfless and compassionate. Poonen highlights that Jesus valued every individual, regardless of their circumstances, and was willing to sacrifice Himself to free humanity from sin. He encourages believers to speak the truth in love and to exhibit patience and kindness, following Jesus' example of uplifting others. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a life dedicated to serving God and others, reflecting the glory of God's love in our daily interactions.
A Forgiven Woman Shows Her Faith and Gratitude Luke 7:36-50
By David Servant0LUK 7:47David Servant preaches on the story of the forgiven woman who showed deep love and gratitude to Jesus by washing His feet with her tears, drying them with her hair, and anointing them with expensive perfume. This act of worship affirmed Jesus' divinity and forgiveness of sins, contrasting with the Pharisee Simon's lack of hospitality and understanding. Jesus commended the woman's faith, emphasizing that her humble gratitude demonstrated her belief in Him as God.
Sympathizing With Others
By Herbert Henry Farmer0PSA 51:10PRO 17:9MAT 9:2LUK 7:47ROM 7:15GAL 5:13EPH 4:32COL 3:131PE 4:81JN 4:11Herbert Henry Farmer preaches about the impact of sin on our ability to empathize and love others, highlighting how our own self-judgments and internal conflicts can hinder our understanding and compassion towards those around us. He emphasizes that true love and empathy for others can only flow when our souls are freed from exhausting internal struggles, allowing us to fully embrace and support others. Farmer explains that experiencing God's forgiveness can temporarily alleviate our inner conflicts, leading to a deep sense of compassion and willingness to share the benefits with everyone we encounter.
Soul-Mollifying
By Thomas Brooks0FaithMourning for SinPSA 51:17ISA 53:5ZEC 12:10MAT 26:75LUK 7:47JHN 19:37ROM 5:82CO 7:10HEB 12:21PE 2:24Thomas Brooks emphasizes that saving faith is inherently soul-softening and soul-mollifying, as it compels believers to confront the suffering of Christ. He illustrates how true faith leads to deep mourning and lamentation over sin, as seen in the examples of Peter and Mary Magdalene. The sight of Christ's wounds and the understanding of His sacrificial love for humanity profoundly impacts the believer's heart, breaking down hardness and igniting a heartfelt response. Brooks argues that nothing can effectively soften a sinner's heart like the realization of Christ's suffering for their transgressions. Ultimately, he concludes that genuine faith is characterized by a heart that breaks and melts in response to the love and sacrifice of Christ.
Encouraging Others
By Zac Poonen0PSA 34:8PRO 16:24MAT 8:10LUK 7:47LUK 22:28ACT 14:221CO 1:41CO 1:10EPH 4:29Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of strengthening others through a ministry of encouragement, following the examples of Paul, Barnabas, and Jesus who appreciated and praised individuals for their faith, love, and devotion. By focusing on the positive aspects of others, we can cultivate a habit of noticing and appreciating their good qualities, ultimately fostering better human relationships and unity in the body of Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For she loved much - Or, Therefore she loved much. It appears to have been a consciousness of God's forgiving love that brought her at this time to the Pharisee's house. In the common translation her forgiveness is represented to be the consequence of her loving much, which is causing the tree to produce the root, and not the root the tree. I have considered ὁτι here as having the sense of διοτι, therefore; because, to make this sentence suit with the foregoing parable, Luk 7:42, Luk 7:43, and with what immediately follows here, but he to whom little is forgiven loveth little, we must suppose her love was the effect of her being pardoned, not the cause of it. Ὁτι seems to have the sense of therefore in Mat 13:13; Joh 8:44; Co1 10:17; and in the Septuagint, in Deuteronomy 33:52; Isaiah 49:19; Hosea 9:15; and Ecc 5:6. Both these particles are often interchanged in the New Testament. Loved much - loveth little - That is, A man's love to God will be in proportion to the obligations he feels himself under to the bounty of his Maker.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Her sins which are many--"Those many sins of hers," our Lord, who admitted how much more she owed than the Pharisee, now proclaims in naked terms the forgiveness of her guilt. for--not because, as if love were the cause of forgiveness, but "inasmuch as," or "in proof of which." The latter clause of the verse, and the whole structure of the parable, plainly show this to be the meaning. little forgiven . . . loveth little--delicately ironical intimation of no love and no forgiveness in the present case.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:47 so she has shown me much love: This is a better translation than the traditional “because she loved much.” It was not that her great love for Jesus caused him to forgive her, but that the forgiveness she had already received from Jesus prompted her love.